WHITEHALL WATER PROJECT: The Simple Facts, Week 3

Week 3: Myth- The Town of Whitehall is bilking residents for water/sewer/garbage.

Here are the facts:

1. The Bond Council have set the rate increases with the Lien Holders that the Town must comply with to receive funds. Again, the increase it only because we have loans to repay. The town is not “pocketing” the money or using it for any other projects.

2. Whitehall current monthly base rate is comparable to many other towns in our vicinity. For example:

• Three Forks $83.75 (water/sewer)

• Manhattan $88.00 (water/sewer)

• Boulder is currently $82 (water/sewer) but will be seeing two increases in the next year due to upgrades in the system.

• Townsend is currently $104 (water/sewer/garbage) but expecting two increases in the next year for a total of $170 due to a new water storage tank being built.

• Ennis is one of the lowest at $51 (water/sewer).

• Dillon is at $51 (water/sewer) but has more residents.

Whitehall’s base rate currently is $85 (water/sewer/garbage). Starting June 2024, the rate increases to $104 and January 2025 rate increases to $120.75.

Whitehall’s new water treatment facility will be, unlike other towns in the region, up to date and meeting DEQ standards. Additionally, this facility is the first of its kind in the state of Montana.

While the cost to residents is higher this plan has been our only option to address uranium levels, the process dates to 2014.