Commissioners' Public Meeting July 30, 2026

The Missoula County Commissioners held a public meeting on July 30, 2026, focused primarily on presenting and discussing the preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget. Chief Administrative Officer Chris Lounsbury detailed the county's expense-side budget, highlighting targeted investments in personnel for departments facing recruitment challenges, such as the Sheriff's Office, Detention Facility, and Justice Court. The presentation included explanations of recent changes in Montana's property tax rates and their impact on taxable values and tax bills, though final revenue figures were pending certified taxable values expected the following week. Specific procurement-related items discussed included a subscription contract for Axon Tasers for the Sheriff's Office, requiring budget enhancements for ongoing costs, and a one-time funding request of $250,000 to cover a shortfall in replacing the detention facility's cooling tower due to higher-than-expected bid costs. The Treasurer's Office also requested a 0.3 FTE increase to improve employee benefits and retention. Commissioners and public commenters discussed the implications of tax rate changes and budget allocations, with no final votes taken at this preliminary stage. The meeting emphasized that final budget decisions would follow once revenue data is available, with further public input opportunities planned.