City, County To Discuss Agreement To Trade Water For Grading Work
 | Author:
Linda Kent, MT43 News Staff Reporter
MT43 News Correspondent |
City, County to Discuss Agreement to Trade Water for Grading Work
Linda Kent
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Broadwater County Public Works Director T.J. Graveley spoke to Townsend’s City Council April 16 about the potential for city and county to trade use of city water by the county’s road department in exchange for the county to grade and treat Railroad Avenue and a portion of South Harrison Street on an annual or more frequent basis.
Graveley said City Public Works Director Eric Crusch had approached him about the grading work. He estimated the value of grading work around $4,200. In exchange, Graveley floated the idea of allowing the county use of city water for five months per year – an estimated 3 million gallons.
Graveley acknowledged that use of approximately 44,000 gallons per day would be significant, but that he felt the arrangement would be mutually beneficial.
Based on the current fee schedule, which will increase significantly later this year, the water use would be valued around $3,300.
Until 2022, the county and other enterprises had access to an unlocked hydrant near City Well 3, but that unpaid usage came into conflict with city water users’ being asked to restrict their use during summer months. The hydrant was locked, and the city has not seen similar peaks in usage since.
Mayor Vickie Rauser asked Crusch if he had concerns about the increased usage. He responded that he had already tested it and had none.
The council approved the formation of a working committee, consisting of Mayor Vickie Rauser, Crusch, and council member Angie Wintrow, to meet with Graveley and appropriate county representatives to develop an interlocal agreement to formalize terms of the trade.
● The city’s regular May 7 meeting was rescheduled to 6:30 pm Tuesday, April 30, to allow City Clerk Kari Williams and Jenny Barnett to attend training offered through the city’s insurer, MMIA.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Linda Kent
Image 1 Caption: Railroad Avenue: A working committee representing the City of Townsend and Broadwater County will be looking into the county’s providing grading services on two Townsend streets – Railroad Avenue and a portion of South Harrison Street – in exchange for five months of unbilled city water use by the county.
Photo Credits: Linda Kent
