2020 Annual Report
FRESNO IRRIGATION DISTRICT
“Water…Your Most Valuable Resource.”
Proposition 218
Invest in the Legacy
For over 100 years, Fresno Irrigation District’s landowners have financially invested in our area’s water supply, facilities, infrastructure, and protecting our extensive water rights; this investment supports the production of bountiful crops, local jobs, and community growth. Building on this foundation of local support and investment, it’s time to invest in the era that follows – to continue the legacy.
Prop 218 Election Results
Fresno Irrigation District (FID) held a Proposition 218 election to increase local investments in water management infrastructure and strategies, with an aim to continue the legacy our landowners have built. Investing in FID is critical to continue the history of water supply reliability, conveyance, commitment and excellent customer service to our growers and partners throughout the region.
The Proposition 218 election passed with 64.3% of votes in favor of increasing local investment in water infrastructure, groundwater sustainability, and protecting water rights. FID received landowner approval through a Proposition 218 election to increase local investment in water infrastructure and services. The successful results were announced following the FID Board Meeting on June 8th, which included a public hearing. Voting concluded at the end of the public hearing and an independent election company, MK Elections, commenced with counting the votes at that time.
What this means
Fresno Irrigation District landowners have direct influence over the legacy of their land and our area’s water supply. Proposition 218 elections require the support of voters (landowners within district boundaries) to invest in activities that increase water supply capture and delivery efficiency, make us drought resilient, and protect local water rights. FID landowners were asked to vote in a Proposition 218 election using ballots mailed in early April 2023.
The investment in FID is an investment in landowners' property. FID’s extensive water rights directly influence high land values observed within the District. The 2022 Trend Report farm appraisal analysis illustrates thanks to surface water supply, land in FID was valued as high as $45,000 per acre, while land in Fresno County with no district water were valued as low as $10,000 per acre.
Benefits
Benefits of a successful Proposition 218 will come back into the hands of the landowners FID serves:
Forward progress on groundwater sustainability.
Invest in our surface water infrastructure and a skilled workforce to operate and maintain it.
Defend our Kings River water rights.
Groundwater Sustainability
Surface Water Infrastructure
Water Rights Defense
Prop 218 Logistics
Approved Assessment
FID proposed an initial Water Service rate increase in 2024 to $89/acre ($35.60/AF) with gradual increases to reach $128.75/acre or approximately $51.50/AF in 2028. For detailed information and a rate classification breakdown, review FAQs or the Engineer’s Report on our website. The Board set an assessment rate for the 2024 fiscal year at $89/acre annually. FID will use assessment dollars to develop and maintain surface water infrastructure and protect the legacy of our landowners through action on drought, increasing regulation, and protecting our existing Kings River water supply.
Election Outcomes
Election Outcome
The Prop 218 Election passed by 64.3% of votes in favor of increasing investments in FID. With the increased investments, FID will be enabled to:
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Maintain, improve, and restore surface water infrastructure.
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Defend King’s River water rights.
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Capture additional volume acre-feet of water for recharge during wet years, critical to support and improve the historically declining water table.
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Progress towards groundwater sustainability
required by SGMA. -
Maintenance activities to ensure facilities run efficiently.
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Support of a stable and skilled local workforce.
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Retain valuable institutional knowledge of water management and operations.
How does our proposed rate compare?
FID holds one of the strongest water supply rights on the Kings River, and on an annual average, runs a 4-to-5-month delivery of 500,000 acre-feet. Compared to other irrigation districts, the proposed assessment relative to the water supply benefit delivers a high return to our landowners.
Prop 218 Public Meetings
Prop 218 Public Meetings
Prop 218 Public Meetings
FID hosted a number of community meetings where landowners learned more about the proposed assessments. Meetings were held in April 2023 at the following locations: Clovis (4/18), Kerman (4/20), and Easton (4/26).
Public Hearing
The Fresno Irrigation District held a public hearing to tabulate the ballots on June 8, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Election results were announced following the Public Hearing, and the 2024 assessment rate was set by the Board of Directors.
The Proposition 218 election passed with 64.3% of votes in favor of increasing local investment to $89/acre.
Resources:
Review the resources below to learn more about this Proposition 218 election. Translated versions of the following resources will be available shorty. Please check back for these resources in Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi.
Educational Mailer
Educational Handout
Spanish
Hmong
Punjabi
Rack Card
FAQ's
Spanish
Hmong
Punjabi
Documents
Engineer’s Report
GM Letter
FID staff are available for any questions regarding the Prop 218 election. Call us at 559-233-7161 or email Prop218@fresnoirrigation.com.