Lakeside ratepayers deserve transparency

I’m writing as a concerned resident, hoping that members of the Lakeside County Water and Sewer Board and other Lakeside residents read your paper and what I have to say.

Having recently read Susan Cahill’s insightful article, “Rate Hikes and Lake Health: Demand Transparency Now.” Her piece eloquently highlights the critical need for clear communication and accountability from our Lakeside Water and Sewer District Board (LCWSD), and I wholeheartedly echo these sentiments. I also read Tobias Liechti’s opinion column in the July 19 Inter Lake. Tobias is the son of Lakeside County Water and Sewer Board board president Mark Liechti, who has been on that board for the past 17 years. Tobias’s letter, like his father’s leadership on the board, is so dismissive and disrespectful of public concerns that it does not deserve any other further comment.

The core purpose of the district and board, as I understand it, is to ensure public health, protect Flathead Lake and provide affordable wastewater services. It’s also clear, both from common sense and the district’s own bylaws, that decisions as impactful as rate increases must be made with the full and transparent involvement of the community.

The proposed rate increase, while perhaps deemed necessary by the board, is a significant financial ask from every household and business in our area. Before we can accept such an increase, we, the ratepayers, deserve a complete and open explanation. Where exactly will this money go? Is it for day-to-day operations, crucial new projects, or to cover existing shortfalls? We need to see a detailed, line-by-line budget that justifies the increase, along with information on any alternative funding options that were considered.

When decisions of this magnitude are not thoroughly explained, it erodes public confidence. It can make it seem like decisions are already made behind closed doors, rather than being the result of careful public consideration. This isn’t about delaying essential work; it’s about ensuring that work is done responsibly and with community buy-in. A small delay to provide comprehensive information and host public forums is a worthwhile investment in building long-term trust.

Please remember the impact these increases have on our community members — seniors on fixed incomes, young families managing tight budgets and small businesses. Every additional cost matters. And we understand that this is only the first of other rate increases coming to cover district expenses as the district tries to expand and cover a backlog of maintenance costs it appears not to have preplanned for.

I urge the board to slow down this process. Let’s work together to build a strong foundation of trust. Please hold public workshops, make detailed financial reports easily accessible online and answer all questions from the community directly and without hesitation. 

Only when we have a full and transparent understanding of the need can a vote on a rate increase truly be considered fair and legitimate. This is our community, and we insist on a process that reflects that reality.

Brenda Huntsman is a Lower valley resident.