Commissioners call election on Sorrel Springs water district petition; 43 signatures for 99-parcel area

Sam Scott of the Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer’s Office presented a citizen petition filed in July 2026 to create the Sorrel Springs Water and Sewer District under Montana Code Annotated 7-13-2204. He said the proposed district covers the Sorrel Springs subdivision (99 parcels) and the petition included 43 signatures, so an election is required rather than automatic incorporation.

"The petition was submitted in just last month, July 2026, and the proposed district area is for all of Sorrel Springs subdivision. That's 99 parcels," Scott said. He explained that because the petition did not include signatures from all qualified electors in the proposed district it triggers the statutory requirement for an election and outlined the county’s role in determining compliance, establishing boundaries and placing the question on the ballot.

Curtis Spindler, a Sorrel Springs resident and vice president of the HOA board, told commissioners his area’s water system dates to the 1970s, has aging infrastructure and is roughly $5,000,000 short of the replacements and upgrades he said would be needed. He said forming a district would make the community eligible for grants and allow the district to be governed by an elected board with county tax collection as a custodial function.

A commissioner moved to approve a resolution confirming the petition complies with statutory requirements, establishing the boundaries and calling for an election; the motion was seconded and the board voted to approve moving the petition to an election, which Scott said would appear on the November general election ballot if the board’s actions stand.