St. Marie Water Manager Fired, Board Members Tackle Problems
North Valley County Water and Sewer District Manager Terry Kolpin was fired during a special meeting Aug. 27, according to NVCWSD board member Krystal Dickerson. Dickerson first called for Kolpin’s resignation in mid-August via email. She said the cause of Kolpin’s termination was related to repeated failures to follow signatory procedures for payroll checks.
Kolpin was at the managerial helm as accusations began to fly earlier this year about mismanagement of district equipment and funds, as well as failure to meet state water testing standards and other issues.
According to Montana DEQ public policy director Rebecca Harbage, the water in St. Marie remains safe to drink, though she confirmed NVCWSD testing irregularities during a phone call in July.
“They have received several violations from DEQ this year for failure to monitor and report monthly bacteria samples and chlorine residuals,” Harbage said. “These and other violations have been referred to DEQ’s enforcement program for action.”
Recent problems in St, Marie include inoperative and inaccurate water meters, untested portions of the district water system and a substantial leak leading to an open pool on Pine Street that has been developing for weeks. Residents report inaccurate bills and unavailable NVCWSD staff.
New board member John Mraz was appointed in August and will join Dickerson, DeLee Hustad, Russ Kolpin and Carl Millerick on the board at a formal swearing-in ceremony this week.
Dickerson said St. Marie residents hoping to make payments should be advised that the system is down while board members gain access. She told the Northern Plains Independent that Kolpin locked the board out of the payments system on her way out the door. “Terry is not cooperating,” she said. “We have at least gained access to the mail.”
Payments and inquiries can be made by contacting board members directly. Dickerson’s number is 406-263-1438.Hustad can be reached at 520-3050705. The mailing address is PO Box 1067 in Glasgow. The next regular NVCWSD board meeting is set for Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at the town hall building in St. Marie.
Pine Street
A water line break in August led to a open pool on Pine Street between Ash and Cedar streets in St. Marie. At press time, Sept. 9, parts needed for the repair were still unavailable.
(Photo Submitted)
