Public Hearing in Dodson about water and sewer on May 7

The Town of Dodson will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 7th, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on 225 2nd Street E in Dodson to obtain public comments regarding a sewer system preliminary engineering report (PER.)

“The Town of Dodson's water and sewer system is in need of some upgrading and we will have to give serious thought to raising both water and sewer rates,” Dodson Mayor Terri Cole said. “The cost of maintaining our infrastructure is not cheap and in order to keep pace with the operation and management of both systems, we must periodically increase rates.”

Mayor Cole said Dodson has enjoyed very low water and sewer rates for many years when compared to neighboring towns. She asks that all Dodson property owners, as well as water and wastewater users, attend the meeting on May 7.

“This includes those who live outside the city limits but receive water from the town, as this will affect you as well,” Mayor Cole added. “We will have people there who can adequately explain the future of Dodson water and wastewater systems.”

The Dodson Town Council has scheduled the hearing to obtain public comments regarding a sewer system PER, for possible applications to the State of Montana’s Treasure State Endowment Program, Community Development Block Grant Program and Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund Programs.

At the hearing, the project will be explained, including the purpose and proposed area of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding, and any costs that may result for local citizens because of the project. The Town Council will give everyone the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding the project and its effect on the environment.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Town will hold a Needs Assessment Hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the Town’s overall community development needs (public facilities, economic development, and housing needs), including the needs of low and moderate income persons. The Town Council will also seek the views of citizens on the activities that should be undertaken to meet the identified needs and their relative priority.

Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before the end of the hearing on May 7th, 2018.

Anyone who would like more information or has questions should contact Steve Lipetzky, PE, Project Manager, Great West Engineering at (406) 449-8631. A copy of the Draft PER is available at the Town’s office.