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Commission OKs 10% parcel fee increase for Gallatin Local Water Quality District
Summary
The Gallatin County Commission approved a 10% increase to the Local Water Quality District parcel fee (about $0.66 on a $6.60 annual assessment) to avoid a FY26 deficit; staff said the increase would raise roughly $31,000 on current parcel revenue of $316,000.
The Gallatin County Commission voted July 22 to approve a 10% increase in the Gallatin Local Water Quality District (LWQD) parcel fee to shore up dwindling capital reserves and keep core monitoring and permitting services funded.
Cameron, speaking for the LWQD, presented a fact sheet showing the district has been operating off capital reserves for roughly eight years and faces unexpected expenses and grant shortfalls in FY26. Cameron said LWQD planned a 3% wage increase that resulted in approximately a 6% actual cost and noted several grant awards did not release funds the district was counting on. ‘‘Our initial budget was going to leave us with right around $6,700 of capital reserves…we are currently heading towards a negative balance,’’ Cameron said, and recommended a 10% parcel fee increase to add roughly $31,000 to the district’s revenue stream.
Commissioners and staff discussed the size of the increase and the limits of the commission’s authority. Speaker 6 observed that the 10% increase permitted by statute can be implemented by resolution and noted that a larger increase would require mailed notice to every parcel owner at additional cost. Several commissioners asked that the conversation about long‑term strategy, governance and the district’s role be continued beyond the immediate increase.
The resolution (2025‑065) was approved by voice vote. County staff said the 10% increase represents roughly 66¢ per parcel on an annual flat rate of $6.60 and would not solve all long‑term funding needs; LWQD and county finance staff will continue to evaluate options for structural changes or larger notice‑based increases if needed.
Next steps: The 10% increase will be implemented for FY26 and staff will report back on longer‑term funding strategy and potential notice requirements for larger increases.
