WaterRights News & Analysis

La Escalera Ranch Receives $1.3 Million for Water Rights Agreement

La Escalera Ranch received $1.3 million from the Colorado River Municipal Water District for a water rights agreement. Under this agreement, the utility could pay at least an additional $2 million annually once it starts pumping water. These payments affect Medicare premiums due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which relies on tax returns from two years prior to determine costs. For those impacted, exceeding an IRMAA threshold by just $1 can lead to a surcharge of up to $487 per month for Medicare Part B. This information is vital for landowners getting large payments as it reveals how it affects Medicare costs two years later.