Bozeman City Commission Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Bozeman City Commission held a work session and regular meeting on June 9, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM. The primary focus was the second budget presentation for the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds, along with a special presentation on parks and recreation, public comment on non-agenda items and the budget, and approval of an updated EMS transport fee schedule. The meeting concluded at approximately 7:00 PM after a break.

Consent Calendar

• Items G1-G3: Approved unanimously (5-0). These routine consent items included approvals of prior minutes, contracts, and other routine matters.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Courtney Johnson (Johnson Metal Works): Highlighted a successful community partnership with local schools and the Parks Department to fabricate four park benches. Expressed hope for future collaboration and requested the benches be displayed at City Hall.
• Mark Campanelli (Bogar Park neighbor): Opposed fluoridation of city water, citing it as an unnecessary treatment without consent. Also questioned the city’s budget assumptions, noting that underspending on growth-related projects should not be called “savings,” and urged the commission to lead Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) decisions rather than developers.
• Bob Muldowney (Bozeman resident): Argued that the downtown Urban Renewal District (URD) has fulfilled its purpose and that its $9.7 million fund balance should be released to support the general fund, particularly for police and fire services. Noted that downtown property taxes have been diverted to TIFF for 30 years, contributing to a public safety deficit.
• Cindy Smith (online): Called for transparency regarding city funds provided to HRDC, stating that taxpayer dollars require public oversight and that silence from officials is concerning.
• Katie Madison (Haven Executive Director): Thanked the commission for continued investment in emergency shelter operations, noting that 80% of women with children experiencing homelessness have experienced domestic violence.
• Alison Braddock (Family Promise Executive Director): Expressed gratitude for support and shared a success story of a family moved from homelessness to stable housing with the help of bridging home funds.
• Anthony Smith (resident): Criticized police use of less-lethal force and called for policy changes, including a ban on such tactics and shifting mental health crisis response to unarmed professionals. Urged the city not to settle the Rogel case out of court.
• Unnamed speaker: Questioned the downtown URD work plan, suggesting it funds “nice-to-haves” rather than blight reduction, and argued that TIFF money should be returned to the general fund.

Special Presentation: The Power of Parks and Recreation

• Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented an overview of the department’s impact. Highlights included 135 team members managing 942 acres of parkland, 79 miles of trails, 54 playgrounds, and 28,500 public trees. The presentation emphasized six pillars: connection, play, community, nature, belonging, and well-being. He noted that in 2025, over 4,500 youth participated in athletic programs.

Discussion Items

• Budget Work Session (General Fund and Special Revenue Funds): Melissa Hodnet, Finance Director, presented the recommended budget for FY27-28. Key topics:

  • General Fund resources total $137.8 million, with property taxes making up nearly 70% of revenue.
  • The city estimates a 1.3% decrease in certified taxable value from FY26 to FY27, but a 1% increase in total property tax revenue due to new taxable value (estimated $7.2 million over the biennium).
  • Special revenue funds for building inspection, planning, development engineering, and community housing were reviewed. The planning fund has a $2 million annual general fund subsidy; a fee study is underway.
  • Community housing funds include $1.5 million for the Fowler Housing Project and a $900,000 increase in general fund subsidy in FY28.
  • New positions: 9.5 FTEs in the police department (4 officers and 1 sergeant per year, plus 1 intel analyst), half a special services officer for the library, and half a position for municipal court. Total new FTEs across the city: 18.
  • Police staffing: Currently authorized 76 sworn officers, with 70-71 filled. The goal is 89 by 2028 to meet the 2021 staffing plan recommendation of 79.
  • Fire department: $70,000 per year for ballot education on Fire Station 4; no new positions.
  • Community programs: $345,700 per year for the HRDC warming center (decreased from $500,000 as other jurisdictions increase contributions); $250,000 per year for tenants’ right to counsel.
  • Discussion on balancing police funding with upstream mental health and housing investments. City manager noted that police are difficult to staff and that traffic safety is a priority. Mayor Morrison raised the need for a plan to invest in alternatives to policing.
  • Commissioner Magic suggested keeping fee rates current and exploring TIFF fund transfers. Commissioner Bowdy proposed an inflationary increase for Streamline and additional upstream housing funding. Commissioner Sweeney advocated for a public budget engagement event and pre-approved ADU plans.
  • Deputy Mayor Fisher praised the budget’s prudence and noted the importance of affordable public facilities.

• EMS Transport Fee Schedule Update: Fire Chief Josh Waldo presented a resolution to increase rates for emergency medical services transport. The department has been providing backup transport since 2007, averaging 177 transports per year. Current rates from 2022 are outdated; proposed rates are based on local comparators and costs. The city collects only 42% of billed amounts; 58% is write-off. Financial hardship waivers and payment plans are available. The rate schedule will be adjusted annually by CPI starting July 1, 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approval: Item F1 approved 4-1 (Commissioner Sweeney dissenting, citing need for better written minutes).
• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
• EMS Transport Fee Resolution: Approved 5-0. Rates will take effect July 1, 2026, with annual CPI adjustments.
• Budget Discussion: No formal vote; the preliminary budget adoption is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Commissioners signaled potential amendments (Streamline increase, additional housing funding, pre-approved plans, public engagement event). Staff will return with answers to questions.
• Next Steps: The final budget adoption and mill levy setting will occur on August 18, 2026, after receipt of certified taxable values from the Department of Revenue.