Member Dues Changes
The CASA Board recently approved changes to the CASA Member Dues tiers and amounts, subject to approval by the membership at CASA’s Annual Business Meeting in August. With this change, a number of member agencies (particularly smaller agencies) will see a significant decrease in dues, while some of the larger agencies will see a nominal increase of 1-2%. The impetus for these changes was to soften the financial impact on agencies that may be transitioning from one tier to the next, particularly smaller agencies, and to assist with retaining and recruiting these agency members. The structural changes are designed to be revenue neutral for CASA as an organization. Please find additional details on the proposed changes here for your agency to begin to plan and budget for 2021.

 

Three Days Left!
Has your agency applied for CASA’s Award of Excellence yet? There’s still time! CASA seeks to recognize members who provide essential public services and go above and beyond to protect public health and the environment. Member agencies and associates are invited to submit an Award of Excellence application by Sunday, May 17. Your organization works hard to do what’s right for California. Recognition from the leading clean water association honors your hard work and accomplishments. It’s a symbol of respect, credibility, and innovation. For more information about the award criteria and categories, please visit the Awards Program Webpage.

 

IEUA Board Votes to Defer Upcoming Adjustment on Monthly Sewer Rates
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s (IEUA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to defer the scheduled Wastewater Equivalent Dwelling Unit rate adjustment for 12 months on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

“In an effort to mitigate the fiscal impact to our ratepayers, and address concerns already raised by some of our member agencies, the Board felt that deferring the monthly EDU rate was the right thing to do,” stated IEUA Board President Kati Parker. “The revenue shortfall will be covered by a combination of deferral of non-critical projects and expenses, and the use of operating contingency funds to support essential operating and capital costs not recovered by rates.” Read the full Press Release.

Agencies who have implemented a similar action or are exploring this as an option are encouraged to email Adam Link for any additional information.

 

Virtual Citizens Water Academy
In order to keep their community engaged, Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) came up with a fantastic idea: a Virtual Citizens Water Academy! This free, four-session virtual course is a great way to learn about critical issues and projects related to water, wastewater, and recycled water. Check out more here. Kudos to DSRSD and their creativity!

 

 

 

CSDA Virtual Legislative Days 2020
It’s not too late to register for the California Special Districts Association’s (CSDA) 2020 Virtual Special Districts Legislative Days coming up on May 18 – 22, 2020. Get access to three on-demand Policy Expert Webinars, a LIVE Legislative Briefing, and more! Be sure to register today for access to important information using this new format with no travel or hotel costs.

 

 

In Memoriam
James R. Jones, immediate past board member of the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Jim had over 50 years of experience in water resources and wastewater treatment and was an active member in the Tahoe community since 1973. Jim made great strides for the clean water community including leading STPUD’S successful lawsuit against the oil industry’s MTBE pollution of South Lake Tahoe’s drinking water wells, and as part of a nationwide coalition of water agencies, Jim testified before Congress in the successful goal of banning MTBE. He was a leader in promoting state and national efforts to protect critical watersheds in the Sierra Nevada from catastrophic wildfire through active, collaborative forest management. Jim was well known and respected in the CASA community and the CASA staff extends their deepest condolences and sympathy to Jim’s friends, family, and all those whose lives he touched, especially at STPUD.