The Plains Town Council held their monthly meeting Monday, discussing proposed increases of the sewer rates. The council discussed how to approach an increase that would be most appropriate for all residents affected. 

The discussion included whether to increase the base rate, currently $26.86.

The council said the addtional revenue will go toward moving the wastewater plant to a new location. The plant currently is near a stretch of the Clark Fork River where the bank has been eroding.

The move has been discussed in the past but recently became more pressing. During a 10-day period in May 2018, the Clark Fork River eroded 47 feet of the bank that separates the river from the wastewater lagoons.  

“No one wants to pay more money. I get that. But it’s about an urgent need,” Plains Mayor Dan Rowan siad. 

There was no decision made for what the exact increase will be but the council plans to move forward during its next meeting in early September. Mayor Rowan also commented on his surprise for small turnout at the meeting, prompting the council to discuss different ways to spread the word about the Town Council meetings and encourage residents to come share their thoughts.