Leigh Griffing, Finance Director, gave an overview to Council about the FY 2025 Budget and how the public can view budget documents.
Leigh also spoke about the Community Improvement Program projects that are invested throughout all City Departments. See recording for details.
Additionally, Leigh presented about fee increases for various Departments for FY 2025. See recording for details.
Councilor Campbell asked a question about GO Bonds. See recording for details.
Councilor Carlino asked question about fee increases and if there is a long term plan to level out fees in the future. Donna Gaukler, Parks and Recreation Director, provided an answer. He also asked a question about MRA funding and project prioritization.
Dale Bickell, Chief Administrative Officer, stated that the City has not done a comprehensive fee study in many years but it was a future plan for Council to review.
Councilor Jordan asked about the specifics of the fee study and a timeline for when it will occur. Mayor Davis provided a response. See recording for details. Eric Hallstrom, Chief Operations Officer, provided additional information about the process for a fee study.
Councilor Jones requested that staff provide a fund balance update. Dale and Mayor Davis provided a response. See recording for details.
Councilor Vasecka will email her questions to staff and the rest of council.
Council Becerra asked a question about fee increases pertinent to the Parks and Recreation Dept and how it factors into funding sources. See recording for details.
Dale Bickell provided a presentation about taxation and how it fits into the overall FY 2025 budget. See recording for details.
Councilor Sherrill elaborated on how the burden of property taxes have shifted where more taxes are provided by residential properties from 1999 to 2024. She also asked a question about MRA with regards to the CIP funding sources.
Councilor Carlino asked a question about funding for private security and the total budget allocated. See recording for details.
Councilor Becerra asked a question about the centrally assessed taxable values and how it relates to businesses that are created in Missoula. Dale provided an answer.
Councilor Nugent commented on who pays for property taxes and why the citizens of Missoula are feeling the brunt of the tax increases.
Following questions, Dale Bickell provided a presentation to Council on Urban Renewal Districts and Tax Increment Financing. See recording for details.
Ellen Buchanan, MRA Director, provided information on how tax increment financing benefits Urban Renewal Districts and how it is used as an investment tool for providing funds in the future.
Councilor Campbell asked about statutory limitations to increase assessments within districts. See recording for details.
Dale Bickell provided information about peer city comparisons and how Missoula fits with cities around Montana. See recording for details.
Councilor Jones asked a question if the fire levy is included in the preliminary revenue per capita. He did reply that it was.