Urgent Negotiations Over Blue Lake Water Tank Reach Tipping Point

UPDATE: Negotiations over the Blue Lake water tank have reached a critical juncture, with city officials issuing a final offer in a dramatic bid to resolve a lengthy dispute. The city has set a deadline of December 1, 2025, for Erin McClure to accept or reject the proposal, which could determine the future of the water system and the property it sits on.

Residents of Blue Lake are on edge as the ongoing conflict affects local water access, with leaks from the aging tank threatening to contaminate Powers Creek. McClure, a fifth-generation resident and trustee of the property, has expressed her frustration over the city’s handling of negotiations, claiming she has been “tired of not being paid for the lease” during public comments to the Blue Lake City Council.

The city’s latest offer includes a 40-year lease with a $55,000 lump-sum payment and an annual payment of $6,000—a significant increase from the original lease of just $100 per year. The city attorney claims that McClure’s shifting positions have hindered progress, leading to repeated redrafts and delays. Meanwhile, McClure asserts that she has not received timely responses from the city during this two-and-a-half-year negotiation saga.

In a shocking move, McClure has threatened to camp at city hall until an agreement is reached, urging locals affected by shut-off water to leverage credits she claims are owed to her. The city’s letter to McClure stated, “the council desires to try one last time to reach a deal,” indicating the urgency of the situation.

The negotiations intensified after McClure discovered technicians accessing the water tank without her permission last year, prompting her to lock the gate and demand communication from city workers before they could enter. This incident, which she reported to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, has contributed to the breakdown in trust between McClure and city officials.

“I will not let my grandfather’s property go by eminent domain,” McClure declared, emphasizing her commitment to protecting her family’s legacy. The city argues that unless an agreement is reached, they may have to explore other options to secure access to the water tank.

As the clock ticks down to the December deadline, both sides are urged to come to the table to finalize the agreement. McClure has indicated her willingness to review the city’s final offer with her representative, but she remains concerned about the lengthy negotiation process that has drained her resources.

With water quality at stake and community members reliant on the system, the urgency for resolution has never been greater. The Blue Lake City Council is expected to meet soon to discuss the next steps in this pressing matter, with the future of the water supply hanging in the balance.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed as developments unfold, and many are rallying behind McClure in hopes of a fair resolution that honors the history and needs of the community.