The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board (CAWCD) met Thursday, June 5 at CAP’s north Phoenix headquarters for its June meeting. The meeting kicked off with General Manager Brenda Burman recognizing retiring Resource, Planning & Analysis Manager Ken Seasholes for his many accomplishments during his time with CAP.

After a special public meeting on May 28 to adopt recommendations related to taxes and rates for the upcoming year, the Finance, Audit and Power (FAP) Committee brought forward four motions that were approved by the CAWCD Board for the 2025/26 tax year:

• Fix the CAWCD General Ad Valorem Tax Rate at 10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation
• Fix the CAWCD Water Storage Tax Rate at four cents per $100 of assessed valuation
• Adopt a resolution determining that all of the Water Storage tax levied in tax year 2025/26 is required for CAP repayment or annual operations, maintenance and replacement costs, including CAWCD costs for Arizona Water Banking Authority M&I firming
• Approve the 2026-30 Water Rate Schedule as recommended by the FAP Committee

Upon the recommendation of the Board’s CAGRD and Underground Storage Committee, the board approved standard form Member Service Area Agreements for water providers obtaining a designation through the Alternative Path to Assured Water Supply (ADAWS). These agreements include provisions for the unique aspects of ADAWS, while also protecting CAGRD against the risk that comes with enrolling new members.

Under the same Committee’s recommendation, the Board also voted to:

• Authorize collection of CAGRD Annual Membership Dues and approve the CAGRD Rate Schedule for 2025/26 through 2029/30
• Adopt the Underground Water Storage O&M and Underground Water Storage Capital Rate Schedule for 2026 through 2030

Additionally, on the consent agenda, the Board approved a number of items prior to the Board’s July recess:

• Construction contract for the reline project at Salt Gila Pumping Plant
• Construction contract for the check valve replacement project at Synder Hill Pumping Plant
• Construction contract for the generator replacement project at the Hassayampa and Picacho Pumping Plants
• Construction contract for the Multi-Use Building at CAP Headquarters
• Contract for janitorial services at CAP Headquarters, Waddell Pumping Plant, Salt Gila Pumping Plant, Hassayampa Pumping Plant and the Pinal Field Office
• Water Storage Agreements for the Ak-Chin Indian Community at Pima Mine Road Project, Hieroglyphic Mountains Recharge Project and Lower Santa Cruz Recharge Project

The Board heard presentations on:

• System Use Agreement (SUA)
• Proposed edits to the SUA Water Quality Guidance Document
• Water operations
• Colorado River conditions

The CAWCD Board of Directors is a popularly elected, 15-member board. Ten members are from Maricopa County, four from Pima County and one from Pinal County. Members serve six-year, unpaid terms. The board typically meets publicly the first Thursday of each month to establish policy and set rates and taxes for CAP. Meetings are open to the public – in person and via livestream.

For additional details on the June 5, 2025 board meeting, take a look at the agenda. Board minutes and video will be posted here, as well.