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Bicknell board weighs new irrigation fees, considers monthly billing and public hearing
Summary
At its Jan. 30 work meeting, the Bicknell Town board reviewed an updated irrigation ordinance and fee schedule, debated shifting from quarterly to monthly billing, and asked staff to calculate user counts and revenue targets before scheduling a required public hearing.
The Bicknell Town board reviewed a proposed update to its irrigation ordinance and fee schedule at a Jan. 30 work meeting, discussing whether to switch from quarterly billing to monthly payments and how to structure charges for residential and heavy users.
Why it matters: The town’s pressurized irrigation system historically runs at roughly $18,000–$24,000 in annual expenses while collecting about $19,400; the board is considering a new rate structure and a modest surplus to cover rising pump and power costs.
Board members compared rates charged by other municipalities and examined a chart of proposed monthly fees. Noreen, who opened the agenda item, said, “First, we’re gonna start on the irrigation ordinance.” Carrie, a board member who reviewed the chart, reminded colleagues that “anything water related, you can’t raise rates” without following the public-notice and hearing process. The board discussed three basic approaches: continue billing by lot/acre, charge by irrigation shares, or adopt a flat monthly fee for connections and bill heavy users (schools, churches) at a higher commercial rate.
Members noted enforcement limits because the town supplies pressurized water lines but does not control Fremont Irrigation shares; multiple speakers said the town cannot reliably identify which properties hold shares or which renters are ultimately using irrigation water. One member suggested setting a revenue target of about 1.25 times the town’s annual irrigation costs to build a modest reserve for repairs and unexpected pump expenses.
What the board decided: Staff was tasked with determining the current number of irrigation accounts and modeling rate scenarios. The board agreed it will need to hold a public hearing before approving any rate increase; Carrie said staff will calculate figures and email the board so a hearing can be scheduled if needed.
Next steps: The board asked staff to return with an account count, recommended rates (including residential flat-fee and higher commercial/heavy-user categories), and projected revenue. If the board proceeds, the town will advertise a public hearing in accordance with legal notice requirements before any change takes effect.
