The Bulletin - April 8-12
Thank you for subscribing to Gallatin County's weekly newsletter! We hope this publication will keep you up to date on the latest Gallatin County happenings - from projects and public meetings, to events and employee accomplishments, and much more!
If you are viewing this newsletter on the Gallatin County website and would like to subscribe to have it sent weekly to your inbox, go to this link and check the box next to "The Bulletin: Gallatin County Weekly Newsletter" followed by the "Subscribe Me" button at the bottom of the page.
If you have questions about any of the information in this newsletter, email whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov.
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Late Voter Registration for School and Special District Election Begins April 9
Today is the last day of regular voter registration. That means after today, if you want to make changes to your registration or register to vote in the May 7 School and Special District Election, you’ll have to do it in person.
Until 5 PM today, you can fill out the voter registration application, scan or take a picture of your completed form, and email it to gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov. Make sure you sign your form with a pen – digital signatures are not accepted.
After today, come visit Gallatin County Elections on the second floor of the Gallatin County Courthouse in downtown Bozeman to get registered or update your registration!
You can always check your voter registration status at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.
Strengthening Families Month in Gallatin County
April has been declared Strengthening Families Month in Gallatin County!
Numerous groups from around the county who work with vulnerable kids and families joined in to plant blue pinwheels in front of the Gallatin County Courthouse in downtown Bozeman this week to mark this month.
The proclamation asks our citizens to dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of life of all children and families in Gallatin County. Strong kids and strong families make for strong communities.
It is also a time to recognize the numerous organizations that help kids and families in need in our community, like CASA/GAL of Gallatin County and the sheriff’s office’s Youth and Family Outreach Program, who are working this month to help raise awareness.
“It’s critically important work, it’s sometimes very quiet work, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who is engaged,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer.
Blue pinwheels were planted this month at the Law and Justice Center in Bozeman and West Yellowstone Police Department.
These blue pinwheels symbolize hope, health and happiness that each child deserves, and hopefully when you see the pinwheels, you’ll remember the whimsical feelings of childhood.
Friday Forum on Local Government Study Commission Ballot Question
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University will host a virtual Friday Forum on April 12, focused on the upcoming ballot to reconsider current forms of city and county government. “Is a New City and County Government Structure Needed for Our Growing Community?” will be held via Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Montana Constitution requires local governments to ask their citizens to review local government structures every 10 years to decide if the existing form of government meets that community’s needs. Absentee voters will receive their ballots in the mail in May, and polling places will be open for in-person voting on Election Day, June 4.
At the Friday Forum, Ashley Kent, Associate Director at the Local Government Center at MSU, will discuss a brief history of this feature in the Montana Constitution and reasons why some communities take advantage of this Constitutional opportunity. Forum participants are encouraged to submit questions and comments in advance via Zoom registration.
OLLI at MSU Friday Forums occur the second Friday of the month from September through May. Participants must register before 11 a.m. Friday, April 12. For more information or to register, visit https://www.montana.edu/olli/offerings or call 406-994-6646. Participants will receive an email from Zoom with a link and login instructions ahead of the event.
OLLI at MSU is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.
Still Time to Take the Gallatin County Fairgrounds Public Survey
Our "Fairgrounds Future" master planning process is in full swing, and we want YOUR input!
If you haven't already, now's your chance to make your voice heard in our online public sentiment survey. We're dedicated to creating a space that better serves our amazing community year-round, but we need your feedback to make it happen.
Click here to take the survey!
The survey closes April 29. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of our beloved fairgrounds. Remember, one response per person, but feel free to share the link far and wide.
Together, we'll create a brighter future for the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Let's make memories and build a space we're all proud of!
More Opportunities to Weigh in the Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy Projects!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy public meetings the last two weeks! Whether you came to one of our four events around Gallatin County or you took part in our virtual meeting, we appreciate all the time, effort, and great thoughts and ideas you shared with us!
If you weren’t able to make it, or did but have something more to add, you can still share feedback to inform the next phase through April 14:
- Commenting is live on the Existing Land Use Profile Story Map.
- The Housing and FLUM suitability survey is also live!
You can also provide feedback any time by visiting our main project website at www.envisiongallatin.com or emailing envision@gallatin.mt.gov.
Health Department Seeking Focus Group Participants
Join the Gallatin City-County Health Department for a focus group!
They'd love to hear your insights, thoughts, and experiences on how the cost of living and housing availability has an impact on your health. The Gallatin City-County Health Department will be conducting three focus groups as part of their Community Health Assessment.
- Participants must be Gallatin County residents, 18 years or older
- Groups will be limited to 16 participants
For more information and to register for one of the focus groups, visit our website!
Free Wellness Class Starts in April!
Join the Gallatin City-County Health Department for the next SAIL (Stay Active & Independent for Life) class starting in April!
Starting April 16, this class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 PM at the Belgrade Senior Center.
SAIL is a FREE 12-week fall prevention fitness program designed for older adults and focuses on strength, balance, and mobility. To sign up, email hs@gallatin.mt.gov or call 406-582-3100.
Visit our website for more information and other FREE wellness classes.
Property Tax Relief Deadline Reminders for Homeowners
The following deadlines for Montana Department of Revenue programs are coming up in April.
• April 15 is the deadline for real property and mobile homeowners to apply for the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP). Eligibility for this program is based on home ownership, occupancy requirements, and income qualifications. Legislative changes to the program for Tax Year 2024 include higher qualifying income levels and an increase in the amount of property market value eligible for the tax assistance from $200,000 to $350,000. More info here.
• April 15 is the deadline for 100% disabled Montana veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses to apply for the Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Property Tax Assistance Program. Eligibility for reduced property taxes is based on home ownership, occupancy, military disability requirements, and income qualifications. Similar to PTAP for Tax Year 2024, the MDV program has higher qualifying income levels. More info here.
Construction Begins on I-90 Project in Bozeman
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Knife River are beginning work to rehabilitate approximately three miles of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Bozeman. The project begins near the Rouse Avenue overpass and extends to the Fort Ellis Road overpass.
This project is anticipated to begin in April 2024 and be completed in August. Planned improvements include removing and replacing the asphalt surface, rehabilitating bridges, upgrading guardrail, a seal and cover (chip seal) of the roadway, new pavement markings, new shoulder rumble strips, and new signage. These improvements will enhance safety features, provide a smoother driving surface, and extend the life of the roadway.
In addition to the I-90 mainline, all the ramps on the Main Street Interchange (Exit 309) will be resurfaced as part of this project. Each of the ramps will be closed for approximately two days at a time to remove and replace the pavement. The ramps will not be closed simultaneously and will reopen as soon as the new pavement is safe to drive on. The ramp closures are anticipated to begin the week of April 15. All work on the ramps is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather and unforeseen factors permitting.
When construction begins, motorists can expect to encounter crossover traffic patterns where both east and westbound traffic travel on the same side of the interstate, ramp closures and detours, traffic reduced to one lane in each direction, reduced speed limits, and width restrictions.
More information about the project can be found at: mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/i90bozemaneast/. For current traffic conditions and width restrictions visit 511mt.net.
If you’d like to sign up to receive email notifications about construction activities, email Brandon at Brandon@rbci.net. To receive text notifications, text BZEAST to 866-434-0866 (toll-free)*.
Questions and comments can be directed to Brandon Coates at Brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-333-7461.
Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements Update
The following is from the Montana Department of Transportation:
Work is underway on the Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements project. Here’s what to expect for the week of April 8.
CK May crews will be placing a box culvert this week just north of Gallatin Gateway. Traffic on US Highway 191 (US 191) will use an onsite detour while this work is completed. Crews will be present Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Drivers can expect speeds of 35 miles per hour through the work zone.
If you have questions, please email Kristine at Kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. Our project hotline is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484. Visit our project webpage at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/gallatincanyon/. To subscribe to wekkly text updates, text GALLATINCANYON to 41411.
Featured County Job Posting: Grants Accountant
Each week, we will feature one of our current job openings at Gallatin County! You can find this position and many more here.
The Gallatin County Finance Department is looking for a grants accountant to join their amazing team!
This position's duties include overseeing all quarterly, annual and ad hoc grant deadlines for the department, drafting, establishing and enforcement of grant policies and procedures, coordinating training and development opportunities, and managing a full portfolio of grants. This position coordinates and completes the preparation, review and audit by external auditors of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and submits to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Is responsible for researching, application, oversight and coordination of current and future grants meeting the goals and objectives set by the County Commission; tracking, reporting and compliance requirements to private, State and Federal granting agencies for grants received by the County; responsible for financial and programmatic activities associated with grants received by the County; provides increased and effective communications with other County departments regarding grant activities, compliance and regulations.
The job comes with incredible benefits like health, dental and medical, as well as paid parental leave, tuition assistance, and more!
You can see the full job posting here.
Gallatin County In The News
Bridger Canyon homeowner files complaint against county over short-term rentals
Gallatin Co. residents split on Big Sky project
Gallatin City-County Health Department to hold free 12-week wellness class for seniors
From urban search to Baldy Peak, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue fields two missions at once
Gallatin County Commission signs letter supporting marijuana revenue bill vetoed by Gianforte
Upcoming Commission Meetings
The following meetings of the Gallatin County Commission are quorum meetings. Click on the meeting name for agendas, meeting locations, and virtual attendance options. You can see the full calendar here. Please note the calendar is subject to change. For questions on any upcoming meetings, email commission@gallatin.mt.gov or call 406-582-3000.
Monday, April 8
- County Attorney Meeting - 2 PM
Tuesday, April 9
- Public Meeting - 9 AM
- Rest Home Budget Discussion - 1 PM
Wednesday, April 10
- Sheriff's Office Update - 9 AM
- Motor Vehicle Update - 10 AM
- CDBG Discussion - 1 PM
Thursday, April 11
- Planning & Zoning Commission - 8:30 AM
Monday, April 15
- Work Session - 8:30 AM
- Health Officer Update - 1 PM
Planning and Community Development
What's New & Happening Now - Check out this page for the latest information on subdivisions under review, planning meeting agendas, buildings for lease or rent applications, and other large projects across the county.
Upcoming Planning and Community Development Meetings
You can see the full calendar here. Please note the calendar is subject to change.
Monday, April 8
- Open Lands Board - 6 PMThursday, April 11
- Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 8:30 AM
