City Council Prepares for Water Rate Hikes
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
City Council Prepares for Water Rate Hikes
MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Townsend will phase in higher water rates to pay for major improvements in the city’s water system.
At a January 16 City Council meeting, a preliminary engineering report estimated the rates will go up $59.40 per month over the current rate. The increase will be phased in over a two-year period, according to Mayor Vickie Rauser. “None of us want to be faced with a $60 increase in one month,” she said.
The increase will meet the costs of repaying bonds and running the new city water system planned to begin operating in 2026.
The $ 11 million project, which is state and federally-funded along with municipal bonds, will include a new well and water tower on city-owned ground near the Broadwater County fairgrounds. The new tower will replace the use of the existing water tower. The current tower will remain in place.
The city water committee will set up a plan for implementing the rate hikes, after which residents may give their input at a public hearing.
Interviews for hiring a compliance officer were held on January 19. Two people applied for the position.
The pool manager position remains open. Applications for the job are available online and at the city office.
New council member JB Howick introduced information about a grant available through the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan. The grant application, due February 9, will be reviewed by a committee at the next council meeting. The grant would finance an affordable housing study in Townsend.
A review of Townsend’s form of government comes up every ten years. Residents can vote to either continue with the present form or change it. The last review was in 2011. Mayor Rauser explained the forms of governing bodies including a mayor and council such as is now or a city manager which answers to a council. A call for a review will come in March. If voters desire a review, then meetings will follow. The new government form would be on the ballot for voters to approve in the June primary election.
The mayor and council okayed city workers to set up the ice-skating rink in Holloway Park.
Public Works Director Eric Crusch reported he is still looking for a used garbage truck to add to the fleet. He has been able to repair the 2018 truck. Parts for the 2003 truck are difficult to find and would cost about $10,000. Council members requested a more detailed repair quote. No decision was made.
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Image 1 Caption: Townsend Water Tower - 2024
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
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