(A) As required by MCA § 7-2-4732, this annexation plan anticipates development for a period of at least ten years into the future. The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Decennial Census lists the population of the city at 3,111. The city growth policy update 2015 noted a historic growth rate of negative 0.69% annually. Recent preliminary engineering reports for water and wastewater systems estimate a population in 2025 of 3,365, a positive annual growth rate of 0.7%.
(B) In addition to considering the impacts and additional needs created by individual growth and development projects on a case-by-case basis, plans and studies for the following facilities and services will be consulted when annexation is considered.
(1) The city growth policy update, 2015. While the population projections in the city growth policy update are based on historic averages, the growth policy calls for the city to be prepared for a slow shift towards an increasing population. In the meantime, the document calls for the need to annex in order to accommodate new business opportunities and allow for subdivisions that will market newer housing options. The growth policy establishes policies and general land use patterns desired in newly annexed areas.
(2) The city zoning regulations. This document, which may be updated from time to time, establishes the type and intensity of development that can occur in newly annexed areas based on the guidance in the growth policy.
(3) Sewer. The city operates a wastewater collection and treatment system that provides capacity within the city boundary and on a limited basis outside the city boundary. The city’s wastewater treatment system has been operating below state and federal standards. In addition, the system is near the end of its lifespan. The city is in the process of upgrades to the treatment system. When the upgrades are complete, the city intends to operate and maintain sewer facilities in accordance with state and federal standards. The existing system is over designed for the population of the community. The system that is being constructed will reduce the size of the facility to accommodate a population of 4,500. The city also plans to study and upgrade the collection system which is prone to infiltration.
(4) Water. The city operates a municipal water supply and distribution system that provides capacity within the city boundary and on a limited basis outside the city boundary. The system is capable of meeting the design maximum day demand of 1,223 GPM in year 2033. The current system suffers from excessive leakage. The city plans to continue to identify leaks and improve the delivery system to reduce leakage. The city also plans to develop a new water source to replace a well that is out of service due to quality issues. The city intends to operate and maintain water facilities in accordance with state and federal standards.
(5) Streets and sidewalks. The city maintains streets and sidewalks within the city boundary. The city does not have plans for the extension of streets and sidewalks outside of its boundaries. The extension of streets and sidewalks will be made on an individual basis.
(6) Parks and trails. The city growth policy identifies areas for trail expansions and for future parks. The city will continue to explore options for trails and parks development.
(7) Storm drainage. The city maintains a small disconnected storm sewer system. There are no plans for the extension of this system. Storm drainage in areas to be annexed will be considered on an individual basis.
(8) Street lighting. Street lighting is provided in the city through lighting districts. No plans have been created to expand the districts. Instead, when new development occurs, lighting districts will be expanded or developed to fund the maintenance of new streetlights.
(9) Public safety. The city provides police and fire protection. In the area immediately outside the city limits in the county, the city provides fire services to a rural fire district through an interlocal agreement. At this time, there are no specific plans for expansion. Instead, additional equipment and personnel will be added as needed over time in accordance with city policies in effect at the time of development.
(10) Solid waste collection. Solid waste is collected by the City Solid Waste Department. Additional equipment and personnel will be added as needed over time in accordance with city policies in effect at the time of development.
(11) Capital improvements plan. The city has adopted a capital improvements plan which identifies a schedule and financing options for capital projects and equipment purchases. The capital improvements plan will be updated in 2016.
(Prior Code, § 11.03.010.020) (Res. 150, passed 6-18-2016; Ord. 2021-15, passed 12-20-2021)