Ratepayers deserve the full story

On June 18, Mr. Jeff Larsen, who also chairs the Flathead County Planning Board, praised the Montana Environmental Consultant Association's review of the Flathead County Water & Sewer District's proposed wastewater upgrades, calling the project "fiscally responsible" and claiming it will minimize costs to ratepayers. For residents, fiscal reality looks different.

On September 1, 2025, the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District (LCWSD) increased sewer rates by about $30 per month. Metered customers saw their base rate rise from $31 to $61 per ERU, while flat-rate customers saw rates increase from $48 to $78. Another increase is already scheduled for September 2026. A 61.7% increase is difficult to reconcile with claims of minimizing financial impacts. Project costs have escalated; LCWSD President Marc Liechti reported that the estimated cost of an additional storage pond rose from $4 to $11–12 million.  

The impact extends to the Somers Water & Sewer District, which relies on LCWSD for treatment, meaning Somers must absorb increases driven by decisions beyond their control. No one disputes the need for reliable sewage infrastructure. However, ratepayers deserve transparency about project costs and long-term financial obligations.  

Public discussions should include not only grants and partnerships, but the substantial rate increases already imposed and those still to come. Transparency is not opposition to progress—it is essential to public trust. 

— Jim Mathieu, Somers