Missoula County begins review of proposed 2025 budget; commissioners weigh hires, service requests and account transfers

Missoula County commissioners spent substantial time reviewing the proposed 2025 budget, focusing on department requests for new positions, capital replacements, contracted services and an internal accounting transfer for significant lease revenue.

Health department staff described a new sanitarian position funded by projected new revenue ($120,000) and a communications officer covered by grant funds; staff said these would not require a tax ask and reminded commissioners that department expenses are shared 60% by the city and 40% by the county. Staff also proposed restructuring an administration director position into two supervisor roles and creating a business manager position at an annual cost of roughly $59,000, with the city agreeing to cover about $35,000 and the county’s ongoing share estimated at $23,000.

The animal services program…