The Bozeman City Commission met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Commission Room at City Hall. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a consent agenda, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025, an annexation and zone map amendment, and an appointment to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
City Manager Chuck Winn highlighted G.8 (Fowler Avenue Connection) and G.9 (Midtown lighting project connecting downtown and midtown). No public comments were received on the consent agenda. The consent items were approved 5-0.
General Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: Mary Bateson and Daniel Carty, Bozeman residents, commented on the B-3 height limit, requesting that a thoughtful discussion of the issue be placed on a future commission agenda. They referenced Deputy Mayor Douglas Fischer’s suggestion for a four-month review window.
Public Comment on Action Items: No public comments were offered on the ACFR (I.1) or the annexation (I.2).
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 and Audit Results (I.1): Controller Aaron Funk presented the ACFR for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The city’s total net position was $740 million, an increase of $46.9 million from the prior year. Property tax revenues increased by $3.5 million due to growth, while program revenues decreased by $3.1 million, primarily from lower impact fees and development charges. Total expenditures increased by $9.7 million, including $4 million for public safety (negotiated wage increases and 12 new firefighter positions funded partly by a SAFER grant). Janeen Hathcock of Eide Bailly presented the audit results: an unmodified (clean) opinion on all 12 opinion units, no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, and no audit findings. The city was classified as a low-risk auditee. The single audit showed no compliance issues. The Finance Director noted that the decrease in program revenues was typical of development cycles. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the report and the city’s financial management. Deputy Mayor Fischer highlighted the city’s growth and the need for continued investment. The ACFR and letter of governance were approved 5-0.
Annexation and Zone Map Amendment for 1071 Story Mill Road (I.2): Senior Planner Tom Rogers presented the application to annex 1.173 acres (two lots) and establish initial zoning of R-1 (now RA). The site is within the city’s growth area, adjacent to Bridger Creek Golf Course. Staff found the proposal met all annexation policies and zoning criteria. The Community Development Board had recommended approval unanimously. One written comment supported the annexation. The applicant, Bridger Creek Golf Course Partners, sought annexation to obtain city water and sewer services for the golf course. Commissioners discussed the transition from RA to adjacent higher-density zoning (B2M) and the five-acre preference in annexation policy. Commissioner Bode noted that future zoning changes would not raise spot zoning concerns. The annexation motion and the zone map amendment motion were each approved 5-0.
Appointment to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (J.1): Commissioner Sweeney disclosed that the selected applicant, Danielle Nicholas, had donated to her campaign. Sweeney moved to appoint Nicholas to an at-large position for a term ending July 1, 2027. The motion was seconded and approved 5-0 after no public comment.
FYI/Discussion: Commissioners discussed the five-acre annexation policy, the B-3 height limit, and the need for future UDC transitions. Commissioner Bode suggested requiring applicants to document neighbor outreach. Deputy Mayor Fischer emphasized giving the new UDC time to work. Commissioner Sweeney stressed the importance of examining B-3 height to protect the historic core. City Manager Winn noted that the five-acre preference was not a firm requirement.
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