Homeland Security Grant Acceptance

At a glance

• What: Whether the City accepts a $53,326 FY25 State Homeland Security Grant for security improvements at the City-County Building, the Law and Justice Center and Municipal Court (cameras and equipment upgrades).
• Where it stands: Tabled 3-2 on September 14, 2026 after roughly three hours of public comment. A tabled item stays inactive until a commissioner brings it back by motion.
• Why it is contested: Grant conditions on immigration cooperation and diversity provisions drew objections. The City Attorney said Articles 11 and 19 are excluded under Article 61 and the City can terminate on 30 days' notice without penalty.
• Next: No date set. Staff said extra time is available while the grant stays under review, and Mayor Dean wants information from Missoula County about its agreement.

Detail (September 14, 2026)

• Presentation: Community Facilities Manager Johnston asked the Commission to accept the grant. Costs: $35,290 equipment, $4,600 supplies, $13,436 labor. Replacing noncompliant cameras at the Law and Justice Center is the largest piece. The cameras are employee-safety cameras with 30-day on-site recording retention.
• Legal review: City Attorney Dockter said she had no legal concerns with accepting. On diversity provisions she said they are excluded under Article 61 and that the City's participation in the Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Program informs existing practices and would not be affected.
• Municipal Court: Judge Peterson said the courtroom and lobby cameras came from a 2024 courthouse security assessment, cited ongoing safety concerns, and said the court would keep seeking funding regardless of the grant decision.
• Immigration questions: Police Chief Petty said the Helena Police Department does not conduct immigration enforcement, has had little involvement or notification, and that any request would be judged on jurisdiction and resources with involvement limited to public safety. Staff confirmed no effort is underway toward a 287(g) agreement.
• Alternatives: Staff said no other funding is available without reprioritizing the budget; the grant would not change Police operations. Three Law and Justice Center projects (HVAC controls, atrium roof, north parking lot) were carried over into the current fiscal year.
• Reed: Raised many questions on grant administration, contract language and Article 60 certifications, and opposed accepting under the current terms. Later said security should be handled through budgeting and she would reconsider a revised agreement with clearer terms.
• Gustafson: Asked about costs, funding priorities and immigration activity; objected to tabling rather than a definitive vote.
• Public comment: About 50 people spoke in person, online or in writing (the minutes list names and times but not positions).
• Motion: Logan moved to table; Rigby seconded. Reed raised a question on electronic participation; the City Attorney advised Rigby (on Zoom) could vote. Roll call: Reed nay, Rigby aye, Gustafson nay, Logan aye, Mayor Dean aye. Carried 3-2.

Sources

• September 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes (in the September 28 agenda packet): https://helenamt.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=639&compileOutputType=1

Log

2026-09-14 - City Commission

Tabled 3-2 on Logan's motion, seconded by Rigby (Reed and Gustafson opposed). Later in the meeting Rigby, who was out of town, was marked excused for the final vote.

2026-11-09 - Regular City Commission Meeting

FY25 Montana DES Homeland Security grants are listed on the posted agenda. Whether this is the same $53,326 grant tabled September 14 is not confirmed. Minutes not yet posted.