Rodeo Arena board raises bulk-water billing concern; council agrees to analyze costs; council approves trail grant applications

At the Nov. 12 meeting, members of the Three Forks Rodeo Arena (TFRA) board raised concerns that bulk water sales this summer drove up electric and pumping costs tied to the arena well.

Councilman Gene Townsend said the arena well—installed to fill the arena’s water truck for operational watering—was used extensively for bulk water sales. "This was to reduce disturbances in the City’s water when we used a lot. The well has been used a lot for bulk water sales this summer, and we’re paying the bill," Townsend said, relaying the board’s concern that the arena had borne higher utility costs without receiving the related revenue.

City Treasurer Kelly Smith suggested the finance department could compare the current year’s bills with prior years and consider reimbursing TFRA for identified differences. The council supported that course of action and asked staff to review utility usage and billing for the summer months.

Separately, Headwaters Trail Department Head Gene Townsend requested council approval to submit three grant applications — two noted specifically as $100,000 proposals to the Montana Trail Stewardship Program and the Montana Recreational Trails Program, and another $100,000 Open Space grant to Gallatin County. Townsend said the trail extension would continue from Rae Creek toward Carpenter Road (about 0.9 miles) and require two pedestrian bridges across irrigation ditches; he estimated each pedestrian bridge at about $50,000. The council agreed to allow the submissions and directed staff to begin encroachment permitting with the Montana Department of Transportation.

Council direction: Finance will analyze year-over-year utility costs related to bulk water sales and report back; Gene Townsend may proceed with grant applications and begin necessary permitting outreach to MDT.