Lindsay council unanimously authorizes staff to pursue sale of surplus water rights for current water year

The Lindsay City Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to pursue calculation and potential sale of surplus water rights for the current water year.

Council approved item 10.4 after staff explained that the city uses a consultant, QK, to forecast allotments and determine whether surplus water is available. "We historically, we have sold about 800 to 1000 cubic acre feet," staff said when describing past practice. Staff explained the calculation is done for the water year and, if a surplus is confirmed, the council authorization would allow staff to negotiate terms and price.

On procedural details, staff said sales are typically finalized at the end of the water year to allow a full accounting of usage: the city "sells it at the end of the year so we can look at, you know, what has been our usage for the last 6 months" before completing a sale. A staff member said, "If they determine that there is surplus water, this would authorize the city council to negotiate that."

Councilmember Nave moved to approve item 10.4, Councilmember Sanchez seconded, and the motion carried 5–0. The transcript does not provide text of a purchaser or a negotiated price; staff said the consultant would determine surplus and the council would negotiate rates if surplus existed.

Staff also addressed where proceeds would be deposited. The transcript records some inconsistency on the fund name; staff stated the revenue would be allocated to a city fund but did not specify a single, clearly named fund in the public discussion. The sale and any revenue allocation must follow the consultant’s final calculation and subsequent council approvals.

What happens next: QK (the city’s consultant) will complete the technical calculation for the water year; if it identifies surplus water rights, staff will pursue negotiations and return to council with details and any recommended allocation of proceeds.