Earlier this month, State Water Board (SWB) accounting staff released their proposed fee and accounting information for Fiscal Year 2018-2019.  To no surprise, the presentation that was provide displayed an increase in fees for both the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) as well as the Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) Program.  Increases for the WDR program were proposed at 10.2%, whereas the ILRP program is facing a 14.4% increase in cost for compliance.  These programs are grouped along with several other programs that make up the enforceable programs covered by the State Water Board.  Fee collection goes toward staff time to evaluate the information submitted, enforcement of programs, as well as the increasing amount going for SWB employee benefits. The Association’s Director of Technical Services, Chris McGlothlin, made comments to staff in opposition of any proposed fee increase or restructuring.  This is a preliminary proposal, and there will be follow up meetings where the proposal numbers are adjusted based off of the kind of reserve amounts that have amassed in SWB program accounts.  We will keep you updated.