Missoula County faces critical infrastructure funding crisis

In a recent meeting, Missoula County officials discussed the pressing need for infrastructure funding, highlighting significant deficiencies in roads, bridges, and trails. Chief Administrative Officer Chris Lonsberry and Chief Public Works Officer Shane Stack presented a proposal for a mill levy election aimed at generating approximately $1.7 million annually to address these critical issues.

Stack outlined the current state of Missoula County's infrastructure, revealing that the county maintains over 4,150 miles of roads, with only a fraction adequately funded for maintenance. He noted that the county's public works department faces severe financial constraints due to a mill cap and inflation restrictions, which limit available funding for essential projects. The total estimated cost for necessary road and bridge maintenance is around $4.3 million per year, while current funding stands at approximately $600,000.

The discussion included details about the county's bridges, many of which are in critical condition. Stack identified several bridges with load limits and those deemed \"scour critical,\" indicating a risk of structural failure during high water events. The estimated cost to repair or replace these bridges exceeds $60 million, with the McLeay Bridge alone projected to cost around $30 million.

Lonsberry emphasized the county's ongoing efforts to secure alternative funding sources, including attempts to implement a local option gas tax and legislative initiatives that have not materialized. He pointed out that the proposed mill levy would specifically fund road, bridge, and trail maintenance, ensuring that voter-approved funds are allocated directly to these infrastructure needs.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and skepticism regarding the proposed levy. Some residents urged the county to explore cost-saving measures, such as hiring a procurement director to negotiate better contracts, while others expressed concerns about the increasing burden on taxpayers.

The proposed mill levy, if approved, would cost the average homeowner approximately $33.75 per year, or about $3 a month, and would be presented to voters in the upcoming November election. The county officials stressed the urgency of addressing infrastructure needs to prevent further deterioration and ensure public safety.