11-25-24 Work Session Agenda and MaterialsCITY COUNCIL
KCITY OF WORK SESSION AGENDA
ALISPELL November 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
See the bottom of the agenda to learn how to provide public comment
and watch meetings live or later.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. DISCUSSION
Legislative Priorities
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. See the bottom of
the agenda to learn the protocol for providing comment.
E. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
F. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
City Offices Closed — November 28, 29, 2024 — Thanksgiving Holiday
Next Regular Meeting — December 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Next Work Session — December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
PARTICIPATION
When addressing council please give your name and address, see the last page of the agenda for
the proper manner of addressing the council, and limit comments to three minutes. Comments
can also be emailed to publiccomment2kalispell.com.
To provide public comment live, remotely, join the video conference through zoom at:
httDs://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/reizister/" Bv2R1VbmTte4tHaGbzItXA.
Raise your virtual hand to indicate you want to provide comment. Due to occasional technical
difficulties, the most reliable way to participate is through in -person attendance. Electronic
means are not guaranteed.
Watch City Council meetings live with the agenda and documents or later with time stamped
minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/48O/Meeting-Videos or live or later on YouTube at:
hlt2s://www.youtube.com/2cilyofkalis]2ellmontana9632/streams.
ofkalispellmontana9632/streams.
Page 1 of 2
Kalispell City Council Agenda, November 25, 2024
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, and
employment practices. Auxiliary aids are available. For questions about disability
accommodation please contact the City Clerk at 406-758-7756.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Adopted July 1, 1991
Section 2-20 Manner of Addressing Council
a. Each person not a Council member shall address the Council, at the time designated in the agenda
or as directed by the Council, by stepping to the podium or microphone, giving that person's
name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record, and unless further time is granted by
the Council, shall limit the address to the Council to three minutes.
b. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member of the Council or
Staff.
C. No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into
any discussion either directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the
Presiding Officer.
d. No question shall be asked of individuals except through the Presiding Officer.
PRINCIPLES FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE
Adopted by Resolution 5180 on February 5, 2007
■ We provide a safe environment where individual perspectives are respected, heard, and
acknowledged.
■ We are responsible for respectful and courteous dialogue and participation.
■ We respect diverse opinions as a means to find solutions based on common ground.
■ We encourage and value broad community participation.
■ We encourage creative approaches to engage in public participation.
■ We value informed decision -making and take personal responsibility to educate and be educated.
■ We believe that respectful public dialogue fosters healthy community relationships, understanding
and problem solving.
■ We acknowledge, consider and respect the natural tensions created by collaboration, change, and
transition.
■ We follow the rules & guidelines established for each meeting.
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CITY OF
KALISPELL
City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903
Telephone: (406) 758-7701 Fax: (406) 758-7758
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Doug Russell, City Manager
Re: Legislative Priorities
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
BACKGROUND: Prior to the legislative session for the State of Montana, the City Council
typically develops a set of priorities. Adopting these priorities provides a unified platform for
members of council and municipal staff to use when addressing our representatives prior to, and
during the upcoming legislative session.
The set of legislative priorities from the previous session included the following: 1) support of a
local option sales tax, 2) support for maintaining tax increment financing as an economic
development tool, 3) support for streamlining special district legislation, 4) support for
legislation that mitigates the economic impact for increasing regulatory standards for
municipalities, 5) support for legislation that addresses infrastructure needs associated with rapid
growth, 6) support for legislation that provides for the effective management and use of land
resources, including natural resources and development regulations, 7) support for legislation
that provides options to enhance or improve service delivery for the City of Kalispell, and 8)
support for legislation that provides funding and programs for affordable housing.
The Draft Legislative Priorities, based on the last session, is included for review. Additionally,
the resolutions adopted by the Montana League of Cities and Towns is attached as well.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that City Council review the presented priorities
and modify as necessary for potential adoption at a future meeting.
ATTACHMENT:
2023 Legislative Priorities
Adopted Resolutions form the Montanna League of Cities and Towns
CITY OF
KALISPELL
Legislative Priorities
Draft 11/2024
The City of Kalispell is supportive of efforts to improve financial options related to all areas of
municipal operations where local control and decision -making can be effectively applied. While
this list of priorities does not single out any specific proposed bill, in general the City of Kalispell
has identified these areas of policy interest.
- Local Option Sales Tax: The City of Kalispell supports legislation that provides local
communities the option of enacting a voter approved sales tax (or increasing the population
limit of the current resort tax) within municipal limits that would provide an opportunity to
maintain infrastructure and services for our community that is impacted by a large number
of people that do not reside within the City of Kalispell.
- Tax Increment Financing: The City of Kalispell supports existing or more expansive
legislation that provides municipalities the opportunity to use Tax Increment Districts as
part of an effective economic development strategy and opposes legislation that would limit
the effectiveness of the options currently present in state statutes.
- Special District Legislation: The City of Kalispell supports legislation enhancing the
opportunity for the creation of special districts. The City of Kalispell feels the current
requirements place unnecessary financial and procedural burdens on special district
creation.
- Environmental Quality: The City of Kalispell supports legislation that would mitigate the
economic impacts of the unfunded liability caused by increased regulatory standards on
municipal operations such as water production, wastewater treatment, solid waste, and
storm water management.
- Public Infrastructure Assistance: The City of Kalispell supports legislation that assists in
all areas of local infrastructure costs associated with growth and development. The City
of Kalispell also opposes legislation that decreases or removes current revenue streams.
- Public Resource Management: The City of Kalispell supports legislation that provides for the
effective use and management of land resources, including management of forest lands, the
use of the public right-of-way, and land use regulations associated with development.
- Service Delivery- The City of Kalispell supports legislation that enhances the opportunities
to for expanding service delivery options throughout all areas of municipal operations,
including revising legislation that limits the options available to communities to take
advantage of alternative and innovative service delivery methods, rate establishment, and
revenue streams.
- Affordable Housing: The City of Kalispell supports legislation that provides funding sources
and programs that facilitate the development of affordable housing and affordable housing
initiatives.
Resolution #2024-1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
BACKGROUND
The cities and towns of Montana provide clean water, a sanitary environment, police and fire
protection, transportation, and recreational opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors. Our
unique, vibrant municipalities provide an inviting environment that fosters the primary basis for all
sectors of the Montana economy. To provide quality, cost-effective municipal services to their
residents, businesses and visitors, municipalities must wisely and efficiently use their limited financial
resources.
Local governments are closest to the people, and as such, local processes, authority, and
decision -making should be respected and supported by state and federal governments. Any attempt to
undermine or weaken any municipality's process, authority, or decision -making is considered an
attempt to undermine the strength of local government as a whole. We will support each other and
openly communicate with each other to address challenges and pursue opportunities impacting cities
and towns, knowing the success of one is the success of all. United we stand, divided we fall.
The Montana League of Cities and Towns is committed to preserving and promoting Montana
municipalities, the services they provide, and the economies they support.
ACTION
For the 2025 Legislative Session, the League will stand by the following principles of fair,
affordable, and effective local government:
1. Establish a fair, efficient, and effective property taxation system that does not disproportionately
burden residential property owners, preserves the entitlement share payment and other existing
sources of revenue to municipalities, and provides authority for municipalities to seek and
develop new sources of revenue to fund essential local services.
2. Promote improvements to and diversification of the current local government finance structure,
including but not limited to special districts and local option taxes, to develop supplements and
alternatives to property tax revenue.
3. Encourage the maintenance of, expansion of, and improvements to federal and state grant, loan,
and investment programs to fund infrastructure capital improvements to supplement the use of
local funds.
4. Preserve the ability of local governments to place questions on the ballot, recognizing their
understanding of the specific needs and preferences of their communities and allowing local
voters to make local policy decisions with respect to their community. Uphold the local
government's ability to pass mill levies by a majority vote to empower residents to prioritize
local service levels and encourage, not discourage, voter engagement.
5. Advocate that new legal mandates imposed upon municipalities have an identified source of
independent funding and are not an unfunded mandate imposed upon municipalities.
October 3, 2024
6. Modernize planning and development statutes, regulations, and policies that encourage the
development of unique, vibrant, healthy, and safe communities through more efficient and cost-
effective delivery of clean water, treatment and disposal of wastewater and solid waste,
protection of municipal water rights, interconnectivity of transportation systems, housing,
enhanced fire, police and public safety protection, recreation opportunities, and other municipal
services.
7. Oppose any measure that limits or diminishes municipal authority as provided by the letter and
spirit of the Local Government Article of the 1972 Montana Constitution.
8. Recognize the contribution of cities and towns to the history and culture of our state and a better
understanding of the fact that all public policy should begin and end with those special places a
majority of Montanans call home.
9. Strategically sponsor and support legislation or policies that maintain and strengthen local
decision -making and authority and oppose legislation or policies that seek to undermine or
weaken local decision -making and authority.
10. Support or sponsor legislation, policies, and funding that improve the ability of local
governments to provide public access to their deliberations, decision -making, and records.
October 3, 2024
Resolution 42024-2
PROPERTY TAX REFORM AND PROTECTION OF LOCAL SERVICES
BACKGROUND
Municipalities in Montana must rely almost exclusively on property tax revenues to fund
local services. About 56% of all property taxes collected statewide are directed to elementary, high
school, and higher education, while the remaining 44% funds local governments, including cities,
counties, and special districts. Some counties also receive oil and gas tax revenues, and some
unincorporated communities and municipalities, with a population of less than 5,500 where the
majority of local employment is related to businesses catering to the recreational and personal
needs of tourist visitors, collect a resort sales tax. Other than those exceptions, local governments
are limited to collecting property tax revenues.
Municipalities are only authorized to impose a general fund mill levy that is sufficient to
generate the amount of property taxes actually assessed in the prior year plus one-half the average
rate of inflation for the prior 3 years. Cities and towns cannot financially survive with this
limitation on the mill levy. Expenses incurred by cities and towns are not limited to any similar
cap.
Local governments use general fund property tax revenues mainly to fund essential
firefighting, law enforcement, and other emergency services, administration, and parks and
recreation. Local streets are paid for through state gas taxes, which do not have an adjustment rate
and have fallen far behind the inflationary costs of transportation infrastructure. Water and
wastewater service is typically paid for through user fees and assessments on residents that use
those services, including the rate hikes that must be imposed to finance large, expensive system
improvements necessary to meet state and national regulations. Many communities turn to voted
mill levies to fill the gap between available revenues and growing service costs. However, with
the few exceptions of resort tax communities, the daily local services Montanans depend on for
working, living, and recreating are paid for through the same homeowner or renter, who has limited
capacity to continue to pay more.
The state determines the tax rates for all property in Montana. Residential homeowners pay
almost 60% of all property taxes collected statewide; two decades ago, they carried less than 40%
of that burden. Over the past few decades, as the Legislature has reduced the tax rates on other
classes of property, the property tax burden has increased on residential and commercial property
owners and away from other classes of property. In 2023, although appraisals of residential
properties increased dramatically compared to other classes of property the Legislature did not
mitigate the class 4 residential tax rate as it had done in the past, resulting in a further tax shift to
residential property owners.
In 2021, a ballot proposal to constitutionally freeze taxable valuation and property taxation
on residential properties was approved for signature collection. A similar ballot issue was proposed
in 2023. While the 2021 proposal ultimately failed and the 2023 proposal was ruled
unconstitutional, they exemplify a growing discontent among Montanans with property taxes.
October 3, 2024
Meanwhile, income taxes on higher incomes of new Montana residents and corporations
have resulted in billion -dollar state general fund surpluses.
Montanans expect high quality, consistent local services. They expect timely and
competent response by firefighters and law enforcement and they expect clean drinking water.
They expect their streets to be well -maintained and plowed and garbage to be collected and
disposed of. They expect their children to be well-educated in a safe and secure building and parks
available for play and recreation. They expect new development to pay for its own impacts to these
services. These services are expensive, costs that continue to increase as the labor and material
markets have tightened and inflation has soared.
ACTION
Support legislation to provide relief to Montana residential property owners while
preserving local government revenues and the ability of municipalities to provide the levels
of services expected and demanded by local residents and visitors.
2. Support legislation to allow Montana municipalities, with the approval of their voters, the
authority to enact a local option tax to help fund local infrastructure projects and other local
services.
Support legislation to remove the restrictions on the mill levy authority currently imposed
under Title 15, chapter 10, part 4, MCA.
4. Protect the local government entitlement share, but strategically sponsor and support
legislation or policies that ensure the continuation or fair and equitable modernization of
the entitlement share program and the application of increased growth factor adjustments.
5. Consider proposals for voted levies and special districts that provide increased
transparency and voter turnout.
6. Protect tax increment financing as a locally driven tool and resource to help create projects
that can stimulate redevelopment, housing, job creation, and increased taxable value to help
direct local growth and finance infrastructure improvements.
MLCT will oppose bills that:
Reduce the base budgets of any municipality or limit the ability of municipalities to
increase local revenues to address local needs.
2. Impose restrictions on voted levies or special districts that reduce the effectiveness and
availability of local services as expected by each community and its visitors.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-3
HOUSING
BACKGROUND
Housing prices continue to outpace average incomes in Montana, making it difficult if not
impossible for many Montanans to own or rent a suitable residence for themselves and their
families. According to Zillow, an online real estate marketplace, July 2024 average home values
in Montana continued to remain just under a half a million dollars. This is a 3.2% increase from
July 2023, but a more drastic increase of 60% from July 2019. While the majority of home
purchase prices are less than the list price, the average median list price is just over a half million
dollars and continue to hover around peak levels. These values vary widely from community to
community. As of July 2024, the current median home value in the city of Bozeman is $755,339,
Kalispell $558,859, Helena $469,604, Whitehall $453,171, Big Timber $422,204, Billings
$387,898, Dillon $377,539, Roundup $238,835, and Choteau $271,058. These prices are outside
the reach of most Montanans.
Rentals are similarly higher than Montanans are able to pay. The majority, nearly 69%, of
the poorest Montanans (0-30% of average median income) must pay over 50% of their income on
housing costs and utilities. This income category constitutes a quarter of all Montana renters. The
majority of the next highest income level (31-50% of average median income) must pay over 30%
of their income on housing related costs. Almost 20% of Montanans earning the average median
income are similarly cost -burdened.
Exacerbating this inequity is a lack of units for those now seeking housing in Montana.
Montana's population has grown by 52,000 people since 2020. in combination with this growth,
tight labor markets, material costs, high land values, inflation, and lack of infrastructure capacity
have all contributed to Montana's housing crisis, and many different actions at all levels of
government will need to be taken to solve it.
During the 2023 Session, the League with a coalition of organizations supported passage
of the Montana Land Use Planning Act, a comprehensive update and modernization of Montana's
land use and planning laws. With the passage of that bill, the League was able to help create a
more predictable and less costly process for residential development review and approval at the
local level, while preserving local decision -making for community planning and zoning. The
League will continue to work with municipalities, seek funding for, and propose revisions as
necessary to successfully implement the new law.
Municipalities are committed to continuing to work with state and federal agencies, other
local governments, the private sector, and the public to identify and implement solutions to the
housing crisis. However, while cities and towns seek and implement ways to make housing
development more affordable, they must retain their ability to make local decisions about the form,
density, and impacts of land development based on community desires, needs, and capacity.
October 3, 2024
ACTION
Identify, disseminate, and support ideas and tools that municipalities can implement to lower
housing costs and boost housing supply to support available and affordable housing for all
income levels, with particular emphasis on missing middle homeownership.
2. Support bills that strengthen and support community -generated choices for increasing the local
supply of housing, while preserving local decision -making, protecting the public's right to
know and participate, mitigating impacts to the environment, and ensuring the local
government's ability to provide critical public services.
3. Increase coordination and collaboration between state and local governments to create more
predictable and less costly processes for residential development.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-4
LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
BACKGROUND
Cities and towns work diligently to protect Montana's land and water resources through
wise community development policies that emphasize centralized water and wastewater systems,
efficient delivery of services to concentrated populations, and compliance with fair and affordable
environmental standards. Despite this work, new development in Montana continues to sprawl
outside municipal boundaries, threatening our legacy of open space and clean water. Cities and
towns must retain their ability to make local decisions about the form, density, and impacts of land
development based on community desires and needs. Municipalities are dedicated to working with
state and federal agencies, counties, the private sector, and the public to establish land use policies
and regulations that recognize property rights and the need to efficiently deliver services while
preserving the natural assets of Montana.
ACTION
1. Encourage the use of community water, wastewater, and stormwater systems to protect
environmental quality and assure that cities and towns are not obligated for a
disproportionate share of the cost of complying with Nutrient Standards, MS4, TMDL,
PFAS, lead service lines, and other state or federal regulatory requirements.
2. Support policies and statutory frameworks that protect municipal water rights and water
quality, streamline the change of use process on and within municipal water systems, create
a sustainable post -adjudication water court, and limit the use of exempt wells in urbanizing
areas where water quantity and quality are of concern.
3. Promote environmentally responsible energy development and conservation through grants,
loans, and technical assistance and education programs, and allow cities and towns authority
under the energy and building codes to promote conservation.
4. Protect and expand the authority of cities and towns to use tax increment districts and locally
approved tax abatements for opportunities as part of an effective local economic
development strategy that reflects the needs and priorities of the local community.
4. Support and encourage the development, funding, and local authority over multi -modal
transportation systems within municipalities, including streets, roads, transit, paths,
bikeways, sidewalks, trails, and other infrastructure on state and local transportation routes
that create a safer, more livable, and more economically vibrant urban environment.
5. Provide funding to assist communities implementing SB 382 (Chapter 500, Laws 2023).
6. The League supports bills that provide necessary fixes to the 2023 Montana Land Use
Planning Act to ensure a more predictable and less costly process for residential development
review and approval at the local level, while protecting the public's right to know and
participate, the environment, local government's ability to provide public services, and local
authority for land use decision -making.
October 3, 2024
MLCT will oppose bills or policies that:
1. Restrict the annexation, zoning, planning, and subdivision review authority of cities and
towns or limit local community development decision -making.
2. Preempt local land use policy -making, including but not limited to specific development
standards, parking requirements, density, and other important policies that reflect local
circumstances and choices.
3. Limit the effectiveness of the options under the tax increment district statutes.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-5
INVEST IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
BACKGROUND
Montana municipalities own and operate the vast majority of infrastructure in Montana —
streets, drinking water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater treatment and discharge
systems, stormwater collection systems, firefighting and law enforcement facilities, and parks and
recreational facilities.
Montana has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Most Montanans
welcome the economic opportunities connected to development, but Montana municipalities do
not have the resources and support necessary to address the infrastructure needs and public health,
safety, and general welfare of their residents, businesses, and visitors.
Healthy infrastructure is critical to the health of Montana's economy. For Montana to
attract economic growth, the ability to provide quality essential services means the infrastructure
must be in good condition and communities must be using modern technology. Montana's local
governments must maintain the critical health and safety services that all Montanans need: clean
water, good transportation systems, effective law enforcement and fire protection, accessible
communication systems, and responsive emergency systems. We need to maintain and expand
the systems we have and build new systems to serve the visitors and new residents coming to our
communities. We cannot continue to rely on increased property taxes and assessments on long-
term residents to support these services.
Infrastructure enables private businesses and individuals to produce goods and services
more efficiently. Montana's cities, towns, and counties have millions in road, water, wastewater,
and other outstanding infrastructure needs that can increase long-term business productivity in
every corner of Montana.
The MLCT will continue to work with the Montana Infrastructure Coalition ("MIC") to
establish infrastructure priorities on a multi -session approach. We will continue to work to change
the structure of the way infrastructure financing occurs in Montana.
In 2017, the Legislature passed a $.06 graduated increase in the state gas tax to temporarily
shore up the highway account and increase the gas tax allocation for local road projects for the
first time in over two decades. In 2019, the Legislature passed a comprehensive infrastructure bill
funding local projects through one -time -only grants and loans as well as university buildings and
other state projects. In 2021, the federal American Rescue Plan Act provided historic levels of
infrastructure funding for Montana's water, sewer, storm water, water storage, bridges, roads, and
other important systems that serve our residents and tourists. Nevertheless, the highway account
will continue to fall short of the amount needed to match federal dollars and millions of dollars'
worth of projects remain unfunded. Meanwhile, our infrastructure deficit continues to grow as
municipalities fall further behind in deferred maintenance. In 2023, the Legislature passed several
October 3, 2024
one-time funding bills for municipal infrastructure out of the State's general fund surplus.
Permanent funding for a local infrastructure grant or loan program or other financial support for
local infrastructure is needed.
ACTION
MLCT will support bills or policies that:
1. Promote investment in local governmental infrastructure, including new or increased
financing options, grant and loan programs, and other resources and support necessary to
proactively plan for and address infrastructure, protect the public health, safety, and general
welfare of municipal residents, businesses, and visitors, and stimulate the economy.
2. Streamline the process for obtaining federal and state infrastructure dollars through
improvements to existing grant and loan programs.
MLCT will oppose bills or policies that:
1. Seek to diminish or eliminate any existing source of local infrastructure funding, including
funding for existing grant or loan programs, existing gas taxes or allocations thereof,
financing options, or other limits on constructing, maintaining, improving, or increasing local
infrastructure facilities and capacity.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-6
COMPENSATION FOR RETIREMENT
BACKGROUND
The public employee retirement system has suffered in the past from not being actuarially
sound. The Legislature has discussed reducing the amortization of MPERA system at substantial
cost to local governments and ending the defined benefit plan. In 2023, the Legislature ended the
defined benefit plan for the smaller public pension systems. This decision has been discussed at
length during the 2023-2024 interim, and the State Administration and Veteran's Affairs (SAVA)
interim committee has voted to move a committee bill to reverse that decision. Cities and towns
supported legislation in 2023 that ensured the actuarial soundness of the public employee
retirement system, including a proposal to extend the current annual employer contribution
increase of .1% annually through 2034. That bill did not pass, but the SAVA interim committee
has voted to move a committee bill to extend the now expired annual .1 % increase on the employer
contribution through 2035.
Some public employee bargaining groups continue to advocate for including factors such as
overtime, insurance premium payments, and other special benefits as part of the "total
compensation" used in determining retirement benefits upon retirement. MPERA has recently
required local governments to reimburse the retirement system for millions of dollars in estimated
retirement contributions upon separation of services from the local government entity. Any of
these types of policy changes increase the cost to the public employer for paying the employer
portion of retirement withholding.
The League supports ensuring the actuarial soundness and fair and equitable modernization of the
public employee retirement systems.
ACTION
1. Support proposals to reinstate the annual employer contribution increase of .1% annually
through 2035.
2. Support proposals that provide additional funding to support employer contributions to
retirement benefits.
MLCT will oppose bills that:
1. Oppose legislation that, other than set forth above, increases the local government
contribution to any public employee retirement system, including but not limited to
redirecting entitlement share, increasing local government employer contributions,
requiring payment of estimated contributions upon local government restructuring, or
October 3, 2024
adding employee benefits and overtime as part of the compensation for purposes of
determining retirement benefits.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-7
SUPPORT COMMUNITIES
IMPACTED BY NATURAL RESOURCES INDUSTRIES
BACKGROUND
Throughout our state the development of our natural resources has been a significant
economic engine for all of Montana, providing thousands of good paying jobs with benefits and a
valuable source of tax revenue. Many of our smaller rural communities are threatened with an
uncertain future with the decline of these natural resource industries.
For decades, many Montana communities have relied heavily on our state's valuable
natural resources industries. Mining, timber, coal, oil, and gas have all provided billions of dollars
in state and local taxes while also providing economic stability across all corners of our state.
There is not a city in our state that has not benefited from the development of these natural
resources. The fluctuation in these industry sectors — both growth and decline — can have serious
consequences on the economic and social stability of our municipalities.
ACTION
While the League recognizes that each impacted community, industry, and local impact is different
and may require a varied approach, the League supports efforts to create and maintain legislation,
policies, and programs that provide financial support, economic diversification, and other
resources to:
1. Help create sustainable employment opportunities and protect local revenues in Montana
cities and towns impacted by the growth or decline of natural resource development.
October 3, 2024
Resolution 42024-8
SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
BACKGROUND
Montana cities and towns provide critical public safety services to the majority of Montana
residents. Fire protection, emergency response, law enforcement, are important components of
creating and maintaining thriving, prosperous communities. The League expresses its appreciation
for the work of our local police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and other public safety
employees.
As municipal resources continue to be stretched across a variety of community needs,
public safety services face growing shortfalls for adequate funding of personnel, equipment, and
coverage, In addition, the need for public emergency medical services, including first -response
and transport, is increasing and rapidly changing in a manner that places increased burden on
already strained local fire departments.
A C TTON
MLCT will support legislation and policies that:
Ensure adequate equipment, training, and funding for municipal emergency response, law
enforcement, and fire protection services. In particular, the League supports an increase in
training spots at the basic law enforcement academy. In the absence of such increase in
training spots, the League will support bills that will allow local law enforcement to be
certified to provide its own training or send recruits to other certified training facilities.
2. Ensure public safety services are funded at level to meet local community public safety
expectations.
Assist and strengthen transparency, accessibility, and accountability in our communities,
so long as the proposal includes the necessary funding or funding flexibility to enable
municipalities to comply.
4. Allow a cost recovery model and billing options for emergency medical response services
or that leverage existing federal funds for reimbursement of emergency medical response.
October 3, 2024
MLCT will oppose legislation and policies that:
1. Undermine the efficacy, responsiveness, or accountability of public safety systems or
require municipalities to cut funding to other public services to comply with unfunded
mandates imposed by the state.
2. Reduce or impede funding to address community impacts that may result from legalization
of marijuana.
October 3, 2024
Resolution #2024-9
SUPPORT FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS IN MONTANA
BACKGROUND
Federal military operations in Montana are critical to our national defense and are also an
important source of economic health in our communities. Military assets in the state include Fort
Harrison, Limestone Training Range, Hayes Military Operations Area, Malmstrom Air Force
Base, Powder River Training Range, the Advanced Research Lab at MSU, and various Montana
Army and Air National Guard units. From defense contracts and mutual aid agreements to the
revenue generated by servicing military personnel, Montana's military has tremendous statewide
impact.
Malmstrom Air Force Base provides more than $425 million in economic impetus to the
State of Montana. Military construction and service contracts provide millions to local contractors,
the base spends more than $9.2 million for utilities, and Malmstrom services more than 7,000 miles
of roads in Montana, which benefits Montana's commerce. In addition, the Montana National
Guard provides more than $185 million in economic impact to Montana, and there is currently
over $37 million invested in military -related construction projects across our state.
Malmstrom is slated to receive a major intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) upgrade
called "Sentinel.". Initial development is underway. The entire project will update all three ICBM
bases, in the United States and is projected to cost over $140 billion. The project will take 20 years
to complete. When the system upgrades occur in Montana, it will have a significant economic
impact on our state and its industries.
The Department of Defense (DoD) also seeks to partner with host communities and states
to improve the lives of military personnel and their dependents. Community partnerships and grant
programs (Defense Community Infrastructure Program) also present opportunities for Montana to
support their military installations. The DoD also seeks to support its military personnel by
housing, childcare, mental health, veterans, spousal employment, and professional license
reciprocity or full credential acceptance.
Federal base realignment and closure activities and other cost-cutting measures put current
military missions and assets in Montana and Montana's economic well-being at risk. In addition,
Montana communities are missing strategic opportunities for defense industry growth statewide.
A CTTC)N
The League will support efforts to protect existing military assets in Montana, including
preserving training ranges, preventing encroachment, collaboratively addressing national cuts to
any military assets in Montana, and developing opportunities for mission retention, growth, and
defense industry opportunities.
October 3, 2024
Resolution 2024-10
MEDICAID EXPANSION
BACKGROUND
The availability and accessibility of healthcare services are essential for the well-being of our
residents; and
Medicaid expansion has proven to be an effective means of increasing access to healthcare for
low-income individuals and families; and
Medicaid expansion provides mental health services for homeless populations which are
increasingly falling to local governments to provide for; and
Medicaid is critical to maintain hospitals in rural communities; and
Small businesses create and support strong local economies and small business in Montana rely
on healthy employees who can access Medicaid; and
The economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, including job creation and increased economic
activity, especially for small businesses, would positively impact our communities; and
A healthier population contributes to a more productive and thriving society.
ACTION
1. The League will support and advocate for the availability of Medicaid in Montana so that all
eligible individuals in Montana have access to affordable healthcare.
2. The League will actively engage to raise awareness about the benefits of Medicaid expansion
to the citizens and businesses of Montana's cities and towns.
October 3, 2024