The $2.00 "Annual MT-DEQ" fee is charged by the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality on each public water connection, ie.on each of the City's water customers. It is their "Community Connection Fee," adopted by the 1991 Montana Legislature to support the Public Water Supply Program. The fee is billed on the December water/sewer bill and then sent to MT DEQ.
FAQs
Annual MT-DEQ $2.00 Fee
What is the "Annual MT -DEQ" $2.00 Fee that shows up on my December water/sewer bill?
City Council
How do I get something on the City Council Agenda?
Contact the City Manager’s office.
When does the City Council meet?
7pm, on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
Where are minutes to City Council meetings?
The minutes can be viewed on our meetings page. Click here to view meeting minutes.
Where can I find downloadable versions of the forms I need to do business with the City?
On our forms page.
Where does the City Council meet?
Council Chambers @ City Hall.
Why do I need to call the City Manager? Doesn’t the Mayor run the City?
The explanation of this is a bit long for this page. Take a look at the Mayor/City Council page and the City Manager page to get a complete explanation.
General
Does this site support mobile phone browsing?
Absolutely. The site provides a rich experience for iPhone, Android and other phones with advanced mobile browsers, while offering clean simple formatting for less capable mobile browsers. The site automatically recognizes the capabilities of your phone’s browser and acts accordingly.
Public Works
How can I pay a water/sewer bill?
We offer several ways to pay your Utility Bill. Click here to go to our Pay Your Bill page for more information.
Resort Tax
Are tattoo shops subject to the Resort Tax?
Yes, tattoo shops are subject to the Resort Tax. Tattoos are an elective service and not considered a personal hygiene necessity, such as hair salons and barbers. Other elective services that all subject to the resort tax include eyelash extensions, piercings, and artificial nails.
What day do I begin collecting the 3% Resort Tax?
The 3% Resort Tax collection begins October 1, 2021.
May I remit the tax monthly instead of quarterly?
Yes, you may remit the tax monthly if you prefer. The tax is to be remitted by the 20th of the month following the end of the quarter. For the first remittance, the tax begins with the 2nd quarter, October, November and December, with the tax due on or before January 20th.
What do I include in Gross Sales for my Vacation Rental?
When reporting Vacation Rental income, report all fees such as nightly rental fee, cleaning fee, pet fee, extra person fee, etc. that you include in your reported Sales Income on your income tax return. Do not include fees or insurance paid to the 3rd party renting agency, such as AirBnB or VRBO.
Do I collect the tax on gift card sales?
No, you do not collect the tax on the sale of Gift Cards.
Is Bear Spray subject to the Resort Tax?
No - professionally and personally we consider Bear Spray to be a necessity when one is hiking in the mountains around Columbia Falls including Glacier National Park
Is gasoline taxed?
No - Gasoline is not subject to the Resort Tax. Diesel, gasoline, and oil is not taxed. The Resort Tax does not apply to Vehicles Sales or Service. No tax on auto parts
Snow Plowing
When does snow plowing start?
Snow plows typically start the plowing process after 4 inches of snow has accumulated. The Street Crews begin operations as needed 24 hours per day. The crews start plowing early enough to clear the major routes before morning traffic begins. All City Streets are cleared as soon as possible.
Can I shovel the snow from my driveway into the street?
No, you are not permitted to shovel the snow from your driveway or parking areas on to City Streets, it must be placed off the roadway. However, when shoveling, if you pile the majority of the snow to the left of your driveway, as you face your house, this helps when the snow plows come by and there will be less snow to be plowed in front of your driveway
What happens with blocked driveways and mailboxes?
Remember, the City does not typically plow out driveways or dig out mailboxes. Should you have a particular hardship, please contact the City at 892-4391. The City cannot plow private driveways or parking lots.
What does the city do with icy streets?
The City crews apply sand or chemicals as needed on major intersections and high traffic areas. Magnesium chloride is applied to roadway surfaces before freezing occurs to prevent the streets from becoming icy. A sand mixture is applied, if necessary, to icy streets. Unfortunately, the City cannot completely eliminate icy conditions so please drive cautiously.
Why can't I leave my car in the street?
By removing your car from the street, plowing can be done most efficiently and prevents the car from being plowed in. Some subdivisions are posted as NO PARKING FOR SNOW REMOVAL. Please observe all such signs.
What about portable basketball hoops?
Basketball hoops should not be placed in the street at any time as they can present a hazard.
Who is responsible for clearing the snow or ice from the sidewalk?
Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to private property is the responsibility of the property owner or resident per City Code 12.28. While City Code allows the sidewalk accumulation to be removed by twelve noon after accumulating overnight, please be mindful of the children and adults walking to school, work and the business district. If possible, please clear the snow early in the day to allow safe passage.
In addition to the street, where else can't I pile snow?
Piled snow and ice cannot obstruct fire hydrants or storm drains.
Utilities - Backflow Prevention
Where can I find a Certified Backflow Prevention Specialist?
The following individuals are licensed backflow prevention testers:
- Shayne Hatfield (406) 871-7999
- Paul Pierce (406) 871-6717
- Keith Gallagher (406) 314-5223
Please note that this a list of certified testers only. State law and the Uniform Plumbing Code state that the connection to the potable water system, the supply piping to the backflow prevention device, and the installation of the backflow prevention device requires the services of a Montana licensed master plumber, a plumbing permit. Please be reminded that homeowners are not allowed to work on their own system.