Gunnison to advertise lease of 112 acre-feet of surplus water rights

Gunnison City Council authorized staff on March 19 to advertise the lease of the city's surplus water rights — 112 acre-feet of Sevier River rights and 36 shares in the Gunnison Fayette Canal Company — for a one-year lease with the option to split quantities among bidders. The city intends a three-week bid period ending April 10 and to award leases at its April 15 meeting.

Dennis, the presenting staff member, described last year's one-year lease process and recommended another year of short-term leases to preserve flexibility given low water conditions. Council members discussed whether to include an optional renewal clause to attract more interest; staff said a renewal could be advertised as part of the bid to provide potential buyers greater certainty.

Council also discussed the practical effect of drought on acreage served by each water right and noted that lower flows reduce the irrigable area for each leased right. Council directed staff to prepare the advertisement and place the matter on the April agenda for final award.

Separately, the council debated whether to begin charging irrigation accounts April 1 or April 15 and asked staff to prepare a quadrant schedule and public notice if the April 1 charging begins; staff recommended charging the system by April 1 to identify leaks and ensure repairs before heavier irrigation season.

Council approved the motion to advertise the water-lease opportunity by voice vote.