2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 7. Local Government › Chapter 13. Utility Services › Part 22. County Water and/or Sewer Districts › 7-13-2275. Procedure relating to ordinances and resolutions -- rates, fees, and charges established

7-13-2275. Procedure relating to ordinances and resolutions -- rates, fees, and charges established.
(1) The ayes and noes must be taken upon the passage of all ordinances or resolutions and entered upon the journal of the proceedings of the board of directors. An ordinance or resolution may not be passed or become effective without the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total members of the board.
(2) The enacting clause of all ordinances passed by the board must be in these words: "Be it ordained by the board of directors of _______ district as follows:"
(3) All resolutions and ordinances must be signed by the president of the board and attested by the secretary.
(4) (a) Except as provided in subsections (5) and (6), prior to the passage or enactment of an ordinance or resolution imposing, establishing, changing, or increasing rates, fees, or charges for services or facilities, the board shall order a public hearing.
(b) Notice of the public hearing must be published as provided in 7-1-2121. The published notice must contain:
(i) the date, time, and place of the hearing;
(ii) a brief statement of the proposed action; and
(iii) the address and telephone number of a person who may be contacted for further information regarding the hearing.
(c) The notice must also be mailed to all persons who own property in the district and to all customers of the district at least 7 days and not more than 30 days prior to the public hearing. The mailed notice must contain an estimate of the amount that the property owner or customer will be charged under the proposed ordinance or resolution.
(d) The county or counties with territory included in the district shall provide to the district a list that includes the addresses of all persons who own property in the district pursuant to the notice requirements provided in subsection (4)(c). The county or counties may assess the district a fee not to exceed a total of $50 for the development and distribution of the list provided for in this subsection (4)(d).
(e) Any interested person, corporation, or company may be present, represented by counsel, and testify at the hearing.
(f) The hearing may be continued by the board as necessary. After the public hearing, the board may, by resolution, impose, establish, change, or increase rates, fees, or charges.
(5) A public hearing is not required for a cumulative rate increase of less than or equal to 5% within a 12-month period if the board provides notification of the increase to persons within the district on whom the rate will be imposed at least 10 days prior to the passage or enactment of the ordinance or resolution implementing the increase.
(6) (a) If the establishment of or change in rates, fees, or charges proposed by a regional authority requires the authority to hold a public hearing pursuant to 75-6-326 and requires an increase to the rates, fees, or charges imposed by the district greater than the increase provided in subsection (5) of this section, the board shall:
(i) mail notice of the public hearing to be held by the authority to all customers of the district system at least 15 days prior to the public hearing; and
(ii) provide notification of the change to customers of the district system on whom the increased rates, fees, or charges will be imposed at least 10 days prior to the passage or enactment of the ordinance or resolution implementing the increase.
(b) The district is not required to hold a public hearing on the increase.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 242, L. 1957; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 263, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 16-4511(part); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 518, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 395, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 187, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 457, L. 2021.