Rathdrum authorizes water-service agreement with East Green Acres Irrigation District for Lift Station 4

The Rathdrum City Council authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with the East Green Acres Irrigation District for installation of a water service line and the conveyance of an easement to serve Lift Station Number 4.

Public Works and city staff explained the water will be used for non-potable purposes such as washing down maintenance equipment at the lift station and not for drinking. Kevin described the district's agreement as a boilerplate provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; city legal counsel Emily said staff requested edits to make the contract text factually accurate but the irrigation district declined to change language in the agreement. Kevin also noted the district's standard document refers to the customer as a "single family residence," language the city considered inaccurate for a municipal lift station.

Emily said the city compiled a paper trail documenting requested corrections that the district declined; staff said that documentation protects the city if a future dispute arises. Kevin told council the service line has already been installed and that, as long as the city remains a paying customer, the district cannot lawfully deny service in the future. He also said that connection fees will apply.

Council voted to authorize the mayor to execute the agreement and the related easement conveyance; the motion carried by roll call vote.

Clarifying detail: staff said the connection point is already within an existing easement so no additional easement dedication is required beyond the agreement's recording steps. Councilmembers asked whether future district leadership could later refuse service; Emily said the city's paper trail would support its position if the district declined to make requested factual edits to the boilerplate agreement.

Outcome: contract and easement conveyance authorized; staff will complete administrative steps and payment as required under the agreement.