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CEO says Atlantic Richfield will cover major wastewater upgrades; county expects long‑term fee stability
Summary
CEO Bill Everett told commissioners the county completed nearly $5 million in relining work and negotiated Atlantic Richfield to pay about $1.2 million for new blowers and motors, a step he said should minimize sewer‑fee increases for decades.
CEO Bill Everett updated the commission on the county's wastewater treatment plant, saying the system recently underwent nearly $5,000,000.00 in relining and that the county solicited bids to replace blowers and motors, with the total package estimated at about $1,200,000.00. "We just went through nearly $5,000,000.00 relining of the bed," Everett said, and he added that through negotiations Atlantic Richfield agreed to pay 100% of the cost for the new blowers and motors.
Everett said the combination of prior project funding and the Atlantic Richfield contribution positions the plant for decades of operation without substantial additional capital expense and that the county's sewer fees — among the lowest in Montana, he said — should not need an increase for the foreseeable future. He credited plant staff and contractors for maintenance and noted the county's operating team will continue routine maintenance and oversight.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions and Everett said the recent work was not funded by county taxpayers but largely by Atlantic Richfield and previously secured project funds. No formal vote was taken; the item was provided as an informational update.
