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Commissioner warns proposed amendment to cap levies could cut services and require 50% turnout for levies
Summary
Commissioner Ed Beaudette told the June 2 commission meeting a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap levy increases at 2% (excluding schools) and change levy-election rules could force rollbacks of projects and cut local fire and ambulance funding by an estimated $476,000.
Commissioner Ed Beaudette used his reports time June 2 to warn fellow commissioners about a proposed state constitutional amendment discussed at a recent MACo meeting in Philipsburg. "They are trying to put in a 2% limit on increases in taxable levies," Beaudette said, and he added that proponents would exempt schools from that limit while requiring levy elections to win 50% of all qualified electors rather than a majority of voters who cast ballots.
Beaudette said those changes could substantially reduce county resources and hamper planning: he estimated the county’s fire and ambulance budgets of roughly $1,830,000 could lose about $476,000 if the amendment passes as described. He urged the commission to pay attention and consider coordinated opposition. Commissioners and staff also discussed related topics of emergency/disaster planning and regional Natural Resource Damage Program projects during the same report period.
The remarks were presented as information and a policy concern; the board did not take a formal position during the June 2 meeting. Beaudette identified the initiative’s principal backers as well‑funded groups from Gallatin County; commissioners did not present counter-evidence at the meeting but discussed monitoring MACo updates and upcoming informational sessions in Miles City.
