Old Town Irrigation System: Town Hall Invitation and FAQ

Old Town Irrigation;

The City of Victor is hosting a town hall on August 7, from 6-8 pm, to discuss the future of the Old Town Irrigation System. Most city residents are not part of the Old Town Irrigation System and, therefore, are not affected by system changes, including fee increases. If your June utility bill included an irrigation fee charge (and you are not a resident of Golf Vista Estates), then your property is served by the Old Town Irrigation System and you are strongly encouraged to take part in the August 7th town hall.

Q1: What is the purpose of the upcoming town hall?

A1: The town hall aims to gather feedback from Old Town irrigation users on the current system operation and to discuss options for future years.

Q2: What changes were made to the irrigation system rates?

A2: On August 23, 2023, the City Council approved raising the annual rate from $129.58 to $534.32 per acre to cover basic operating expenses of the irrigation system.

Q3: Why did the rates increase?

A3: The system has been operating at a deficit for years. The new rate is necessary to cover basic operating costs and necessary repairs as they arise. Any revenue not spent in a given fiscal year will be transferred to the fund reserve. Likewise, expenditures above revenue will be accounted for as a fund debt to be paid by the users in future years.

Q4: What options were considered before the rate increase?

A4: The City considered three options:

1. Raise rates to cover operating costs (chosen option)
2. Form a Lateral Ditch Users Association
3. Abandon the system and implement water conservation measures

Q5: Will this rate increase fix all the system's problems?

A5: No, the increase only covers basic operating expenses. It does not address the aging infrastructure or prevent potential future cost increases.

Q6: What will be discussed at the town hall?

A6: We will review the current system operation, gather feedback on the rate increase, and discuss potential future options for the irrigation system. Affected property owners in attendance will be asked to take an advisory vote reflecting their preferences for the future of the irrigation system (affected property owners do not need to be registered voters to participate in this advisory vote).

Q7: How does this affect properties not on the Old Town system?

A7: Most city residents do not receive water from the Old Town system, so they are not directly affected by these changes or costs.

Q8: When and where is the town hall?

A8: Wednesday, August 7, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Victor City Hall. The meeting will be recorded and posted to www.victoridaho.gov for those who cannot attend the town hall.

Q9: How were decisions about the irrigation system made?

A9: The decision followed a series of city council work sessions and budget hearings. These meetings were properly noticed and open to the public, and information, including the rate proposed and actual rate increase, was published in the local paper.

Q10: What if I can’t afford to pay my irrigation bill this month?

A10: If you cannot afford to pay your irrigation bill this month, please visit City Hall and staff will help you set up an interest-free payment plan.

We encourage all Old Town irrigation users to attend this important discussion about the future of your irrigation system. Your input is crucial in determining the best path forward.

For any questions before the town hall, please contact the City Administrator by calling 208.274.7082 ext. 7, or emailing jeremyb@victoridaho.gov . If you cannot attend this meeting but would like to participate in an advisory vote, please email michelles@victoridaho.gov , and we will send you a link to an online poll.