Baker City Proposes Property Swap and Infrastructure Transfers with Fallon County

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The City of Baker, Montana is in negotiations with Fallon County to transfer ownership of several parcels of land and infrastructure in a complex deal that would allow both entities to address pressing infrastructure projects. The proposed agreement would see the city transfer ownership of the golf course, airport, and other non-revenue generating properties to the county, while the county would take over the Lakeview Country Club sewer system and the Bonnievale water line. The city would also retire outstanding infrastructure loans from the county. This multi-faceted transaction is pending further review, but city and county officials believe it will enable critical improvements to the golf course irrigation system and water infrastructure within the city.

Why it matters

This deal highlights the collaborative approach the City of Baker and Fallon County are taking to address shared infrastructure needs. By consolidating ownership and transferring assets, both entities can focus resources on priority projects that will benefit the broader community. The agreement also demonstrates the complex financial and operational considerations municipalities must navigate when maintaining aging infrastructure.

The details

Under the proposed agreement, the City of Baker would transfer ownership of the Lakeview Country Club Sanitary Sewer System, the Bonnievale water line, Triangle Park, Mangold Ball Fields, and several other non-revenue generating properties to Fallon County. In exchange, the county would take over the remaining balance of a zero-interest infrastructure loan from the county to the city for the Montana Avenue Watermain Replacement Project, as well as the balances of two water and sewer improvement district loans. The city currently maintains the Lakeview sewer line and Bonnievale water line at no cost to the county, and the transfer would formalize those operational responsibilities. The property transfers would consolidate ownership of the golf course, airport, and other recreational areas under the county, allowing both entities to focus resources on critical infrastructure upgrades.

• The City of Baker is currently in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year, prompting a review of budgets and planning for the next fiscal cycle.
• Last fall, a video inspection of the Lakeview Country Club Sanitary Sewer System revealed a couple of minor issues that require annual maintenance.
• A public hearing on the proposed property and infrastructure transfers was recently held by the City of Baker, and further public input is welcome.

What’s next

The proposed agreement is pending further review, including a survey of the properties involved. A public hearing has been held, and the city and county are welcoming additional input from residents before finalizing the deal.