The agenda of the Sept. 21 Ronan City Council meeting presented on completing the steps for the Rural Development grants and loans for the Ronan Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements. Council members met online with Steve Troendle, USDA Montana State Community Facilitator of Water & Environmental. Other personnel from the state office were also in attendance and Ronan city attorney Clif Hayden.

The total loan and grant package is $9.7 million, with money from the United States Department Agriculture Rural Development Grant, the Montana Coal Endowment Fund, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and $25,000 from the city of Ronan to be repaid over 40 years at an interest rate of 2.875%. 

“It’s another major step up for this city,” said Ronan Councilman Larry Hall

The council approved the motion for Mayor Ryan Corum to sign a letter of intent to accept these conditions and a request for funding with interest rate of 2.875%.

“It’s as good a deal as we’re going to get,” said Public Works Director Dan Miller, when the group discussed the favorable interest rate. 

Council also approved Mission West Community Development Partners request for updated street closure of northbound Second Street West from Main Street to the alley for community paint day. 

Council then approved the Ronan Co-op Brewery’s application for an open container permit and street closure of Fourth Avenue. South West from Main Street to the alley on Oct. 2. The next meeting will be on Oct. 14.