Council accepts pool deal

A frustrated Havre City Council reluctantly agreed to a deal with Hill County over the city swimming pool Monday night.

Under the deal, the county will pay $20,000 to the city each year for three years. There is an automatic renewal after three years unless the county gives 30 days notice.

City Councilman Gerry Veis said that the country virtually dictated the terms of the out-of-court settlement, and said it was "asinine" for the city to agree to a deal that could be terminated in three years "and we will be back where we started."

The city operates the pool, but under a 1974 agreement, the county pays money to the city each year.

Several years ago, the county and city became engaged in a legal battle over who should pay how much. Since then, the county has stopped paying anything.

City officials said when the matter went to court they expected the case would last a year or so. Instead, it is going on five years, with no end in sight.

"Now it looks like this will go on two or three more years," said Councilman Allen "Woody" Woodwick, "then the losing side would appeal."

Councilman Andrew Brekke said he philosophically agreed with Veis.

"This is not good," he said of the deal. "I am going to vote for it reluctantly.

He said it was "frustrating" to have to be involved with negotiations with county commissioners who were unwilling to yield.

Legal fees were so high that the city had little to gain, even if the judge ruled in its favor, councilmen said.

"We have to move on," said Councilman Andrew Brekke. "The lawyers are sucking us dry."

But Brekke insisted the cuunty will "meet us halfway" on other subjects, such annexation of property outside city limits.