The South San Joaquin Irrigation District is expected to have $46.3 million in operating expenses during 2026.

That is against a projected $19.3 million in operating revenue.

It translates into a $26.9 million loss from operations for the coming year.

But that’s not the bottom line of the proposed budget before the SSJID directors when they meet on today at 9 a.m. in the district office.

The bottom line is a $3.9 million net improvement.

That’s because the $26.9 million in operating expense losses will be more than offset by non-operating revenue of:

*$8.4 million in Proposition 13 subvention, essentially property taxes.

*$2.3 million in investment earnings.

*$2.5 million in Tri-Dam Power Authority distributions.

*$14 million in Tri-Dam distributions.

The last three items are a direct result of the district’s partnership with Oakdale Irrigation District in the Tri-Dam Project that developed three dams on the Stanislaus River watershed in the 1950s for water storage and electricity generation.

After the bonds used to build the project was paid off in 2005, the net proceeds from wholesale power sales have soared.

The net proceeds beyond what the Tri-Dam Project needs to operate is split 50-50 between the two districts.

SSJID’s robust investments reflect its Tri-Dam Project revenues that also helps the district leverage capital improvement projects.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com