Council approves interlocal agreement to provide temporary water-operator services to Lodgepole

The City Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement to provide temporary water-operator services to the Village of Lodgepole, formalizing assistance that city staff and the city’s water operator have been providing since Lodgepole lost its certified operator.

Interim City Manager Josh Hanson told the council that Sydney’s water operator, Joe Talich, and the city have been assisting Lodgepole on a voluntary basis, conducting monthly regulatory water samplings to help the village maintain compliance during a staffing transition. Under the agreement presented Oct. 14, the Village of Lodgepole will pay the City of Sydney $1,000 per month for the services. The fee was calculated using FEMA reimbursement hourly rates and an estimate of 12 hours of service per month.

The agreement gives Sydney the right to terminate the contract with 30 days’ written notice if the village is not making reasonable efforts to hire a certified water operator. Hanson said that the clause is intended to limit long-term demands on city staff if Lodgepole does not fill the position.

Council approved the interlocal agreement as presented. The contract also allows for prorated compensation to cover services already provided starting in October. Councilmembers said they would include language to address additional time if an event (such as failed tests requiring extra work) pushes services beyond the estimated monthly hours.

The vote to approve the resolution (No. 2025-1002) authorizing the interlocal agreement passed with all voting councilmembers in favor.