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Pasco staff recommend deferring two‑year water‑rights rate study to save $18,000 after consultant says market unchanged
Summary
City staff recommended postponing the biennial water‑rights market‑value study required by municipal code because the consultant found little market change since the last study; the current fee is $4,150 per acre‑foot and a new study would cost about $18,000.
City staff asked the council for direction to defer the city’s scheduled two‑year water‑rights market value study. Deputy City Manager Smith Sigdel presented the request and said Pasco Municipal Code requires the market‑value study for water‑rights fees every two years; the current rate is $4,150 per acre‑foot.
Sigdel said the city’s subject‑matter expert, Dr. Daryl Olsen (the consultant who prepared the prior study), reviewed current conditions and “does not anticipate any significantly different number.” Because the expected change is negligible and the vendor cost is about $18,000, staff recommended deferring the study for another two years unless market conditions change materially.
Council members asked follow‑up questions. Mayor Pro Tem Charles Grimm and Councilman Peter Harpster said they supported saving the cost, though Grimm suggested periodic monitoring of the market and possibly updating the study earlier if conditions change. Councilman Perales suggested considering a one‑year check‑in rather than a full two‑year deferral; staff agreed to continue monitoring and to bring the issue back sooner if indicators change.
No formal motion was taken at the workshop; staff sought direction and received general agreement to defer the study and save the approximately $18,000 expense, while maintaining ongoing market monitoring.
