Water Rates for the City of Ventura and the Underground Dam in Foster Park

Findings and Recommendations 3 findings

F01

The Civil Grand Jury finds that the incomplete underground dam in Foster Park has resulted in a 300-foot gap at the east end, allowing a significant amount of groundwater to flow through.

No recommendations for this finding

F02

The Civil Grand Jury finds that the amount of water produced from the Ventura River for use in Ventura has decreased from one-third of the total demand before 2004 to only 10% in 2021, due to drought, flood damage to wells and water intake facilities, and litigation aimed at protecting fish habitat.

No recommendations for this finding

F03

The Civil Grand Jury finds that the consultant for the 2021 Water Rate Study assigned all available water from the Ventura River to the rate calculation, resulting in the lowest possible water rate. Since dam construction will not be completed for some time and the rate study is currently underway, the improved river water production expected from the completion of the dam, which could benefit the water rate, will not be reflected in the ongoing rate study process. RECOMMENDATIONS

No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 1

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

Ventura

July 29, 2025 • 2 pages • 3 responses • Score: +3 (+3, 0, 0) View Details ▾

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3 responses to findings and recommendations

F01

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the Ventura County Animal Services Commission's core mission to advise, guide, support, and collaborate with Ventura County Animal Services has been undermined due to issues such as non-adherence to its bylaws, inconsistent meeting schedules, and ineffective communication.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agree with the Findings numbered: F-01, F-02, and F-03 I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the Findings numbered: (Attach a statement specifying any portions of the Findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons.

F02

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that between 2015 and 2024, the Ventura County Animal Services Commission's advisory role, communication purpose, and collaboration process diminished replaced by a narrow focus on limiting or reducing contract costs.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agree with the Findings numbered: F-01, F-02, and F-03 I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the Findings numbered: (Attach a statement specifying any portions of the Findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons.

F03

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury finds that the transition to an Open Admission shelter in 2014 increased financial pressure on both the county and Contract Cities, forcing Ventura County Animal Services to place budget considerations ahead of Best Practices for animal control, shelter care and field services. 5

Response: Agree Score: +1

agree with the Findings numbered: F-01, F-02, and F-03 I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the Findings numbered: (Attach a statement specifying any portions of the Findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons.

No Responses Found 2

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

San Buenaventura City

Ventura River Water District Special District