ECCPS poll shows 55% initial support for a possible Great Falls public safety levy

Shane Etzwiler, chair of the Electric City Citizens for Public Safety (ECCPS), told the City Commission on Aug. 18 that a Lake Research Partners poll of 400 likely Great Falls voters showed 55% initial support for a public safety levy, with 41% responding "strongly yes." Etzwiler said the polling firm identified roughly 65% as a more comfortable threshold for a successful ballot measure and that ECCPS will use the results to shape future public education and advocacy.

"The ECCPS’s mission is to educate, engage, and mobilize the Great Falls community in support of sustainable funding and resources for public safety," Etzwiler said, describing the group's work to fund polling, develop messaging and transition from education to advocacy if the Commission chooses to pursue a ballot measure. Etzwiler also reported community favorability ratings for local emergency services — Great Falls Fire Rescue (97%), the 911 call center (91%), and the Great Falls Police Department (89%) — and said top reasons cited for supporting additional funding included addressing staffing shortages in Fire Rescue (46%), increasing public safety and reducing crime (38%), and addressing Police Department staffing shortages (37%).

Two residents raised concerns during public comment about how a levy would affect households on fixed incomes and whether local tax structures are fair. Al Rollo submitted written comment urging the Commission to seek alternatives to raising property taxes and to consider tax-exempt properties and intergovernmental advocacy. Jeni Dodd pointed to $4,636,580 in incremental value tied up in local TIF districts and said about $1 million of those properties do not contribute to the City’s General Fund, reducing the tax base available for public safety funding.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about scope and timing. Commissioner Casey Schreiner asked whether the poll targeted registered Great Falls voters; Etzwiler confirmed it did. Commissioner Rick Tryon noted that ECCPS later reported 449 responses were collected and asked that future polling test support for placing a levy, a bond, or both, and whether measures would be timed for a special election or the November general election; Tryon said he personally prefers November because turnout is typically higher. Commissioner Joe McKenney said he viewed 55% support — without organized advocacy so far — as a favorable start, while Tryon cautioned that polling does not always predict final vote outcomes.

ECCPS said additional strategic planning, messaging and fundraising will be needed before the Commission decides whether to place a question on a future ballot. The group invited commissioners to participate in ongoing efforts. The work session did not include any formal vote to place a levy on the ballot.