Stevensville officials, residents debate water and sewer rates as aging infrastructure and rising costs drive increases

Consultants, town officials and residents spent most of the Stevensville Town Council meeting discussing a recently adopted water and sewer rate increase and the town's aging system.

The issue drew lengthy public comment and a presentation by Bobby Shore, representing Montana Roadwater System, who laid out the justification for higher rates and described cost pressures. “We look at the total cost of operating operations and maintenance, everything from salaries to paper clips,” Shore said, and noted the town must ensure “there's enough money set aside in reserves to service those loans in case of catastrophic emergency events.”

The discussion followed Shore’s summary that utilities and capital costs rose sharply in recent years. Shore cited figures that, over two years, sewer expenses rose by about $34,000 and water expenses by about $36,509 — roughly $70,800 combined — driven by higher power and chemical costs. Shore told the council the state code requires municipalities to set rates that are “fair and equitable” and produce sufficient revenue…