RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - In its shortest meeting in recent history, the Rancho Murieta Community Services District Board moved through the agenda within 90 minutes on June 18.

The board’s most significant action was approving the 2025-26 budget. As a result, the average customer will see their monthly utility bill increase from $271.97 a month to $282.78, a 3.97% increase.

The board also approved a staff recommendation to close the CSD office to the public beginning July 4.

In other business, Director Linda Butler reported on activities by the Security and Communication committees, both of which she chairs.

Butler said a significant Security Department concern that must be addressed is too many gate officers for the amount of work. 

Much of Butler’s Communications report focused on improvements to The Pipeline, the district’s monthly newsletter. She said all residents are now receiving the publication and noted the addition of a new “good news” column. She also announced a collaboration with the River Valley Garden Club to provide a monthly feature on landscaping tips for high temperatures and drought conditions.

Department heads also presented staff reports. Acting Administrative and Finance Director Cecelia Min discussed ongoing audit work, highlighting significant challenges related to accounting issues.

Operations Director Eric Houston reported that while the wastewater treatment plant remains offline for the chlorine conversion project, the Country Club is receiving water through two alternate sources. The club is diverting water from the river, and the district is supplementing that supply by pumping water from Lake Clementia. Houston said he expects the treatment plant to be back online and producing recycled water for the club by the first week of July.

During audience comments, Tom Shewchuk suggested the board consider appointing residents as additional members of its committees, similar to the practice used by the Rancho Murieta Association. 

He said this approach would boost community engagement and help identify potential future board members.

The board’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 16.