Commission approves annexation of 4-Corners parcel from Gallatin Gateway to Central Valley Fire District amid neighbors’ concerns

Gallatin County commissioners on Tuesday approved a petition to withdraw a single parcel from the Gallatin Gateway Rural Fire District and annex it into the Central Valley Fire District, finding that the transfer showed “more advantageous proximity and communications” with Central Valley’s firefighting facilities as required by state statute.

Clerk and Recorder Eric Semerad opened the item, noting the petition (filed May 20) claimed signatures of all property owners for the single parcel at the southwest corner of the 4‑Corners intersection. Semerad told the commission he had published notice in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and notified both fire districts; he also said he would correct a typographical error in the draft resolution that incorrectly stated notice was mailed to landowners (the applicable annexation statute does not require mailing notice to landowners for transfers between adjacent fire districts).

During public comment, nearby residents and the Gallatin Gateway Rural Fire District urged the commission to deny or continue the petition so the two districts could engage in more coordinated discussion. Terry Patterson, district clerk for Gallatin Gateway, said Gateway’s board and chief had not been informed in advance of the petition and that the transfer would reduce Gateway’s revenue base by $1,116.45 on the county tax bill. The Gateway representative also said mutual aid arrangements and staffing questions meant Central Valley’s capacity to serve the parcel was not clearly superior.

Central Valley Fire District’s acting chief, Fire Marshal Jake Salome, said the annexation request principally reflects property‑owner interest in lower insurance premiums and in access to Central Valley’s services, which include a transport ambulance and 24/7 staffed Station 3 with career firefighters and paramedics. Salome told commissioners Central Valley maintains a Public Protection Classification rating of 3 and provides advanced life support transport; he said Station 3 is staffed “24/7, 365” by career personnel and noted volunteers augment staffing.

Legal counsel Leanne Certain of the county attorney’s office advised the commission the governing statute (7‑33‑2126 MCA) requires the commission to allow transfer only if the petition shows “more advantageous proximity and communications with the firefighting facilities of the other district.” Semerad and staff supplied basic tax and valuation information: the property’s taxable value meant Gallatin Gateway would receive roughly $1,116.45 if the parcel remained in that district; under Central Valley’s mills the owner would pay about $2,400 in district taxes, information Central Valley said the petitioner accepted in exchange for potential insurance savings.

Commissioners expressed frustration that the two districts had not engaged in a pre‑hearing conversation and that the petitioner was not present. Some commissioners said they would be inclined to continue the hearing to allow more interagency discussion and to hear from the petitioner; others said the statutory standard focused only on proximity and communications and that those factors did not favor denial. After deliberation, a commissioner moved to approve Resolution 2025‑044; the motion passed by voice vote.

The commission’s action transfers the parcel’s taxing authority and fire‑service affiliation to Central Valley Fire District. Staff noted the transfer affects the districts’ tax bases and urged any future disputes or boundary adjustments be discussed in interagency forums. Attorneys and staff also noted that denial for insufficient communications is discretionary; the statutory test governs the commission’s decision in the absence of sufficient protest.