Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulare County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in water utilities with medium priority
Strathmore flooding at Friant-Kern Canal crossing
Avenue 196 where it meets the Friant-Kern Canal is a known flooding point. Fixing it needs upstream storage, bigger storm pipes through Strathmore, and more storage at Success Lake — now waiting on the Friant Water Authority to partner on a solution.
Tipton Well No. 6A Completion Project
No bids came in for the Tipton well project, so the county awarded the construction contract to Travioli Construction for up to $750,570 using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
GSA well registration program
A new groundwater agency is registering wells — both irrigation and domestic. Registering your domestic well helps the agency know where you are and protect you.
Delinquent water and sewer fees placed on tax roll
Residents of County Service Areas 1 and 2, East Orosi CSD, and Terra Bella who haven't paid water and sewer bills by July 31 will see the charges, penalties, and auditor fees added to their 2026/2027 property tax bills. About 198 accounts totaling roughly $93,000 are delinquent across CSA 1 and 2, and East Orosi runs a 15-16% delinquency rate.
Woodlake growth and Antelope Creek maintenance responsibility
The district pays Woodlake $27,000 a year to maintain a channel that mostly benefits the city, while collecting only $7,500 in taxes. Commissioners want the growing city to take on responsibility as it annexes county land.
Yettem and Seville water system improvements phase 2
The county hired Provost & Pritchard for up to $1.046 million to manage bidding and construction of Phase 2 water system upgrades for the Yettem and Seville communities.
Friant-Kern Canal capacity correction funding
Friant Water Authority got $200 million in non-reimbursable federal money to rebuild pumping plants and extend the canal project north to the Tule River. Construction will interact with county bridges, rights-of-way, and Highway 190, so close coordination is needed.