The Missoula City Council may vote tonight on a proposal that would allow the mayor to continue his effort to force the sale of the local water company to the city.
The Carlyle Group currently owns Mountain Water Company. A Canadian firm, Algonquin Power, has entered into an agreement to purchase Mountain Water and its California based parent company for $327 million.
The city's attempt to use eminent domain to take ownership of Mountain Water has proven to be costly and raised a few eyebrows.
Missoula City Council President, Marilyn Marler says the council usually votes the same night as hearings such as this. She says it's possible that council members could send the issue back to committee which would delay voting. However, she says this recommended motion was sponsored by nine council members, which shows unusually strong support.
She tells Edward O'Brien tonight's hearing is simply meant to clarify a few things:
Mountain Water today unveiled a newpublic information website, which is a comprehensive statement from the company on the condemnation and other related issues.
The Missoula City Council meets Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers at 140 West Pine Street.