Resident against Bigfork water bond issue

The recent article regarding Bigfork Water bond issue is misleading as it states that they need additional water storage for fire suppression. This isn’t true. Fire crews responding to a fire have water with them. If they need additional water, they can request that water tankers bring it to them. The tankers can fill their tanks by pumping water from one of the lakes, rivers, or ponds found throughout the area. They do not have to use treated water stored by the Bigfork Water District.

Regarding the bond issue based on the appraised value of your property, I don’t understand the relationship of how much water you use and the value of your property---their estimate of $43.94 for $100,000 and an additional $43.94 for each $100,000 in value. A $500,000 value would be $351.52.

The only one that benefits is the Bigfork Water District. The District has over extended itself. and this project would bring them up to compliance with Montana requirements and provide additional water for subdivisions. The question is how to pay for it.

If you have your own well and receive no service from the Water District, should you have to pay for these improvements or should the users, current and future, pay an additional $17 a month for these improvements.

If you think the users and developers should pay, VOTE NO for the bond issue!!

— Bill Pederson, Bigfork