Clyde Park council signs resolution of intent to raise water rates; second hearing set for Dec. 9

The Town of Clyde Park council voted on Nov. 11 to sign a Resolution of Intent to increase monthly water rates and to send the draft to the town attorney and the Consumer Counsel ahead of a second public hearing scheduled for Dec. 9, 2024, when any new rates could take effect.

Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Mills presented a packet showing how an initial increase for 2025 and an ongoing 2% annual escalation would change customer bills. Mills said the packet used the same rate-chart format from the prior increase and included an example “accelerator chart” based on Montana Code Annotated showing how a council may apply up to a 5% annual adjustment without repeating the public-hearing/resolution process each year. "The chart is an example," Mills said during the presentation.

Council member Brian Eckenrod explained the need for higher rates, citing a roughly $1,000,000 loan taken out by a previous council, ongoing well and spring-box upkeep, and staff wages to maintain the system. Eckenrod also discussed chlorine monitoring and offered to arrange in-home water testing for concerned residents. Resident Becca Pinson said, "The water tastes horrible," and asked how the public would be notified; the council said notices would be posted at standard locations and a mass mailing would be sent to town customers.

Council member Teresa Saari moved to sign the Resolution of Intent; Council member Eckenrod seconded the motion and the council approved it. The resolution will be reviewed by the town attorney and shared with the Consumer Counsel prior to the Dec. 9 hearing, when the council will consider final rates and any effective date.

The council did not record a roll-call tally for the resolution vote in the minutes. The next steps are the attorney and Consumer Counsel review and the Dec. 9 public hearing, after which the council may adopt rates per the schedule included in the packet.