Helena City Commission approves water and wastewater bonds, roof change order and establishes standard NSF fee — votes 5-0

At its May 5 meeting the Helena City Commission unanimously approved four items that the city said will fund infrastructure work and standardize a fee schedule.

Water revenue bond: The commission approved a resolution authorizing issuance of a $4,271,000 water system revenue bond through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Program, taxable series 2025. Director Danielson told the commission the 20-year bond carries a 2.5% interest rate, with payments beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and a final payment in July 2045. Danielson also noted the city previously passed a reimbursement resolution for the Crosstown Connector project (resolution 20779, October 2022).

Wastewater revenue bond: The commission approved a $1,529,500 wastewater system revenue financing package through the DNRC Water Pollution Control State Revolving Loan Program consisting of a $496,500 subordinate-lien taxable series 2025A bond that has potential for loan forgiveness and a $1,033,000 taxable series 2025B bond at 2.5% interest. Danielson said the series A portion carries 0% interest while the city awaits DNRC’s forgiveness determination; payments for the financing begin Jan. 1, 2026, with a final payment in July 2045.

City shop roof change order: The commission approved change order No. 1 for the City Shop roof replacement project in the amount of $38,060. Community Facilities Director Samson said the contractor found blown-out concrete under the roof fastener locations and proposed switching from mechanical fasteners to an adhesive attachment; the architect reviewed and approved the pricing. The change order increases the contract from $281,750 to $319,810. Samson said the project’s 10% contingency ($28,100) would not fully cover the change order, leaving no remaining contingency; commissioners discussed relying on a bank loan to cover the project.

Insufficient funds fee: The commission adopted a resolution establishing a uniform insufficient funds (NSF) fee across city divisions. Director Danielson said the fee is intended to recoup the bank’s $25 charge and staff administration costs and includes an appeal clause allowing a person to request a waiver from the city manager. Danielson noted the item was previously considered at an administrative meeting on March 19, 2025, and a resolution of intention was heard April 21, 2025.

Each of the four items passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Shurtleff, Dean, Reid, Logan and Mayor Collins voting aye, 5-0. No public comments were recorded on these items during the meeting.

Commissioners were offered more project detail by Director Leland (Crosstown Connector and treatment-plant work) for the bond items and by Samson for the roof work. The commission did not take further formal actions beyond approval on these items at the May 5 meeting.