Big Bear Lake DWP board approves FY 2027 budget, eyes federal grant to expand commercial turf rebate

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power board wrapped up a busy May 26 meeting with unanimous votes on a new fiscal year budget, two long-range water plans, a construction change order, and a bid to expand the agency's grass-removal rebate program to local businesses.

Budget and water planning

The board adopted the FY 2027 budget and confirmed previously approved water rates effective July 1, 2026, on a 5-0 vote[1]. Ratepayers should not see any change in their water bills beyond what was already approved in earlier rate-setting sessions.

Commissioners also unanimously adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan — state-required documents that map out how the district will manage supply, demand, and drought conditions over the coming decades[1]. District Engineer Daniel Baguyo presented both plans to the board.

Turf buyback goes commercial

The board authorized staff to submit a grant application to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to expand the DWP's existing turf buyback program to target 13 commercial properties in the valley[1]. If funded, the commercial rebate would jump from $1 to $3 per square foot — triple the current rate — to help businesses offset replacement costs that staff estimated at $5 per square foot for rock landscaping[1]. Full participation across all 13 eligible properties would result in the removal of roughly 46,000 square feet of irrigated turf[1].

The higher commercial rate drew a question from Commissioner Joe Cylwik, who noted that the proposed structure gives businesses a larger benefit than residential customers currently receive[1]. Staff explained that the rate was set at $3 specifically to avoid pulling money from the existing residential program and to meaningfully offset replacement expenses. General Manager Lamson also pointed out that new California state regulations require commercial properties — not residences — to comply with non-functional turf irrigation rules, making the targeted incentive appropriate[1]. The board voted 5-0 to authorize the grant application; the $3 rebate rate itself would come back to the board for a separate vote only if the grant is awarded[1].

Garstin facility change order

Commissioners approved a $204,218.95 change order to the Facility Builders & Erectors contract for the Garstin Water Operations Facility project[1]. The additional work covers HVAC thermostat additions, a structural beam that had been omitted, exterior split-face block wall detailing consistent with original Planning Commission approval, extra steel for the metal fascia, and a material change for the IT room door[1].

Financial housekeeping

The board updated its Capital Asset Policy, raising the capitalization threshold from its previous level to $10,000, bringing the DWP in line with how the City of Big Bear Lake tracks its own assets[1].

Division Well No. 9 moving toward bid

In management reports, Baguyo confirmed that design work on Division Well No. 9 is nearly finished, with the project expected to go out to bid within about a week of the May 26 meeting[1]. The well project is part of the district's ongoing effort to shore up local water supply capacity.

The DWP board's next regular meeting has not yet been publicly posted as of this report. Residents or commercial property owners with questions about the turf buyback program can contact the DWP at (909) 866-5050. The commercial rebate rate change will require an additional public board vote if the federal grant application is successful — watch for that item on a future agenda.