Board sets Ad Valorem Tax and Water Storage Tax levies, as well as 2022-2026 rate sheet, modified to include impacts of potential Tier 1 shortage 

The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors (CAWCD) convened virtually on Thursday, May 6, 2021 for its May 2021 board meeting. The meeting was called to order by CAWCD Board President Terry Goddard and the public was invited to watch the livestream and to provide public comment via the Board’s online “Blue Card.” This CAWCD Board meeting was held virtually in accordance with CAP’s headquarters closure to keep employees safe and water flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the area of Finance, Audit and Power, the Board approved:

• Revisions to CAP’s purchasing policy, which was last updated in 2000
• Setting the Ad Valorem Tax levy at ten cents per $100 of assessed valuation
• Setting the Water Storage Tax levy at four cents per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2021/2022 tax year
• Setting the 2022-2026 rate sheet, which was modified due to the assumption of a Tier 1 shortage moving forward

With regard to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment district, the Board approved:

• CAGRD Preliminary Rate Schedule for 2021/22 through 2025/26, including the collection of annual membership dues
• Preliminary Underground Water Storage O&M and Underground Water Storage Capital Charge Rate Schedule for 2022 through 2026.

Additionally, the Board authorized a letter of agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to forego diversion of Colorado River water due to additional pumping of the 242 well, as specified under the Drought Contingency Plan, and approved the following items on the consent agenda:

• Renewal of Water Storage Agreement for the Town of Gilbert 
• Construction Contract for Backup Power at Checks and Turnouts 

Finally, the Board heard presentations on:

• CAP Coordination with Salt River Project
• Preparedness for Interruption of CAP Water Supply
• NIA Subcontracting
• Colorado River Conditions
• Joint Colorado River Augmentation Opportunity with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Regional Recycled Water Project
• Preparation for Potential Tier 1 Shortage

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. 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.

For additional details on the May board meeting, take a look at the agenda and packet. Board minutes and video will be posted here.