Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Potential November 2027 housing bond ballot measure
The city commission is weighing a November 2027 ballot ask focused on housing, with possible additions like a West Side library, mental health crisis response and a fourth fire station. The board may be asked for input as ballot language takes shape in early 2027.
Local option sales tax and bed tax revenue
Reps asked why tourists' money can't fund city services. Fischer said the legislature hasn't granted Bozeman local sales-tax authority, the bed tax goes to Helena for tourism promotion, and the city's big-eight municipalities need to lobby jointly.
Delinquent charge levies (snow, weeds, utilities)
Property owners who never paid city-billed snow removal, weed cutting, or utility charges could see those unpaid bills added to their property tax rolls, with 10 percent annual interest after December 1, 2026.
Potential Downtown Urban Renewal District expansion
Scheduled for October 5: the board will review whether a potential expansion of the downtown urban renewal district is consistent with the Bozeman Community Plan.
Downtown BID finances and maintenance programs
The district's FY2027 budget is on track: about $314,000 collected year to date against roughly $110,000 spent, with over $436,000 cash on hand. New downtown-branded streetlamp banners are up, and all-new holiday garland and bows will debut this winter.
HRDC public funds accountability and records requests
A former HRDC employee returned again to demand answers about how taxpayer money to the nonprofit was used, saying record requests have produced silence. Staff and commissioners responded that the clerk's records office has worked extensively to fulfill costly, broad requests.
BID Assessment Collection Change for FY2028
Starting in FY2028, the city will move BID assessment collection to the county, shifting from one lump-sum payment to monthly collections. Roughly $30,000 went uncollected last year, which could squeeze the downtown partnership's budget.
Ballot Education Services
The commission hired Danegeld MT for $60,000 to create educational materials about the charter amendments — with a firm line between educating voters and advocating for a yes vote.
Independent audit provision (Charter Section 6.09)
The city's finance director asked to reinstate a provision allowing a firm that does other financial work for the city to also perform the audit. Most commissioners were skeptical, citing independence concerns, and floated requiring a unanimous commission vote for any waiver.
HRDC funding records request and accountability
A resident has repeatedly asked how much city money goes to HRDC and what safeguards apply, and has filed an ethics complaint. Commissioners asked staff to compile funding figures and a response.
DURD Bylaws Amendment
Residents challenged TIFF eligibility of line items in the downtown URD budget — including the $270,000 Downtown Bozeman Partnership fee and a $5 million parking plan with no named partner — and argued ordinance 1409 requires excess increment above the inflation-adjusted $750,000 cap to return to the general fund.
Downtown TIF fund balance and public safety funding
Commenter Bob Muldowney again pressed the commission to wind down the downtown urban renewal district and release its $9.7 million fund balance to fire, police, and schools. The city manager agreed to raise the question with URD leadership, noting the district sunsets in 2032 with about $6.5 million available.
HRDC employment accountability complaint
Cindy Smith, a former HRDC employee, asked the commission to formally acknowledge her whistleblower and retaliation complaints against the nonprofit, which receives city funding, and to respond in writing about what accountability the city can demand.
Participatory budgeting dropped from charter
The commission voted 3-1 to strip the specific 'participatory budgeting' mechanism from the draft charter, replacing it with softer language letting the city create budget-engagement processes. Residents who pushed for a bigger say in the city budget lose the strongest charter hook.
INC Bylaws quorum increase
The council raised its meeting quorum from 5 to 8 delegates (one-third to majority of the 15 recognized neighborhoods). The idea is to make sure decisions reflect broader representation and that the Commission takes INC more seriously.