Judge denies Mountain Water Co. request to postpone trial

“The condemnation trial for Mountain Water Co. won’t be postponed, even by a couple of months, according to a Missoula County District Court order issued this week.

“The Court acknowledges the complexity of this case, its importance and the extensive discovery disputes,” Judge Karen Townsend wrote in an order Tuesday. “However, this case will be just as complex and contentious if it is held 12 months from the time of service as if it is held 10 months from the time of service.”

This spring, the city of Missoula took Mountain Water Co. and owner The Carlyle Group to court to try to force the global equity firm to sell the utility to the city. In a recent motion, Mountain Water requested the court postpone the March 18, 2015, trial start date.”

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Szpaller, Keila. The Missoulian 26 December 2014.