Bozeman Study Commission adopts draft budget, funds recording secretary and outreach

The Bozeman Study Commission unanimously approved a draft budget on Jan. 22 that allocates funds for a short-term recording secretary, contracted communications and outreach, and election costs for its work toward charter- and government-structure recommendations. The motion, moved and seconded during the meeting, carried with all members voting in favor.

The budget is intended to fund the commission’s public engagement and administrative needs as it develops a timeline required by statute for the commission’s next milestones. Michael (Mike) (City staff/ex officio) told commissioners the city’s previous ballot-related expenses provide a baseline: "we were at, just over $31,000 for the November general election" and staff suggested budgeting about $35,000 for a comparable future election. Mike also outlined other buckets such as contracted communications, venue costs and facilitation.

Why it matters: The budget establishes the commission’s ability to hire a temporary recording secretary and pay for outreach and consultants that will shape how…