Early approvals align with PCWA's $402.9 million 2026 budget
Auburn, Calif. – At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors approved a series of contracts and equipment purchases that position the Agency to move major capital improvement and renewal and replacement projects forward in 2026.
Aligned with PCWA's recently adopted $402.9 million budget for 2026, these actions support critical infrastructure upgrades, environmental compliance, and customer service improvements across Placer County.
"These actions give PCWA the tools and flexibility needed to keep critical projects moving efficiently," said PCWA Board Chair Robert Dugan. "By acting now, the Agency is ready to begin work early in 2026 and respond quickly to community needs."
On-call contracts
The Board approved a range of on-call contracts in areas such as engineering, environmental services, professional services, construction, equipment purchases, specialized consulting services, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These agreements allow PCWA to accelerate project delivery, manage costs, meet regulatory requirements, maintain reliable water service, and respond to time-sensitive or unforeseen needs.
For example, on-call environmental and geotechnical services will help ensure regulatory compliance and safety, while GIS support will enhance data-driven decision-making, and emergency construction contracts will provide rapid response to repair pipelines, canals, and other critical infrastructure.
Construction contracts will support essential field work like paving, patching, and canal lining-improvements that directly impact water reliability and system performance.
To further support field operations, the Board approved the purchase of new heavy equipment, including mini excavators, a skid steer, and a backhoe loader. These tools will help PCWA crews maintain and upgrade infrastructure more efficiently and safely.
Labor Agreements
In addition to contracting critical external services, the Board approved updates to labor agreements for union-represented water systems staff and compensation changes for PCWA's executive management team. These updates reflect rising living costs and support PCWA's ability to recruit and retain the skilled professionals needed to deliver safe, reliable water service and generate energy-essential resources for every community in Placer County.
Together, these actions advance PCWA's mission of Water, Energy, Stewardship, investing in the people, projects, and facilities that serve Placer County today and into the future.