The Missoula City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a $148,700 contract with Morrison Merrily for engineering and construction-phase services for a living roof at the Missoula Public Library.

Councilor Becerra moved the measure as a committee recommendation. Council debate focused on funding and appropriateness of using tax increment financing (TIF). Councilor Jordan, who recused himself from the vote because he works at the Department of Natural Resources, explained that much of the project’s funding comes from a $1,000,000 grant overseen by the department and said the grant is intended to address stormwater and water-quality issues in the Columbia River Basin. Councilor Campbell said she opposed the use of TIF funds for the project and questioned whether it met statutory criteria for urban renewal investment; other councilors and staff responded that Montana code permits TIF investment in public infrastructure and that stormwater improvements are an eligible use.

After public comment and discussion of the project’s technical and educational value, the council took a roll-call vote: 10 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention; the motion passed. Council materials indicate the grant requires a 25% local match provided in part by the city, county and library.

Why it matters: The living roof is presented as a green stormwater infrastructure project intended to reduce runoff pollution entering regional waterways and to serve as a demonstration and education site. Funding combines grant dollars and local match; council discussion made clear there are differing views on the appropriateness of using TIF dollars for the match.

Next steps: The contract will be executed and work will proceed to engineering and construction-phase services per the contract terms and grant conditions.