MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
July 9, 2025
The Third Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Ninth day of July, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
There were present and participating at the meeting:
Jackson Dion
Lance Kalfell
Also present and participating were: Tim Kortum, Secretary, and Jessica Schott, Treasurer. President Barry Rakes was absent.
Vice President Jackson Dion called the meeting to order at 1:34 p.m., stating that all necessary and advisable business be conducted during this time and that notice had been received by each Board Member.
Thereupon, Vice President Jackson Dion announced that legal notice had been given and a quorum was present so that the meeting was legally and lawfully ready to transact business.
The Minutes from the June 11th, 2025, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:35 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through July to all Board members for their review. A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and a form for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $42,560.18, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. July 15th estimated payroll: $13,668.17, July invoices: $14,314.70, and July 31st estimated payroll: $14,577.31. This transfer authorization was approved on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:44 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott then presented the investment statement, which was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $793,967.58 with the Prairie County Investment Pool. Warrant numbers from June 13, 2025 to July 10, 2025 range from 29038-29094.
The treasurer's report was approved at 1:46 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Jessica Schott presented to the Board Assessment projection worksheets to assist the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board in their review of the financials for the 2026 water season assessments. After much discussion and consideration, the 2026 Operating Year assessments are set as follows. The amount per acre will increase to $65.00 per acre.
O&M = $54.00
EQUIP RESERVE = $5.00
SYSTEM REHAB = $6.00
TOTAL = $65.00
At 2:04 p.m., on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion, it was RESOLVED,
To assess $65.00 per acre for the 2026 Operating Year Assessments for Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2.
The 2026 Water Overage rate is set as follows.
The Overage Fee will remain at a rate of $22.00 per acre foot. At 2:07
p.m., on a motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell, it was
RESOLVED,
That the 2026 Water Overage Fee for Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 will be a fee of $22.00 per acre foot. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Tim Kortum reported to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that the Fallon River pump has been back in service since July 3rd and all has been running well. He also mentioned that Josh is treating the Shirley canal for moss.
Mr. Kortum also reported that the Terry #2 pump has a vibration and has been shut down. The Terry canal is running on two pumps until the ditch can be shut down to pick up the pump and remove the debris.
Tim Kortum then provided an update on the Shirley Main Canal Rehabilitation grant, stating that a project design draft was expected to be received from Performance Engineering this week. After the design is approved and finalized, Performance Engineering will publish the request for materials bid which will begin the process of collection price estimates for lining and materials.
Jessica Schott then reminded the board that the audit for Fiscal Year 2024 would begin on Monday, July 14th, and was expected to be completed by Thursday, July 17th.
Finally, there was a brief discussion regarding the unused fish screens being stored at the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 yard, and what could be done with them. After this discussion, it was agreed by all present to make an attempt to sell the fish screens as they are unusable to the District. Updates will be provided as this process proceeds.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:37 p.m. on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Tim Kortum,
Secretary Barry
Rakes, President
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