Bozeman City Study Commission Meeting – July 30, 2026

The Bozeman City Study Commission held a three-hour meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:02 p.m., continuing its review of the 2026 Tentative Report and receiving a ballot education engagement timeline from its consultants. The meeting included detailed edits to ballot language and approval of a treasurer for an incidental committee to manage public education efforts.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from July 23, 2026.

Correspondence & Study Commission Update

• Commissioner Barb reported on a July 27 presentation to the Valley West Neighborhood Association, which was well-received despite being cut short by a thunderstorm.
• Ex Officio Mike Maas provided updates on ballot logistics: the Gallatin County elections administrator confirmed there are 27 precincts within city limits, and each precinct will require a different ballot layout due to randomized sub-option order. Mr. Maas recommended listing the "current" option first in sub-options. He also noted that the city's ballot may trigger a third page if county, school, and other questions are added, affecting cost sharing with Monfortin.

Public Comments & Testimony

• City Attorney Greg Sullivan addressed a public comment question regarding the use of the word "recommend" in the report. He stated that since the ballot measure has not yet been adopted, it is permissible to use "recommend" in the report. Once placed on the ballot, public resources cannot be used to support or oppose the measure, but factual statements about the commission's recommendation remain allowed.

Discussion Items

• Unfinished Business – Review of 2026 Tentative Report: The Commission spent the majority of the meeting editing the report and ballot language. Key changes included:
  • Revised sub-option titles to improve clarity: "Size of the Commission" instead of "Composition", "Residency Requirements of Commissioners", and "Method of Electing City Commissioners if the Ward System is Approved".
  • Adjusted the wording of sub-options to separate the concepts of wards and election method.
  • Added a finding about geographic centralization of commissioners and linked it to compensation.
  • Corrected language in the charter regarding vacancies and mayoral succession.
  • Noted that a minority report may be submitted by September 6 if needed, but no commissioner committed to one.
• New Business – Ballot Education Engagement Timeline: Consultants Nevin, Aaron, Audrey, and Tor presented a draft presentation, talking points/FAQs, and an engagement timeline. They advocated for a distinct brand separate from the city logo to maintain neutrality in education. The Commission discussed:
  • The need for printed materials (flyers, postcards) with QR codes to the website.
  • Staffing events: Commissioners will sign up for tabling slots; consultants will fill gaps.
  • Upcoming events: Sweet Pea Festival (Aug 7-8), SLAM, Farmers Market, downtown car show, and library tabling.
  • The website will be updated with new branding and content, archiving old materials.
• Appointment of Treasurer: Mike Maas was unanimously appointed as treasurer of the incidental committee to manage campaign finance reporting, effective immediately.

Key Outcomes

• The Commission reached consensus on ballot language edits; Becky and Barb will incorporate all changes and circulate a clean draft by Saturday morning, August 1. Final edits must be submitted by Sunday, August 2 at 5:00 p.m. to be included in the August 6 agenda.
• The final report will be adopted and signed at the next meeting on August 6, 2026.
• Mike Maas will file the necessary paperwork with the Commissioner of Political Practices and act as treasurer.
• Consultants will provide view-only access to the engagement spreadsheet and begin securing booth space and printing materials for Sweet Pea and SLAM.
• Commissioners were asked to sign up for tabling shifts via email to Nevin.