Thompson Falls Council Debates Vacant Lot Water and Sewer Fees

City also votes to resume Zoom streaming of council meetings after security concerns were addressed.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Thompson Falls City Council discussed potential changes to water and sewer charges for vacant lots during a lengthy meeting on Monday. The council also voted to resume using Zoom to stream city council meetings for public access and transparency, after previously discontinuing the practice due to security concerns. Additionally, the council reviewed updates to the city's comprehensive plan and a proposed city speed limit ordinance.

Why it matters

The debate over vacant lot water and sewer fees highlights the city's efforts to balance the needs of property owners, maintain a stable revenue stream for infrastructure, and ensure equitable policies. The return to Zoom streaming also demonstrates the council's commitment to public access and transparency in local government, despite previous technical challenges.

The details

The council discussed a proposed resolution that would eliminate "monthly base charges, minimum charges, availability charges, or standby charges for water or sewer service on parcels classified as Vacant Lots." Some council members expressed concerns about the potential financial impact, while others emphasized the need for transparency and fairness. The council voted to move the resolution to the committee as a whole for further review. The council also voted to resume using Zoom to stream meetings, after previously discontinuing the practice due to security concerns. Residents expressed support for the Zoom option, citing the importance of accessibility and transparency in local government.

  • The council meeting took place on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

Rusti Leivestad

A Thompson Falls City Council member who expressed concern about the financial impact of eliminating vacant lot water and sewer charges.

Catherine DeWitt

A Thompson Falls City Council member who raised issues with how a "vacant lot" was defined in the proposed resolution.

Gussie O'Connor

The Mayor of Thompson Falls, who noted that the city previously discontinued using Zoom due to security concerns, but has now found a way to address those issues.

Jan Henry

A Thompson Falls resident who expressed support for the use of Zoom to stream city council meetings, citing the importance of transparency and accessibility.

Mark Sheets

A former mayor of Thompson Falls, who argued that the city's water and sewer base rates are necessary to ensure adequate reserves and maintenance costs.

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What they’re saying

“We found another way to handle it. It will have a watermark.”

— Gussie O'Connor, Mayor of Thompson Falls (scledger.net)

“I agree it's a good idea but would like cash flow projections," as well as advice from the city's bond counsel.”

— Rusti Leivestad, Thompson Falls City Council member (scledger.net)

“The base rate makes sure that all those conditions can be met," he said. "The city should go through the total finances for water and sewer. The rates have not gone up for two years,”

— Mark Sheets, Former Mayor of Thompson Falls (scledger.net)

What’s next

The council will review the proposed resolution on vacant lot water and sewer charges in the committee as a whole before the next council meeting on April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The Thompson Falls City Council's debate over vacant lot water and sewer fees and the decision to resume Zoom streaming of meetings demonstrates the city's efforts to balance the needs of property owners, maintain infrastructure funding, and ensure transparency in local government, despite some previous technical challenges.