The Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority needs help funding its operating costs next year. On Monday, the agency’s Board of Directors approved a budget of $944,952 for fiscal year 2025-26 — with a $300,000 shortfall for costs planned for January to June of next year. The agency’s Board of Directors was forced to abandon water use fees after a majority of property owners objected to them this year. Now, the agency is looking for other ways to cover its operating costs. … On Monday, the board voted unanimously to ask the four participating Groundwater Sustainability Agencies to contribute a combined total of $300,000 to bridge the funding gap.

Other water rate news:

• Rancho Santa Fe Review: Santa Fe Irrigation District customers to see rate increases in January