City staff told the Caldwell City Council on Oct. 20 that the Golden Gate Irrigation District faces long-standing infrastructure problems and submitted cost estimates totaling about $3,034,000 to replace aging pipe and fix leaks.

Mr. McDonald told council the district has “850 approximately, users” and operates an older gravity irrigation system that is “very dilapidated.” He said the district has identified two immediate priority projects “that total about $8,000” and that completing those would allow water to reach all patrons; the remaining work involves pipe replacement and leak repair.

Rather than make an up‑front donation, staff recommended—and council agreed—that the city pay its annual assessment early for properties served by the district (including Lions Park and Luby Park). Mr. McDonald said the early payment “amounts to about $7,200,” which is already budgeted, and would give the district cashflow to move forward with a contractor they have lined up.

Mr. McDonald told council he spoke with the district’s legal representative and that the district anticipates being able to “serve water to all of their patrons in April” once assessments are collected and the contractor is given the green light.

Councilor Allgood asked whether private downstream problems (private property issues downstream of the district headworks) were being addressed; Mr. McDonald said the district’s practice is to maintain many facilities and that a downstream obstruction affecting Lions Park has been addressed and the park had sufficient water following repairs.

Ending: The city will pay its assessment early this winter to provide about $7,200 to the Golden Gate Irrigation District so the district can proceed with critical repairs; the district estimates total needed repairs at about $3.03 million and expects to restore service to all patrons by April if work proceeds as planned.