Montana Success Stories
Administrative order results in district formation
Where: Hebgen Lake is a retirement and resort community located in southwest Montana.
Problem: Hebgen Lake’s wastewater system, formed under Montana law as a Rural Special Improvement District, struggled more than a year to end deficiencies with the lagoon and made no progress in reaching a solution.
Solution: MAP assisted the community with a strategic plan for a district formation and board training including setting by-laws, developing policies and procedures and establishing fair and equitable rates.
Hebgen Lake, Montana, a retirement and resort community of about 35 full-time residents, is located in southwest Montana. A member of the Hebgen Lake Homeowners Association (HOA) requested that Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) contact the community.
This wastewater system, formed under Montana State law as a Rural Special Improvement District under the authority of Gallatin County Sanitarian, had an Administrative Order from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality due to discharge from the Hebgen Lake HOA lagoon into the Madison River. For over a year, the community struggled with deficiencies with the lagoon and no progress was made in finding a solution. Subsequently, MAP was asked to assist with forming a water district.
MAP assisted community leaders to develop a strategic plan, conduct required hearings and establish a timeline to accomplish the district formation. MAP attended all public meetings, prepared handouts, and responded to numerous questions. Residents agreed to the formation and MAP finalized a petition for required signatures, developed procedures for out-of-state property owners to register to vote, and met with the community to plan the final strategy for district formation vote. The vote passed with 41 in favor and 7 opposed.
MAP also provided board training on roles and responsibilities, setting by-laws, developing policies and procedures, and setting fair and equitable rates.
For more information, contact:
Phone: 952-758-4334
Fax: 952-758-4336
E-mail: map@map-inc.org
MAP is a member of the RCAP network and an equal-opportunity lender, provider and employer.