Fee Corrections and Appeals
Background and Purpose
In May 2026, the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency (YSGA) adopted an updated Fee Report and established a Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) fee structure. This fee supports the Agency’s ongoing responsibility to manage groundwater sustainably within the Yolo Subbasin in accordance with State law.
Because the fee is assessed to thousands of landowners based on available datasets, the YSGA recognizes that errors or misclassifications may occur. The Corrections and Appeals Policy and Process provides a mechanism for landowners to request corrections, seek review, and, if needed, appeal determinations to the YSGA Board of Directors. This process ensures that fees are applied consistent with the adopted Fee Report, SGMA, and applicable provisions of the California Water Code.
Pre-Billing Corrections
Pre-Billing corrections are now closed. There will be an opportunity for additional corrections once the fee has been levied.
Post-Billing Corrections
After the fee has been levied, a new corrections form will be posted here. Should you wish to contest the fee calculations, you will first be required to pay the fee as charged. Following payment of the fee, and no later than July 15, 2027, the Person paying the fee may file an appeal of the Tier 2 calculation setting forth the basis upon which the appeal is made. If the appeal is approved, you will then recieve a refund check from the YSGA.
Initial Review
After submitting the corrections form, please allow up to 3 business days for an initial response from YSGA staff confirming the reciept of your request and asking any follow-up questions.
Within thirty days after the appeal is received by YSGA, the Executive Officer will review the appeal and may reach out to schedule a meeting with the person filing the appeal if more clarification is needed. The Executive Officer is authorized to grant the appeal, in whole or in part, or deny the appeal. A determination shall be made within the later of forty- five days of the date of the appeal submission, or fifteen days following the meeting. You will be notified in writing of the decision made by the Executive Officer.
Appeal to the Board of Directors
If the Person who filed the appeal is dissatisfied with the determination of the Executive Officer, they may file an appeal to the YSGA Board of Directors within fifteen days of delivery of the Executive Officer’s determination, setting out in writing the information supporting the appeal. The appeal will be placed on the agenda for the next available Board meeting for review and consideration. The Board shall receive evidence, and hear from the appellant and staff regarding the merits of the appeal. The determination of the Board shall be memorialized in writing, and shall be final.