The Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency is accepting applications for the Non-Agricultural Domestic Well User Stakeholder Alternate Director position on its Board of Directors. The application deadline is July 31, 2026.

About the Vina GSA

The Vina GSA was formed in 2019 through a Joint Powers Agreement between the County of Butte, the City of Chico, and the Durham Irrigation District. The GSA is responsible for implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) within the Vina Subbasin, a 184,000-acre high-priority groundwater basin in Butte County that includes the Chico and Durham areas.

The GSA's Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) was submitted to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in January 2022 and approved in July 2023. The GSA is now in active implementation, working toward the SGMA sustainability goal of 2042. Current priorities include the first five-year Periodic Evaluation of the GSP (due to DWR in January 2027), ongoing monitoring and data collection across the subbasin, and implementation of projects and management actions funded through state grant programs. The GSA also recently completed a transition from grant-based funding to a sustainable SGMA fee structure, ensuring the agency can carry out its long-term responsibilities independent of one-time grant dollars.

About the Board

The Board of Directors has five seats with equal voting rights: one elected official from each of the three member agencies (Butte County, City of Chico, and Durham Irrigation District), one Agricultural Groundwater User Stakeholder Director, and one Non-Agricultural Domestic Well User Stakeholder Director. Both stakeholder seats are appointed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Each primary Director is supported by an Alternate Director who may step in when the primary is absent or has a conflict of interest.

About the Position

The Alternate Director serves in place of the primary Non-Agricultural Domestic Well User Stakeholder Director when the primary is absent or has a conflict of interest. When the primary Director is present, the Alternate may attend Board meetings as a member of the public but may not participate in discussions or vote. The Butte County Board of Supervisors will appoint the new Alternate Director, who will serve the remainder of the current term (12/31/27).

This seat represents a critical community voice on the Board. Domestic well users across the subbasin rely on groundwater for their household water supply, and the GSP's sustainability criteria are specifically designed to protect that supply for the long term.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria, as determined at the sole discretion of the Butte County Board of Supervisors:

1. Reside within the Vina GSA jurisdiction and own or lease residential real property in the jurisdiction; and
2. Extract groundwater from the jurisdiction for domestic use only.

Applicants may not be a party to any pending litigation against the Vina GSA or any of its member agencies.

Role and Time Commitment

This is a volunteer position. Board meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the Chico City Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. Alternates are encouraged to stay informed on Board matters and attend meetings when possible. The time commitment will vary depending on how often the Alternate is called to serve.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Vina GSA Nomination Ad Hoc Committee, which will provide a recommendation to the Butte County Board of Supervisors for final appointment.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and submit it to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by mail or email by July 31, 2026.

Mail: 25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965 Email: clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net

Application Form

Butte County BCC Application - BLANK.pdf

Questions?

Contact Dillon McGregor, Program Manager, at dmcgregor@buttecounty.net.