Affirm continuing drought emergency and adopt budget resolution increasing the Office of Emergency Services fiscal year 2021-22 budget by $280,000 for the California Department of Water Resources Small Community Drought Relief Program. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Rinde/Carey)

On July 27, 2021, the Board adopted Resolution No. 21-98 proclaiming the existence of a local drought emergency. Drought conditions have persisted since that time and the drought emergency continues despite recent storms. On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide and further urging Californians to step up water conservation efforts as the western U.S. faces a potential third dry year. The Board received its next drought update at the November 23, 2021, meeting and the next drought update from staff at the February 8, 2022, regularly scheduled Board meeting.

As part of the November 23, 2021 drought update the Board authorized submittal of an emergency drought grant funding application through the California Department of Water Resources Small Community Drought Relief Program. The county was approved for $559,500 for a temporary tank and water hauling project, in which $280,000 will be budgeted for the current fiscal year. This project will help with the purchase of up to 30 water tanks and the ongoing delivery of water to up to 30 households through April 2023.

Staff have, and will continue to, collaborate with the YCFC&WCD, the YSGA, the Water Resources Association of Yolo County, all in-county water purveyors, the general public, and state and federal agencies.