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Columbia Falls manager outlines water and sewer needs, recommends rate studies after flat revenues
Summary
City manager presented the preliminary budget focusing on aging water/sewer infrastructure, a RAISE-linked $10M mains project, recent unexpected costs (Horine well repairs) and recommended PERs and rate studies to plan funding and future rates.
The Columbia Falls city manager presented a preliminary budget update that emphasized the water and sewer enterprise funds, aging infrastructure and the need for engineering studies and rate planning.
The manager said certified tax values reported new growth this year and described the city’s water system as high quality with no treatment required; however, he warned of aging transmission infrastructure near the reservoir that will likely require replacement within the next decade. He described a RAISE-funded project expected to replace mains on Thirteenth and Fourth streets — a roughly $10,000,000 project intended to improve major distribution lines across the city.
“Our current water rates are set in 2018, and we've had a flat revenue since then,” the manager said, adding that the city plans to bring in an engineering firm to complete preliminary engineering reports (PERs) for water and sewer and follow with a water-rate study to determine funding options.
Staff listed recent and proposed costs: a water rate study estimated at $30,565, an ongoing water system public-outreach contract of about $120,000, an unexpected Horine well motor and variable-frequency-drive replacement of about $55,000, and a sewer PER estimated at $125,000 alongside a $27,000 sewer rate study. The manager also noted an ongoing modernization of the wastewater treatment plant bioreactor (described as a more-than-$5,000,000 project) and that sewer reserves are healthy but limited.
The manager warned of operational impacts from an expected county landfill policy change that would raise moisture-content requirements for biosolids, potentially adding testing steps and holding times that complicate winter hauling and storage.
Public works staff will continue PER work and return with options for council this spring; the manager proposed completing PERs and a rate study prior to recommending any specific rate increases. Council did not vote on rate changes at this session; staff said they will return with firm proposals after engineering reports are complete.
