Bozeman Study Commission Meeting: Governance Structure & Survey Results - January 15, 2026

The Bozeman Study Commission met on January 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to approximately 7:09 PM in the Commission Room at City Hall, 121 North Rouse. Chair Carson Taylor presided. The meeting included a learning session on governing body structure facilitated by Dan Clark, Executive Director of the Local Government Center at MSU Extension, and a presentation from Working Ventures on communication action plan survey results. Key decisions were made on drafting the final report and discussion of potential charter changes.

Consent Calendar

• Claims Review and Approval (D.1): A motion to approve payment of claims (BCSC Invoice #4, December 2025) passed 5-0. (Motion by Becky Franks, seconded by Jan Strout.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Commission Deanna Campbell submitted a written statement for the record addressing uncertainties and ambiguities in the survey data, cautioning against acting prematurely.

Discussion Items

F.1 – Determine Who Will Draft the City Study Commission Report

• The Commission discussed assigning two members to co-draft the initial report, due by May 18, 2026. Becky Franks and Barb Cestero volunteered, citing their writing experience with policy and bylaws. Deanna Campbell expressed willingness to contribute but noted the importance of balance in perspectives. A motion to assign Becky Franks and Barb Cestero as co-drafters carried 4-0 (with one abstention). (Motion by Jan Strout, seconded by Becky Franks.)

G.1 – Working Ventures: Communication Action Plan

• Stan Odenthal of Working Ventures presented preliminary results from the city employee survey (174 responses, with 2 more added during the meeting, out of 524 total employees – 498 full-time, 26 part-time). Key findings include:
  • Employees showed strong support for the status quo: 72% favored the city manager retaining full executive authority (current form), compared to 18.9% for reduced powers and 5.5% for mayor as executive.
  • 72% of employees opposed electing additional officials (e.g., city clerk, treasurer, attorney), compared to a more even split in the community survey.
  • 53.4% of employees said the commission should not expand beyond five members (vs. 41.7% in the community survey).
  • Employees ranked accountability and efficient administration as top leadership qualities, while the community ranked accountable leadership first and democratic representation higher.
  • On geographic representation, employees were divided: 23 strongly disagreed, 20 disagreed, 45 neutral, 45 agreed, and 31 strongly agreed with prioritizing district-based representation.
• The Commission reviewed draft surveys for current and past city commissioners (since 2015) and advisory board members (since 2021). Questions addressed hours per week, full-time status, stipend fairness, and role clarity. Commissioners suggested reducing “unsure” options and adding an “other volunteer service” choice for question 28. Surveys will be sent out for ~10-11 day windows.
• Anna from Working Ventures outlined the Spring 2026 communication strategy (1/8-page ads in the Chronicle bi-weekly, social media campaigns, posters). Budget and saturation levels are pending approval.

G.2 – Learning Session on Governing Body: Size, Terms, Duties, Mayor System, and Other Elected Offices

• Dan Clark facilitated a discussion using a comparison chart of 14 Montana municipalities. Key points include:
  • Commission size: Montana cities average 7.2 members (including mayor). Research suggests 5-7 is a “sweet spot,” but gains up to 12 are minimal. Bozeman has 5 commissioners plus a mayor—on the low end. Butte (12) is considering downsizing due to low engagement.
  • At-large vs. wards: Bozeman, Great Falls, and Helena are the only large cities with at-large elections. Most others use wards. Clark noted wards can lead to hyper-local focus and resource allocation conflicts. Historical note: Bozeman eliminated wards in 1929 after adopting the city manager form.
  • Mayor term and deputy mayor: Bozeman’s unique “2+2” deputy mayor system (first two years as deputy, last two as mayor) is widely criticized. Clark shared an anecdote that it was added as a political bargaining chip. Most cities have 4-year mayor terms. Clark advised that if changed, a transition plan is needed, and no elected official can lose office due to a charter change.
  • Duties of commissioners: Clark recommended keeping the charter broad (like a constitution) and letting policies define specifics. However, Commission members noted public dissatisfaction with lack of transparency and representation may warrant more specific charter language.
  • Full-time vs. part-time: Clark said Montana municipalities do not typically classify commissioners as full- or part-time. Stipends vary (Bozeman’s is the highest, ~$34-$40k/year). Clark noted that low pay can limit demographic diversity.
  • Vacancy: Most charters follow state law (30 days to appoint). Missoula mandates 120 days; Butte and Belgrade require 60 days. Appointed officials serve until the next election (max ~2 years). The cost of a special election is ~$105,000.
  • Term limits: Clark advised caution, as state law may prohibit them, and recommended legal counsel review.

Key Outcomes

• Report drafting: Becky Franks and Barb Cestero appointed as co-drafters of the City Study Commission Report (motion carried 4-0).
• Next Meeting (Jan 28, 2026): The Commission will discuss potential charter changes including: Deputy Mayor, number of commissioners, partisan/nonpartisan elections, other elected offices, vacancy timeline, and duties of commissioners. Commissioners agreed that wards/districts will be discussed later (Feb-March).
• Requests for information:
  • Commissioner Jan Strout requested cost estimates for 5 full-time city commissioners.
  • Commissioner Strout requested average median income (AMI) for Gallatin County.
  • The Commission requested Dan Clark and Mike Maas investigate other commissions with full-time work and their job descriptions, as well as Gallatin County Commissioner salaries and job descriptions.
• Future Meeting Date: The July 2 meeting may be moved to late June to avoid holiday conflicts; Mike Maas will check feasibility.
• Legal Opinion: Dan Clark recommended the Commission seek a formal opinion from City Attorney Greg Sullivan on how many charter changes can be proposed on a single ballot (referencing MCA 7-3-150 and 7-3-151).