Public Safety Mill Levy Ballot Question

At a glance

What: A permanent public safety mill levy to raise $5,387,500 a year for Police and Fire operations, including more officers, firefighters and equipment.
Where it stands: The Commission voted 4-0 on September 14, 2026 to place the question on the March 9, 2027 ballot (Rigby excused).
Next: Voters decide March 9, 2027. The City Attorney advised that officials and employees may use City resources to educate the public on the levy's impacts but not to advocate for or against it; advocacy is allowed only in a personal capacity on personal time.

City Manager Lake presented staffing studies, service demand, population growth, rising calls for service, the need to staff Fire Station 3 on completion, and declining purchasing power.
Police Chief Petty said a 2023 staffing study supports more patrol officers, dedicated Community Resource Officers and an added detective for complex crimes against children and internet crimes.
Fire Chief Parker said added Station 3 staffing would cut response times and improve resilience during simultaneous incidents.
Logan voiced support; Gustafson asked about community resource officers and the effect of not approving the levy; Mayor Dean thanked staff and unions for the Fire Master Plan and Police staffing studies.
Public comment: Julia Cotter, Lily Clark, Radley Kelso, Callie Aschim (Helena Chamber of Commerce), Peter Tabelius and Evan Rogers spoke; the minutes do not record their positions.
Motion: Reed moved the resolution submitting the question to voters; Logan seconded. Reed, Gustafson, Logan and Dean aye; Rigby excused. Carried 4-0.

Resolution placing the levy on the March 9, 2027 ballot approved 4-0.