Irrigation commissioner gives update on meeting

On Monday, July 11, the Flathead Irrigation District board held its third regular meeting since the May election. 

All were happy that the Post C canal break had been repaired and water is flowing. It was agreed that a Flathead Irrigation District meeting would be held in Charlo after the irrigation season to provide an opportunity for project management and irrigators to review what had happened and discuss how to deal with such breaks in future. 

Because many irrigators complain that no one listens to their irrigation problems much less try to solve them there was agreement that future meetings should discuss and develop ways to address problems, including conflicts among irrigators. Suggestions from irrigators would be appreciated.

There was concern about the possibility that the Bureau of Indian Affairs will implement a $7.50 increase in project Operation and Maintenance fees. It was felt that it would be more prudent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to implement a partial increase and evaluate the need for additional increases after that increase has been fully absorbed.

Commissioners and members of the public are angry that the Flathead Joint Board of Concern refuses to accept the May election results as certified by Lake County officials. Also, there are basic questions about the legality of Flathead Joint Board of Control decisions made by a board that includes members who lost the election and not those members who have been certified.

On Monday, August 8, Flathead Irrigation District will meet at 1 PM at Mission Mountain Food Enterprise, 407 Main Street, Ronan. 

-Dick Erb, Moiese