Water rate increase approved

The Seeley Lake Water District Board voted to approve a rate increase to users’ monthly water fees.

This increase is needed to balance the nonprofit water district’s budget after Pyramid Mountain Lumber, the district’s largest user, shuts down and stops using water. Vincent Chappell, Seeley Lake Water District manager, said when the mill does finally shut down the district will lose about $55,000 each year.

“Unfortunately we have to find a way to make up that deficit and the only way to do that is to raise rates to other customers,” Chappell said.

Chappel said the increase is likely to be perm...