Montana Title 7. Local Government § 7-13-4309. Procedure to collect sewer or water charges

(1) Sewer or water charges must be collected by the treasurer.

(2) On or before July 7 of each year, notice must be given by the city treasurer or town clerk to the owners of all lots or parcels of real estate to which sewer or water service has been furnished prior to July 1 by the city or town. The notice must specify the assessment owing and in arrears at the time of giving notice. The notice must be in writing and must state the amount of arrearage, including any penalty and interest assessed pursuant to the provisions of the city or town ordinance, and that unless the amount is paid within 30 days of the notice, the amount will be levied as a tax against the lot or parcel of real estate to which sewer or water service was furnished and for which payment is delinquent. The notice must also state that the city or town may by suit collect past-due assessments, interest, and penalties, as a debt owing the city or town, in any court of competent jurisdiction, including city court. The notice may be delivered to the owner personally or by letter addressed to the owner at the post-office address of the owner as shown in property tax records maintained by the department of revenue.

(4) A city or town may, in addition to pursuing the collection of assessments in the same manner as a tax, bring suit in any court of competent jurisdiction, including city court, to collect the amount due and owing, including penalties and interest, as a debt owing the city or town.