Frequently Asked Questions

When is Town Hall open?

Ennis Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Please note: As there is only one clerk in the office, Town Hall is closed daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch.

Town Hall is closed in observance of the following holidays:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Third Monday in January – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Third Monday in February – Presidents’ Day
• Last Monday in May – Memorial Day
• July 4 – Independence Day
• First Monday in September – Labor Day
• Second Monday in October – Columbus Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day
• Fourth Thursday and Friday in November – Thanksgiving
• December 24 & 25 – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• State General Election Day (Congressional, Gubernatorial, or Presidential)

What is the Local Government Review

A unique provision in Montana’s Constitution is the decennial Local Government Review.  This voter-initiated review of municipal and county governments is an opportunity for locally elected study commission to evaluate the existing structure of government and compare it to alternatives structures available under the state law and proposes changes, if warranted, to the local electorate for adoption. The applicable laws, 7-3-171 through 7-3-193, MCA can be found here: Montana Code Annotated

Where to find more information on the Local Government Review?

More information can be found on the process at the MSU Local Government Center here: Montana’s Local Government Voter Review

Who are the Local Government Review Members?

Kelly Elser – Presiding Officer – localgovtkelly@gmail.com

Karen Ketchu – Recommended Ex-Officio – karenk@ennismontana.org

Brittney Hirsch – lgrennisbrittney@gmail.com

Vacant Seat

Timeline and Meeting Schedule?

All meetings scheduled to be held at Madison Valley Public Library. Actual meeting details will be posted as the agenda becomes available.

Amended Timeline Published 6/14/2025

Click here to view the Amended Timeline Published 6/14/2025

Original Timeline (see amended timeline above)

Click here to view the Original Timeline

How could I have used this much water?

Check These Common Causes First

Even small leaks can add up quickly, and larger leaks can waste thousands of gallons per day. Before assuming a major issue, please review the following common causes:

• Running toilets – can use up to 200 gallons per day
• Leaky faucets – a slow drip can waste up to 20 gallons per day
• Irrigation system leaks – broken lines can waste hundreds of gallons
• Water-cooled appliances – may use more water than expected
• Leaking water heaters – often go unnoticed but can be costly

In some cases, unusual usage may be due to a simple issue such as a misread or transposed meter reading. There may also be a hidden leak, such as a running toilet or a slow faucet drip that is difficult to detect.

If you have concerns about your water usage, please contact the office. We are happy to work with you to identify and resolve the issue.

Can someone help me create an online payment portal account?

Yes. You may visit the Library, where staff will be happy to assist you with registering for the online payment portal.

I will be moving soon and would like to know what steps I need to take regarding my water and sewer

The individual(s) listed on the account are responsible for notifying the clerk of their move-out date. Please contact our office several days in advance of your move to ensure adequate time to process your final bill.

If you are the property owner and wish to have water service discontinued, please contact our office directly to arrange this request. Please note that any outstanding balance left by a renter is the responsibility of the property owner.

Why do I have a $2 DEQ fee on my water bill?

The $2 fee is an ANNUAL fee that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) charges its public water supply systems. DEQ charges the Town of Ennis $2 per user annually. This fee began in 1991 after the Montana Legislature voted to implement the fee.
Part of the legislative language reads: “in support of the Public Water Supply Program, which assures all sampling and monitoring is completed; performing required inspections and providing technical assistance outreach on compliance issues and for providing and supporting training for certified operators; annual monitoring schedules; enforcing, implementing, and managing federal drinking water regulations”.
The Town of Ennis has no choice but to charge this annual fee as required by law, and that is why once a year, in December, you will see a $2 DEQ fee on your water bill.

When are the water meters read?

Water meters are read around the 20th of each month. If you move out before that date—for example, on the 12th—we will take a final meter reading on your move-out date and prorate your water and sewer bill accordingly.

Billing is based on actual usage from the previous reading (around the 20th of the prior month) to the most recent reading.

Do I need to license my dog in Ennis?

Yes. If you own or keep a dog within Ennis town limits, you are required to obtain a dog license from Ennis Town Hall.

What is required to get a dog license?

Proof of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of licensing.

Does Ennis have a leash law?

Yes. Ennis enforces a mandatory leash law. Dogs are not permitted to run at large within town limits.

Are there rules about leaving dogs in pickup trucks?

Yes. If you leave your dog in the bed of a pickup truck while visiting a business, the dog must be properly secured with a leash or tether.

What if I have three or more dogs at my residents?

Apply for a Kennel License

A kennel license may be issued as an alternative to individual animal licensing for applicants who breed, harbor, or keep more than three (3) dogs for commercial purposes, in association with a valid Town business license. The following requirements must be met prior to issuance:

Kennel License Requirements:

1. A current Town business license must be issued to the applicant.
2. A completed written application must be submitted to the Town Clerk, including the applicant’s name, physical and mailing address, the number of dogs currently at the facility, and the maximum number of dogs anticipated.
3. Proof of current rabies vaccinations for all animals at the facility must be provided with the application.
4. A completed adjacent neighbor notification form must be submitted to the Town Clerk and kept on file. This requirement is required only once and may be waived for renewals.
5. A $50.00 fee must accompany the kennel license application.

What options are available for submitting a public comment if I am unable to attend a meeting in person?

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you may submit your public comment by email to the Mayor, Clerk, or Town Commission and request that it be read aloud during the appropriate portion of the meeting.

What is the difference between public comment on agenda items and public comment on non-agenda items?

Public Comment (Agenda Items):
This portion of the meeting is for comments specifically related to items listed on the meeting agenda. If you want to provide input on a topic the governing body is scheduled to discuss or act on, this is the appropriate time to speak.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:
This is an opportunity to address the governing body about matters not listed on the agenda. While officials can listen and may respond briefly, they typically cannot take formal action on these items during that meeting due to public notice requirements.

In short, agenda item comments are tied to scheduled business, while non-agenda comments allow for general input on other concerns or topics.