Othello approves water for houses

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council agreed to provide water to 270 new houses next to the Othello Golf Course.

The agreement will utilize about 150,000 gallons of water per day, according to city records.

The development will be built in three phases. The first 80 houses are set for construction during the next five years.

City Attorney Jim Whitaker said the city should adjust the agreement so there is a time limit for each phase.

“They do need to put it to use in a timely manner,” he said. “(If they don’t) then the right to get any more water ends.”

The council set the deadline for the first phase at five years, the second phase needs to be finished six years after the first and the third phase would be completed in seven years.

The agreement also would force the developers to build the area to the city’s standards in case the city annexes the area.

— Staff report