Missoula County signs letter to community council outlining response to Seeley Lake 'community decay' concerns

Missoula County commissioners signed a letter to the CLA Community Council summarizing county efforts to address concerns described as community decay in Seeley Lake and outlining next steps for coordination with residents.

The letter, read at the meeting, said county staff and partner agencies have been meeting with residents and subcommittees and that the sheriff’s office and Missoula Public Health are participating in efforts to identify priority properties and provide guidance. It named environmental health managers Charlie Shane and Elena Evans and Planning, Development and Sustainability Director Karen Hughes as staff who attended recent meetings and described planned follow‑up on the top three properties identified by the subcommittee.

The letter also noted community members working to establish a neighborhood watch program received guidance on when to call 911 and what deputies can and cannot do in response to complaints. It invited the community council to schedule a presentation from the public health promotion division on substance misuse prevention and offered continued engagement by county staff.

County staff acknowledged limits on remedies where issues involve private property rights: “Some of the issues raised involve private property rights, which means solutions may be limited to what property owners themselves are willing to permit or participate in,” the letter reads.

Commissioners present signed the letter and expressed appreciation for staff and community engagement; a commissioner said the multi‑department approach will be needed to address concerns.