Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Supply topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consortium weighs Boardman ‘spigot’ or phased annexation to bring water to West Glen
Summary
Consortium staff reported two possible approaches to supplying clean water to the larger West Glen area: Boardman could supply wholesale water while the consortium manages infrastructure, or Boardman could require eventual annexation if it owns pipes. Staff said the City of Umatilla’s phased annexation offers a workable model.
Darren, the consortium staff member reporting on the West Glen effort, told the board the project is being framed as a larger "phase 1" that includes areas beyond West Lehi and that Boardman has floated two principal approaches to providing water service. "At bare minimum, they will give us a pipe with enough pressure to provide the water to West Glen," Darren said, describing a wholesale, "spigot" option that would leave ownership and system management to the county or another entity.
The alternative Boardman has discussed would have the town own the pipes and press for eventual annexation so customers become part of the city service area. Darren said annexation would not necessarily be immediate, pointing to the City of Umatilla model where the city supplied water while negotiations and phased annexation processes proceeded over years. Board members urged clarity about whether the consortium’s mission should change if the group takes on service responsibilities outside city limits; one committee member said the board should be explicit rather than "sliding into it."
