Montana Title 76. Land Resources and Use § 76-5-1116. Determination of fees and charges

(1) In fixing the rate, fee, toll, or rent for water furnished for household use, domestic use, irrigation use, industrial use, and municipal use and for water used for streamflow stabilization, the governing body shall charge a fee sufficient to pay the proportionate share of the repairs, maintenance, and operating expenses as the use bears in economic value to the total economic value of the total use of the facilities of the project or projects. The economic value is to be determined by the governing body.

(2) For the benefits received by areas within the boundaries of the project or projects for flood prevention, flood control, and pollution abatement, the governing body shall determine a reasonable valuation or charge. The valuation or charge must be certified by the governing body to the county commissioners prior to the time general taxes are levied and assessed. Subject to 15-10-420, the county commissioners shall levy a special assessment as provided for in 76-5-1113 and 76-5-1114 against the area or areas sufficient to provide revenue for the repairs, maintenance, and operating expenses of the project.

(3) For recreation use the governing body shall first determine the share of the costs of operation, repairs, and depreciation to be charged against recreation uses and from this figure shall subtract the estimated amount of fees and tolls collected for recreation uses. The deficiency, if any, must be certified to the county commissioners, and subject to 15-10-420, special assessments must be levied by the county commissioners in the manner provided in this section.