Stevensville council debates FY2025-26 budget, members raise packet and accounting concerns

Stevensville — On Sept. 11, 2025, the Stevensville Town Council held an extended public discussion of the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, including proposed capital-asset accounts for water and sewer, an airport fuel-tank rehabilitation project financed with federal and state grants, and an insurance payment tied to recent wind damage. A motion to adopt the budget (Resolution No. 574) was made and seconded, and councilors debated several line items and documentation requirements; the transcript does not record a final roll-call vote on the adoption in the portion provided.

The council held a separate, recorded vote earlier in the meeting to amend the prior-year budget. Councilor Parker moved and Councilor Smith seconded Resolution No. 573, described in the packet as “a resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville, Montana providing for the amendments of the budget for the 24‑25,” and that motion passed 3–0, as recorded in the minutes.

Why this matters: the annual budget sets tax levies, department appropriations, planned capital investments and staffing levels. During the meeting councilors questioned whether the packet included a required personnel roster showing positions, salaries and benefits and whether the top-line…