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Broadwater County approves yearlong water-use and grading agreement with Townsend
Summary
Broadwater County commissioners approved a one-year agreement letting county crews use the City of Townsend hydrant on a metered basis in exchange for grading two roads twice before Dec. 31, 2024; the county will install a meter and track usage, with no money changing hands under the contract.
Broadwater County commissioners on June 4 approved a one-year water-usage and grading agreement with the City of Townsend that allows county road crews to access a hydrant at North Cedar on a metered basis in exchange for grading work.
The agreement, read into the record by Public Works Director TJ Gravely, is effective June 4 through Dec. 31, 2024. Under its terms the county will grade Railroad Avenue and South Harrison Avenue twice before the contract expires; the county’s water use will be metered and readings provided to the city. Gravely told the commission there will be “no money changing hands at all.”
The contract text includes a choice-of-law provision applying the laws of the state of Montana and directs that disputes be resolved in the First Judicial District Court in Broadwater County. A deputy county attorney told commissioners she had no legal objection to the agreement but noted two areas for potential additional language, including coverage for attorney’s fees and clarification about post-expiration plans.
Commissioners discussed the arrangement’s temporary character and said they will monitor meter readings to determine whether the exchange is equitable; Gravely noted rising city fees next year may change the long-term calculus, and the county could consider drilling a well at the road shop if the cost-benefit favors that option.
A commissioner moved to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded and the chair declared the motion carried. Commissioners said a meter will be installed before the county begins drawing water from the hydrant.
Next steps: the county will file executed copies with appropriate city and county offices and keep meter readings to evaluate whether to renew a similar arrangement in 2025.
