MONTE VISTA– City councilors are expected to hear a staff review of proposed water rate cuts presented by Councilor Gary Johnson last month when they meet for a regular scheduled meeting tomorrow at 7 p.m.

According to Johnson’s proposal, City of Monte Vista current base water rates began in early 2016 with a cut from 10,000 to 5,000 gallons of non-billed usage, “with concern for the result of the water rules going into effect throughout the San Luis Valley.” His proposal is to revert, at least in part, to the previous “base usage” by setting that minimum at 7,500 gallons.

“The idea being not necessarily to encourage more usage but to provide a return to the hard-working citizens of Monte Vista a “dividend” based on the effective and efficient operation of the corporation (city) of which they are shareholders,” Johnson’s proposal states.

In addition, Johnson reported that according to Water Attorney Kate Ryan, purchases prior to the new water rules, plus past negotiations involving irrigation rights, lease options for storage space in the Rio Grande Reservoir and options to purchase water from the Anderson Ditch Company “have left our City in a very favorable position in terms of water availability…in spite of the current ‘snow drought’.”

With Johnson’s proposal, all water users would benefit the same with the increase in base usage, not just “limited to those in need.”

City staff is expected to report on potential pros and cons of the councilman’s proposal.