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Regional Airport Authority presents draft 2.5-mill levy to Glacier County commissioners
Summary
At its Oct. 20 meeting, the Glacier County board heard a draft resolution from the Regional Airport Authority seeking roughly $90,000 a year (about 2.5 mills) to seed matching funds for a future runway project; the board asked the county attorney to review ballot language and whether the city of Cut Bank must adopt a separate resolution.
Rick Gattinger, speaking for the Regional Airport Authority, presented a draft resolution at the Glacier County commissioners’ meeting on Oct. 20 asking voters to approve roughly a 2.5 mill levy that the authority estimates would raise about $90,000 a year to seed matching funds for a runway project planned for the 2030 timeframe. "It comes out roughly 2.5 mills," Gattinger said, adding that, under the draft, a $300,000 home would pay about $20.25 a year.
The proposal is written to request a dollar amount rather than a specific number of mills, Gattinger said, reflecting recent changes in state rules. He said the State Department of Administration provides an online tool to convert requested dollars into the mill rate for homeowners and that the draft uses that method. Gattinger described the levy as intended to supply the 10% matching funds the authority expects it will need for the runway project.
Commissioners raised procedural questions. Several asked whether the airport authority, as a special district, can place a question directly before county voters or whether the city of Cut Bank must adopt a separate resolution. One commissioner said the draft on file names both the city council and Glacier County and noted the draft did not include a city signature. Gattinger said he expects the county attorney (referred to in the transcript as Tara) to advise on the correct process and whether two separate resolutions — one for the county and one for the city — are required. "If we do, we need two separate resolutions," Gattinger said.
Board members also debated scheduling. Gattinger said the authority is aiming to be on a June ballot; commissioners noted a missed deadline would require a special election, which would increase costs. Commissioners asked that the draft be reviewed for legal accuracy and returned with recommended edits and a timeline for ballot placement.
No final motion or vote to place the measure on the ballot was taken. Next steps recorded in the meeting: county staff will deliver the draft to the county attorney for review and the authority will work with county staff on timing and whether a joint city–county approach is necessary.
