Council authorizes city manager to lease unused Wilson Irrigation water shares

The West Haven City Council adopted Resolution 11-2025 authorizing the city manager to work with Wilson Irrigation Company to lease the city's unused water shares and to cast the city's shareholder votes in Wilson Irrigation Company elections.

City Manager Sean told the council the measure would allow the city to put unused shares to beneficial use and earn modest revenue. Staff member Amy said the city holds 22.5 shares. "We actually have 22.5," Amy said, describing her conversations with Wilson Irrigation leadership and how shares are posted for lease.

Amy said leases are arranged annually and that the irrigation company designates the seasonal water-turn period; staff characterized the season roughly as mid-April to mid-October and said allocations can shrink in drought years. Amy said per-share lease values "average between 150 to 200" (dollars), depending on the share, and that lessees must have land on the same line where the share is located.

Council members discussed reserving a small number of shares for unexpected city needs rather than leasing the full 22.5. "We may not lease the whole 22.5 shares," Sean said, suggesting the city could retain some shares for project flexibility. A council motion to adopt the resolution passed on a roll-call vote with council members Kahl, Schwab, Dixon and Saunders recorded as voting "aye." The mayor announced the motion carried.

Council questions included whether leases can be multiyear (staff said leases are handled yearly for control) and how many shares the city should make available. Staff said the leasing process will be coordinated through the irrigation company and that staff will work with the company's secretary/treasurer to list available shares and accept inquiries.

The council authorized the city manager to proceed under Resolution 11-2025; staff will administer leasing and return to council if policy changes or specific lease terms require additional action.