Commissioners' Public Meeting September 03, 2026

The Missoula County Commissioners held a public meeting on September 3, 2026, primarily focused on the presentation and adoption of the fiscal year 2027 final budget. County officials detailed the budget process, highlighting necessary cost increases such as collective bargaining agreements, medical cost inflation, and contract escalations, including a specific mention of a contract with Taser for the sheriff's department. The budget totals approximately $225 million in revenue with $220 million in expenditures, including allocations for general government services, law enforcement, detention center operations, and road maintenance. The commissioners discussed property tax impacts, noting a tiered tax rate system for primary residences and a reduction in mill levies resulting in an overall decrease in property taxes for most homeowners despite the budget increase. The meeting included public comments expressing concerns about tax increases and government spending. The commissioners voted to adopt the FY27 budget resolutions, set mill levies, appropriate funds, and establish a large taxpayer reserve account to mitigate potential future tax base losses. No new contracts or procurement awards were discussed, but the budget includes funding for existing contracts and capital maintenance projects such as detention facility plumbing repairs.