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Missoula staff and mayor outline state bills that could affect city services, funding
Summary
At the March 3 Missoula City Council meeting, city staff and Mayor Davis summarized a slate of state bills moving through the Montana Legislature that could affect local levies, municipal lobbying, parks fees, housing funding and rules on public events.
Jessica Miller, a central services staffer for the city of Missoula, told councilors at their March 3 meeting that the transmittal deadline for regular bills was approaching and highlighted several bills the city is tracking.
"This is going to be a busy week. Friday is the transmittal deadline for regular bills," Miller said, noting that hearings and marathon floor sessions would follow. She summarized bills of concern to the city, including Senate Bill 204, relating to limits on voter-approved property tax levies; House Bill 477, which would phase out single-use Styrofoam restaurant containers; Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit cities from using expenditures for lobbying; Senate Bill 405, which would add funding for the Housing Montana Fund; and Senate Bill 420, which would cap local government fees for use of children's parks at $25 per child per month.
Mayor Davis said she had been in Helena for municipal day at the Capitol and had testified on several measures. "I was extraordinarily honored and humbled for that recognition," Davis said, referring to a separate personal acknowledgement; she also described her testimony on bills that could affect municipal authority. On one proposal to let any property owner vote on bonds or levies regardless of residency, Davis said she opposed the change because it could allow out-of-state property owners to decide local funding questions. She also described testifying on House Bill 675, which she characterized as exposing cities to potential liability tied to public events such as parades.
Councilors echoed concern about the pace and breadth of the session. Councilor Nugent and others urged attention to bills that limit municipal authority, noting that changes at the state level can constrain local budgets and services. Councilor Anderson encouraged residents to engage with legislators and learn about how local budgets and property taxes work.
No formal action was taken by the council on any of these bills during the meeting; the update was informational. Miller said she would provide a more comprehensive report after transmittal.
Ending: The council took no votes on the state measures at the March 3 meeting. Staff and members urged residents to monitor the session and contact legislators; Miller and the mayor indicated the city would continue to follow and, where appropriate, testify on bills that affect municipal operations.
