Urgent Negotiations: Blue Lake Water Tank Deal at Critical Juncture

UPDATE: Tensions escalate in Blue Lake as negotiations over the city’s aging water tank reach a critical tipping point. City officials have issued a final offer to Erin McClure, the trustee of the property where the tank sits, amid a protracted battle that has lasted more than two years.

The city has publicly announced its last, best offer, demanding a response by December 1, 2025. The urgency is palpable as leaks from the deteriorating tank continue to flow into Powers Creek, raising concerns about water quality and infrastructure integrity.

McClure, a fifth-generation resident, has publicly voiced her frustrations, stating, “I’m tired of not being paid for the lease.” In a recent public comment to the Blue Lake City Council, she expressed her desire for a fair agreement that reflects current market values. The existing lease, originally established in 1911, includes a mere $100 annual fee, adjusted for inflation, which is valued at approximately $3,314 today.

City officials assert that McClure’s shifting demands have complicated negotiations. The latest proposal includes a 40-year lease, a lump sum payment of $55,000, and an annual payment of $6,000 with a 3.2% annual increase. Additionally, the city is offering 300,000 cubic feet of no-charge water annually and various improvements to access the property.

However, McClure contests the city’s claims. She alleges that their communications have been inconsistent and that delays have hampered progress. “I don’t want the city to take the property,” she declared, referring to her fears of imminent domain. “There’s no way I will let my grandfather’s property go.”

The negotiation saga has seen social media disputes and public outcries. Recently, McClure threatened to camp at city hall until a deal is finalized, urging residents affected by water shutoffs to utilize credits owed to her by the city to pay their bills.

Compounding the tension, McClure’s attempts to secure control over the water tank have led to confrontations with city staff. Last year, she locked the gate to the property after discovering technicians conducting unauthorized work on the tank. This incident has only intensified her resolve to finalize the agreement.

City attorney Ryan Plotz emphasized the need for closure, stating in the final offer letter, “the City needs to bring about a close to these negotiations. While I do not typically favor presenting a last, best final offer, I feel that such an offer is necessary.”

Both parties have expressed a desire for resolution, yet the road ahead remains uncertain. The clock is ticking, and with a deadline looming, the stakes have never been higher for Blue Lake. As McClure reviews the city’s latest proposal, the community watches closely, awaiting a resolution that could impact their water supply and local governance.

What happens next remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Blue Lake’s water crisis is reaching a boiling point, and residents are eager for a resolution.