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Three Forks reviews preliminary FY2024–25 budget; certified valuation up about $100 per mill
Summary
City Treasurer Kelly Smith told the council that Gallatin County certified taxable valuation increased, yielding roughly $31,000 more in potential revenue if the mill levy is unchanged. Council discussed spending priorities including vac truck payment, Public Works vehicle, a Code Enforcement car and planned paving of Railway Avenue.
City Treasurer Kelly Smith briefed the council Aug. 13 on the preliminary FY2024–25 budget, reporting that the county-certified taxable valuation had increased by "about $100 per mill," which would translate to roughly $31,000 more revenue for the city if the current mill levy is retained.
Smith said planned expenditures include payment for a previously ordered vac truck, purchase of a new Public Works truck, a vehicle for Code Enforcement and paving work on Railway Avenue. Chip seal completed earlier is included in this year's budget. The Budget Committee will meet again prior to final adoption, with formal adoption scheduled for Sept. 10.
Council members discussed alternatives to pay for Railway Avenue work, including Gas Tax funds and asking adjacent property owners to contribute to lower per-property costs. Councilman Gene Townsend said he would reach out to landowners about cost-sharing; Treasurer Smith noted some budget lines cannot be changed and that committee additions will be incorporated.
City Attorney Susan Swimley clarified that, absent a traffic study, state law generally limits municipal speed limits to 25 mph, though park and school zones can be set at 15 mph. A public commenter, Gloria Howland, asked whether HRDC/Food Bank would have to contribute to paving; Townsend said he had already asked HRDC—EO Heather Grenier and was told the organization would support paving through its larger Food Bank budget.
