As the project to install new distribution wells pushes forward, the Worden-Ballantine Yellowstone County Water District (WBYC) Board met Monday, April 11 to talk about moving on to the project’s final two phases.
Gary Fredericks said that he and his fellow board members are excited about the progress that’s been made, as well as nearing the final phase. “We’re just like everyone else, we have to use the same water, so we want to get it done as quickly as possible,” Fredericks stated.
Crystal Bennett, the Project Engineer, presented several facts and ideas regarding avenues for funding Phase 5, which included potentially having a “turn-key” piping project ready for the Yellowstone County Commissioners to look at. She stated that currently the project is in its fourth phase, which had a budget of $4.8 million. The deadline for decision-making on Phase 4 & 5 is September 30, 2022. Bennett added that May of 2023 is the approximate timeline for the rest of the construction in Phase 5.
The other major topic at this meeting: revising the city of Worden’s Rules and Regulations for water and sewer customers. According to General Manager Dan Krum, 1985 is the last time regulations were updated.
One issue members discussed was that ownership of the “meter horn” has never been prescribed in customer’s agreements. Meter horn refers to the setter between the main water line and the homeowner’s lines. Member Gary Fredericks voiced his opinion that the horn should be purchased and owned by the customer, not WBYC. “We [the WBYC] should not be in the plumbing business,” Fredericks stated. He further explained his stance by noting that it could become a liability problem for the District if the horn is owned by them rather than the customer.
After much discussion, President Dan Ewen concluded the meeting by instructing everyone to review the meter horn subject, plus the rest of the terms and regulations on file, so that the Board can vote on changes at their next meeting.
The Board meets every 2nd Monday at 7:00pm at 2449 Main Street in Worden.
