Mayor's Corner

2024 Local Government Review

A resolution was passed at our February 12 City Council meeting to put this on the June ballot as described below. This information can be reviewed in greater detail on the Montana Secretary of State website; search for Local Government Review for a more complete description of the process and FAQs.

What is the Local Government Review all about?

The 1972 Constitution established that the Local Government Review Election is to be held by each Montana city and county government every 10 years. This requirement can be found in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 7-3-171 through 7-3-193. It states in 7-3-173(2), MCA, “The governing body shall call for an election, to be held on the primary election date, on the question of conducting a local government review and establishing a study commission ….”

This election will be held on June 4 and the ballot language will be substantially as follows…

[ ] FOR the review of the government of (name of local govt) and the establishment and funding, not to exceed (dollar amount), of a local government study commission consisting of (number of members) to examine the government of (name of local government) and submit recommendations on the government.

[ ] AGAINST the review of the government of (name of local govt) and the established funding, not to exceed(dollar amount), of a local government study commission consisting of (number of members) to examine the government of (name of local government) and submit recommendations on the government.

Who pays for the cost of putting the question on the ballot? The county will bill the municipality their proportionate cost. For uniformity purposes, these costs could be; extra ballot costs, extra equipment programming costs, extra advertising costs, and any additional costs incurred because the issue appears on the primary ballot and municipal local government review candidates appear on the general election ballot, if applicable.

The primary ballot question about approving the review and funding for the study commission is paid from the city’s general fund. If the vote is against the review, no further action is taken. If the vote is for the review, a resolution is passed to approve funding of $25,000 for the study. This would be levied as an increase to residents’ regular taxes for the upcoming year.

Clear as mud? Quite simply, a vote in June will determine if this study will or won’t be done for this 10-year cycle. Do check out the Montana Secretary of State website for full information. And, as always, call the city if we can be of assistance.