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City approves multiple district assessments and maintenance levies for FY2026
Summary
The commission adopted five assessment and maintenance resolutions including a 15% increase for boulevard maintenance, a $1.5M park district assessment, lighting and street maintenance increases, and a 6% rise for Portage Meadows maintenance.
The Great Falls City Commission on Aug. 19 adopted a package of FY2026 assessment and maintenance resolutions affecting boulevard care, the city park district, lighting districts, Portage Meadows maintenance, and street maintenance.
Finance Director Melissa Kinsler presented the proposals and staff recommendations. Highlights:
- General Boulevard District (Res. 10,585): proposed 15% increase to an estimated total assessment of about $587,400 for pruning, tree removal and planting; estimated effect for a typical 7,500‑sq‑ft lot is about $124.16/year.
- Great Falls Park District No.1 (Res. 10,586): overall assessment remains $1,500,000 for FY2026; staff noted that tiered state tax rates may cause per‑property fluctuations despite no change to the aggregate assessment.
- Special Improvement Lighting Districts (Res. 10,587): aggregate estimated assessment about $1,400,000 (5.2% increase) with increases limited to districts lacking sufficient fund balances.
- Portage Meadows Maintenance District (Res. 10,588): proposed 6% increase to an estimated total of $80,000; staff said much of the increase covers irrigation replacement; an opponent raised concerns about ground stability in the subdivision but provided no technical evidence.
- Street Maintenance District (Res. 10,591): proposed 10% increase to an estimated $6.1 million total assessment; staff estimated an average increase of about $13.30/year for a 7,500‑sq‑ft residential lot.
All resolutions were adopted by the commission after public‑hearing procedures and motion votes. Several commissioners remarked that the assessments reflect rising personnel and materials costs and the need to maintain infrastructure.
Next steps: staff will implement the assessments and publish final billing details; property owners with questions may contact the finance department.
