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-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors on Feb. 3 approved revisions to a key governance policy that expands the general manager’s authority to enter into water conservation contracts, contingent on biennial board approval of program implementation and funding.
The board adopted Resolution No. 4-2026, formally revising Board Policy BL-12, which governs the delegation of authority to the general manager for water-related transactions. The action amends language adopted in 2024 and updated in 2025 as part of the district’s transition to a policy governance model.
Under the revised policy, the general manager may execute water conservation contracts with eligible participants after the board approves both program implementation and biennial funding through the district’s budget process. The policy specifies that implementation and funding approvals will occur concurrently with biennial budget adoption in the fourth quarter of even-numbered years and must be preceded by stakeholder outreach.
District officials said the revisions are intended to support prudent management of the district’s available water supply while maintaining long-term reliability, efficiency, and affordability. The policy also references the district’s responsibility to fulfill authorized water transfer commitments and protect its senior water rights on the Colorado River.
According to the agenda memorandum, the revisions do not carry a financial impact. Board Vice Chair J.B. Hamby, Director Gina Dockstader, and General Manager Jamie Asbury were listed as presenters on the item.
In addition to water conservation contracts, the updated policy reaffirms the general manager’s authority to enter into water supply agreements of less than 100 acre-feet per year for terms not exceeding 30 years; determine reimbursable costs associated with water supply, irrigation, and drainage; and establish water operations, maintenance and conservation programs, including related permitting, implementation requirements and grant funding mechanisms.
The policy also requires the general manager to ensure timely payment for water conservation contracts, no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which water was conserved. Authority to negotiate amendments or revisions to water transfer agreements with other agencies remains delegated to the general manager, with final board approval required when appropriate.
The revised policy is the latest in a series of updates adopted since April 2024, when the board first approved BL-12 under its policy governance framework. The Feb. 3 action marks the policy’s third revision.
In a separate action at the same meeting, the board approved its annual appointments of directors to external boards, committees, and interagency working groups for calendar year 2026. Appointments were made to statewide and regional organizations including the Colorado River Board of California, Association of California Water Agencies, American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council, California Farm Water Coalition, Salton Sea Authority, and the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business.
Directors were also appointed to binational and regional entities, including Imperial County’s Binational Relations committee and multiple Coachella Valley Association of Governments bodies focused on conservation, energy, and sustainability.
The board further approved two-on-two liaison appointments between district directors and Imperial County cities, neighboring water districts, public agencies, and the Quechan Indian Tribe. These meetings are intended to facilitate coordination on water, energy, and infrastructure issues.