2026 Fee Study
Wyandotte Creek GSA Fee Study Adopted
On May 21, 2026, the Wyandotte Creek GSA Board of Directors adopted the Final 2026 SGMA Fee Study Report and set the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Fee for Fiscal Year 2026/27. The new fee structure replaces the prior fee adopted in 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2026.
FY 2026/27 SGMA Fee
The SGMA Fee is a two-part fee. Every parcel in the Wyandotte Creek Subbasin (excluding Exempt and Unusable parcels) pays a Part 1 fee that funds GSA governance and administration. Parcels that use groundwater also pay a Part 2 fee that funds groundwater monitoring and sustainable groundwater management. Parcels supplied by surface water from the Feather River or Lake Oroville pay a lower Part 2 fee, or no Part 2 fee, because that water source supports Subbasin sustainability by contributing to groundwater recharge.
Part 1: Governance and Administration
- $20.50 per parcel
Part 2, Group 1: Agricultural Users (per cropped or managed wetland acre)
- $13.26 for parcels served by South Feather Water & Power Agency and parcels with direct diversion from the Feather River
- $15.58 for All Other Agricultural Users
Part 2, Group 2: Domestic Users (per developed parcel)
- $0.00 for parcels served by South Feather Water & Power Agency
- $0.94 for parcels served by Cal Water Oroville or Thermalito Water and Sewer District
- $3.76 for All Other Domestic Users
Part 2, Group 3: Grazing and Vacant
- Subject to the Part 1 fee only
The Fee will appear on the 2026/27 Butte County secured property tax bill. Properties not assessed on the secured tax roll will be hand-billed directly by the Wyandotte Creek GSA.
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents
WyC GSA Fee Study 2026.pdf
Fee Study Webinar
The Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency (WCGSA) is hosting a Webinar on Tuesday, March 24th at 6 p.m.! We are offering this opportunity to update the community about a proposed revised fee approach that will continue to provide the revenue needed to support the financial needs of the WCGSA. The fee allows us to remain financially self-sufficient and comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) while ensuring decisions are made locally and directly benefit the community.
We encourage you to participate to:
- The difference between the current GSA fee and the proposed GSA fee
- The GSA operating costs and annual budget development
- Specifics about how the GSA fee is determined and cost allocation to parcels within the GSA boundaries
- GSA activities that support sustainable groundwater management
- The practical benefits provided by the GSA
Background
In 2025, the Board directed staff to conduct a new Fee Study to explore fee options that account for the different characteristics of water users within the Subbasin. The Fee Study was prepared by Hansford Economic Consulting LLC and was developed with input from the Wyandotte Creek Advisory Committee, water purveyors, agricultural and domestic stakeholders, and the public through Board and Committee meetings, stakeholder meetings, and a public webinar held March 24, 2026. The Board accepted the draft Fee Study on March 19, 2026 and adopted the Final Fee Study on May 21, 2026 following a noticed public hearing.
Questions about Your Fee
If you have questions about your parcel's classification or fee amount, please refer to the Funding FAQ or contact the GSA Program Manager.
