Great Falls, Montana Development News

City Commission Reviews Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Addressing Financial Stability and Growth Priorities

The city commission discussed the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, highlighting its role as a policy statement and detailing the budget process, including the use of fund balance, departmental requests, and legislative impacts. Key priorities such as public safety, economic development, and housing were emphasized. The presentation also covered budget drivers like personnel costs, health insurance, and legislative changes affecting revenue calculations. Specific discussions included the sustainability of using fund balance, the need to potentially adjust property tax calculations due to legislative changes, and the impact of new developments on the city's tax base. The budget proposal includes using $631,000 of fund balance, which would reduce the fund balance to 19.9%. Concerns were raised about the city's capacity to serve anticipated growth and development due to organizational stress fractures. The city plans to wait until August 4th for the public hearing due to uncertainties in revenue projections stemming from legislative changes. The proposed budget also addresses the need for additional resources in legal services, code enforcement, and personnel. The presentation concluded with a review of citywide expenses, revenue projections, utility rate adjustments, and capital improvement plans. Notably, the golf courses are projected to move from a deficit to a positive fund balance, with estimated capital improvements of $350,000. The budget includes a net 1% increase in full-time employees, primarily for code compliance and the Strategic Development Officer (SDO) position. Future work sessions are planned for the library and municipal court presentations, with the park and recreation study to be scheduled upon its finalization.