Missoula officials move to collect higher sewer and water impact fees; RSID hearing, bid and construction timeline set
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Summary
The Lolo Community Council heard that Missoula County dvisory board recommended raising sewer and water impact fees from $10,000 to $17,517, that commissioners approved a resolution of intent on Jan. 8, and that a county public hearing is scheduled Feb. 12 with RSID hearings and construction targeted for 2026 nd 2027 timelines.
The Lolo Community Council heard an update on county impact fees and a related RSID project that will affect development connections. The chair read an email from county staff saying the impact-fee advisory committee recommended increasing the total sewer and water impact fee from $10,000 to $17,517 and that the county commissioners approved a resolution of intent on Jan. 8.
The email read at the meeting said the county plans to begin collecting impact fees at the time of building permits within “a month or two,” though collection will be limited until sewer and water capacity is expanded. The county also plans a public hearing on the commissioners genda on Feb. 12, 2026, and a resolution of intent for a capital-improvement RSID is scheduled for March 26, 2026. If the RSID is approved, the county intends to bid the project in winter 2027 and begin construction in June 2027.
Council members asked for clarification about dates and the capacity constraint. The chair reiterated the timeline read from the county update and said Jason Mitchell (county staff) had promised to attend the council nd answer questions in person at a future meeting.
Votes at the meeting included routine approvals: the council approved the minutes and authorized a $200 annual rental payment for the community center. The chair said those routine actions preceded the reports and that the impact-fee details were being provided for community awareness and public comment at the county level.
Why it matters: Higher impact fees raise the cost of connecting new developments to sewer and water systems and may affect the timing of building permits in areas constrained by infrastructure capacity. The RSID timetable also sets out when affected property owners and contractors can expect procurement and construction to proceed.
What happens next: The county—ommissioners will hold hearings (Feb. 12 and March 26 noted in the county update) where residents can comment; the council encouraged residents to review the county report on Missoula County Voice and attend the public hearings.
