Ely council approves temporary water terms for White Pine County Golf Course through Oct. 2025

The Ely City Council on Feb. 13 approved a one-year arrangement to supply water to the White Pine County Golf Course under a seasonal "Ruth" rate with limits through Oct. 31, 2025.

Council members voted to apply a monthly allotment that totals 62 million gallons annually, with monthly allotments not carrying over and any water used above the allotment billed at the City of Ely’s current rates. Council members said the City Public Works Director will monitor tank and well levels and may require temporary reductions to maintain required fire-protection capacity.

The terms grew out of a recommendation from the Municipal Utilities Board and a desire, Council members said, to support the County while the County’s proposed well remains tied up in a protest process. Councilwoman Melody Van Camp, who brought the item forward through the Utilities Board, said the arrangement gives the County time to resolve protests and save toward drilling its own well. City Engineer B.J. Almberg said the arrangement also reduces net water draw on the city system and could indirectly relieve mine-related pumping costs that the city currently covers.

Public commenter George Chachas urged denial, saying "the taxpayer pays significantly now subsidizing the golf course" and arguing the County should show the golf course’s true operating costs. Councilmember Terrill Trask moved the measure and Council voted to approve the terms; staff and the Council said they will review progress and savings toward a County well at future renewals.

The council recorded the action as a formal motion to implement the described seasonal allotment and billing approach, carried unanimously at the Feb. 13 meeting. The Utilities Board’s monitoring provision means watering may be curtailed during the driest periods to protect fire flows.