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Wheeler council presses for clarity in Manzanita water deal, suggests joint oversight board
Summary
Councilors and staff discussed a longstanding intergovernmental water arrangement with Manzanita and proposed forming a three‑and‑three oversight group to address revenue sharing, outside sales and tariff adjustments; staff said a tariff proposal is expected by the end of the month.
City leaders used the Jan. 21 meeting to press for clearer terms in the city’s water intergovernmental agreement with Manzanita and to propose a joint oversight structure to manage future decisions.
A council member outlined a proposal to create a water board composed of three representatives from Wheeler and three from Manzanita to meet quarterly to review usage, fees and future planning. The same speaker said the history of the contract means Wheeler has not always been notified of changes in outside sales and that the distribution of costs and revenues is unclear.
The council member told fellow councilors that outside sales and other contract changes had created revenue imbalances and described the present situation as one in which outside customers account for a large share of usage; the speaker said adjustments and negotiations are needed so Wheeler’s citizens are treated fairly. Staff reported they had submitted a tariff proposal and expected a response by the end of the month.
Councilors agreed continuity in negotiation was important and discussed whether the outgoing mayor should remain involved to preserve institutional knowledge; several members said they were willing to continue participation while the council works toward a negotiated resolution.
The conversation covered historical IGA language that does not define a precise revenue share; councilors said they want an agreed process for future adjustments such as outside sales and new customer connections. Staff said they would continue negotiations and report back to council with proposed language and any tariff adjustments.
