Commission approves loan program to require West Valley properties to connect to county sewer amid public concern

Anaconda Deer Lodge County commissioners on Aug. 6 approved Resolution 24‑16 to offer loan services enabling property owners in the West Valley Sewer District to connect to the county sewer system to comply with ordinance 230.

The item, introduced by planning staff Carl Hamming, directs staff to notify property owners identified as not connected and to offer a low‑interest loan with a 90‑day completion expectation under ordinance 230. Hamming told the commission he and Planning Director Carly Hansen updated the property list and would work with staff to send certified letters informing owners of the loan option and eligible local contractors.

The commission and staff framed the action as a public‑health measure to protect the Anaconda aquifer. CEO Everett said the loan program and ordinance exist to “preserve our water supplies,” and commissioners repeatedly tied the measure to preventing cross‑contamination from failing septic systems.

During an extended public‑comment period, West Valley residents urged clarity about costs and practicalities. Julie Francisco, a West Valley resident, said contractors were unavailable during the earlier grant period and asked whether elderly homeowners would be forced to pay or lose benefits: “For these people that are outstanding, how many of them are elderly?” she asked. Francisco also said her household completed its hookup at personal cost when contractors did not meet earlier deadlines.

Daniel Goddard of Ash Street questioned whether assessments or loan amounts would be attached to property tax statements and whether homeowners could be jailed or fined for noncompliance. Chair Professor Chairman Hart and other commissioners clarified that the county already assesses a sewer fee on district properties and that the loan repayment method under consideration would be placed on tax statements as a means of collection. Commissioners and staff repeatedly said criminal prosecution or jail was unlikely in practice, and Commissioner Beausoleil called the issue a civil enforcement matter: “These are civil issues. People don't get put in jail for these types of things,” he said.

Residents also pressed the county on water quality. Daniel Goddard asked whether any West Valley wells were contaminated; CEO Everett replied that municipal water is tested twice daily and that the county has not identified a single contaminated municipal well, while acknowledging individual private wells vary by depth and circumstance.

The motion to approve Resolution 24‑16 passed unanimously. The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with notices and to provide a county loan option; specifics such as loan terms, contractor lists and how the county will handle residents who decline remain to be implemented by staff. Planner Carl Hamming told the commission the ordinance allows up to 90 days for compliance, though staff said they will work with property owners on reasonable timelines if contractors are scheduled.

Next steps: staff will send certified notices to property owners identified as not connected, provide details on the loan option and eligible contractors, and report back to the commission on implementation and any enforcement actions.