City staff says Monte Vista owes $127,310 under 2012 water-rights contract

Monte Vista city staff told the council that a supplemental payment of $127,310 is now due under a 2012 contract for 1.5 cubic feet per second of Anderson Ditch water sold by Lancaster Investment LLC.

At a scheduled appearance, water-rights attorney Jeff Williamson and consultant Jordan Dimock summarized the calculations behind the figure, saying the city contracted in 2012 to pay for 44 acre‑feet but that a later water‑court decree assigned the historic consumptive use at 65.95 acre‑feet. "Based on my read of the contract, it's money that the city owes now," Williamson said. Dimock presented the technical breakdown that led to an additional 21.95 acre‑feet at $5,800 per acre‑foot, totaling $127,310.

Lancaster representative Mike Trujillo, present in the audience, confirmed the calculation. "On behalf of Lancaster, that's exactly the figure I came up with," he said. City staff and Lancaster discussed timing for payment; Lancaster indicated a preference to be paid after the new year and staff said that is logistically acceptable.

Jordan Dimock also reported related good news: two city wells (wells 6 and 7), which were decreed but not properly permitted, have received permits and could be used for irrigation around the high school and the golf course as soon as 2026 after compliance steps.

Council members did not take an immediate formal vote at the meeting on payment authorization; staff recommended the city manager and finance staff proceed as they determine appropriate and feasible. The council did not adopt a payment schedule at the session but discussed logistics and next steps with Lancaster's representative.

The council is expected to return to the subject in routine staff follow-up or a future agenda if a payment authorization or contract amendment is required.