Water, sewer rates going up in Troy

Water and sewer rates are going up in Troy.

The increases were approved by city council members at a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 6.

For city residents, prior to the rate increase, they paid $34.50 per month for water and $39.98 per month for sewer service.

The new rates are $36.23 for water and $41.98 for sewer.

Figures were provided for yearly increases through Nov. 1, 2026. Residential monthly water rates will top out at $38.45 in 2026 while sewer rates will be at $44.55 in three years.

For commercial properties, the monthly rate for water increased from $43.50 to $45.68 and the sewer rate increased from $45.17 to $47.73.

The base water rate includes 6,000 gallons of water monthly from October through May and 10,000 gallons monthly from June through September.

Those using water above those numbers will be charged $1.50 for each additional 1,000 gallons.

People who want to connect to the city water main will pay a $3,500 tap fee. Those who want to connect to the city’s sewer main will pay a $2,000 tap fee.

Also, a $2 monthly fee will be charged for all customers to pay for the replacement of water meters.

City clerk/treasurer Tracy Rebo said because of failing meters, they recently bought 50, which cost $20,000.

Those who use the bulk fill station will no longer get water for free. They will have to pay five cents per gallon. A keypad/debit card system will be installed for customers at the site.

Council chambers were full for the meeting, which drew passionate comments from city residents and those living outside city limits that aren’t connected to city water and sewage and will now need to buy water they get at the bulk fill station.

Larry Davis said he didn’t mind paying for water, but his concern was, “what’s planned for the bulk of the people is unjust.”

“I am willing to pay for water, but not at the rates that are advertised,” he said. “I have a well, but it went belly up. I know people who knew others who took water (from bulk fill station) without paying for it. But they didn’t want to get involved by calling to report it. The city should take responsibility for what is stolen.”

The man also said his well troubles were due to heavy equipment being run over adjacent property that helped to ruin his well.

Councilor Dallas Carr said the increases will allow the city to do needed work now and in the future. He told the man who objected to the amount of the increases, “Larry, it’s your God-given right to live where you want to. But we have to do something and we’re trying to keep down as much as possible.”

Another man who lives four miles outside of city limits, said, “When I have a problem, I take care of it.”

One woman, also residing outside of city limits, said, “We shouldn’t have to pay more than city residents.”

But council members countered with their reasons for approving the rate increases.

“We haven’t increased rates in 15 years,” Rebo said. “Everything costs more and with the water thefts from bulk fill, it’s left us lacking in the money we need to repair or replace lines and other equipment.”

Rebo also pointed out that when the city had to buy a $35,000 water pump, it didn’t come to its users for the money.

Councilor Jamie Shupe said the decision to raise rates was done out of necessity.

“We’re trying to stay afloat and our rates came in significantly lower than many other comparable Montana cities such as Thompson Falls or Three Forks.

“Also, because of people abusing the honor system at the bulk fill station, we have no money for preventative maintenance or future projects.”

Another resident questioned if the city had received any grants for water or sewer work.

“We’ve received $1.5 million in grants for those of projects and we know it’s something we have to do,” Rebo said.