The Bulletin - March 18-22
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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Upcoming Gallatin County Future Land Use Map & Housing Strategy Public Meetings
Built on the vision and priorities for future land use established in the 2021 Growth Policy, Gallatin County is in the process of creating a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Housing Strategy, to guide future development while honoring the community’s desire to protect what it loves. This process will be continuously informed by public engagement, with an initial round of outreach in March 2024 and a follow-up round in the late summer/fall of 2024. Once developed, the FLUM will provide guidance for growth and development, and serve as the planning foundation for future zoning reform.
Your feedback during the development of the FLUM is critical to ensure future growth is managed in a way that supports the community’s vision. Please invite friends and neighbors and join the Gallatin County Planning Department during the first round of outreach at one of four upcoming in-person meetings and one virtual meeting. Snacks and kid-friendly activities will be provided!
Tuesday, March 19 – 6-7:30 PM
- Bozeman Public Library
Community Room
626 E. Main St., Bozeman - Big Sky Water & Sewer Office
561 Little Coyote Rd., Big Sky
Wednesday, March 20 – 6-7:30 PM
- Gallatin Gateway Community Center
145 Mill St., Gallatin Gateway - Gallatin Conservation District
120 S. Fifth St., Manhattan
Thursday, March 28 – 6-7:30 PM
- Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 844 7667 6774
Passcode: 779586
Call-in number: 1-719-359-4580
At these meetings, you can meet the project team, explore current trends, needs, and conditions, and provide feedback that will be used to inform this important effort. During the first phase of outreach the County is seeking feedback on the types of information collected to date, on the ground accuracy, and any questions or concerns that should be considered in the development of the FLUM.
For anyone unable to make the meetings, feedback can be provided by going to Envision Gallatin where folks can register for updates on project milestones, review and comment on the maps prepared to date, and read more about the project. Residents can also reach the Planning Department directly with questions and feedback by calling 406-582-3130 or by emailing the project team at envision@gallatin.mt.gov.
Gallatin County Seeking Election Judges
The Gallatin County Elections Office is looking for help at the polls this year for the presidential elections! To sign up to be an election judge at the polls visit our website and complete the sign-up form.
Judge duties include assisting voters at the polls and through the voting process.
All judges MUST attend training, which will be approximately three hours long and held Monday-Friday, from April 1 through April 12. Training sessions will take place in the morning or afternoon, with a few offerings after 5 p.m.
The Presidential Primary Election will be held June 4, and the Presidential General Election will be held on November 8.
Help us ensure the state’s elections remain secure, fair, accurate and accessible to all voters!
MDT Performing Work in Gallatin Canyon on Wednesday, March 20
Heads up commuters! This is from the Montana Department of Transportation:
Riverside Contracting crews will conduct asphalt sampling operations on Wednesday, March 20 on US 191 between Lava Lake Trailhead and Storm Castle Road.
Weather permitting, sampling operations will occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Drivers can expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and flaggers while this work is conducted. Please be mindful of roadside crews and travel carefully through the work zone.
If you have questions, please email Kristine at kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. The project hotline is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484.
Sheriff's Office Hosting Annual Public Safety Academy Starting in March!
This year the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Academy is scheduled to begin March 26! Please join them from 6 to 9 PM every Tuesday night from March 26 through May 14. The academy is FREE and open to any Gallatin County resident 18 years or older.
Come and get to know the sheriff's office! You'll have the opportunity to participate in mock traffic stops and drug buys; learn about field sobriety maneuvers, crime scene management, and evidence collection; and sign up for a ride along with one of our deputies, sit beside a 911 dispatcher plus meet one of our amazing K-9s and so much more!
To register, please contact Sgt. Erin Taylor by phone at 406-539-0365 or by e-mail at erin.taylor@gallatin.mt.gov. Registration ends March 19, but don’t delay, spots will fill up fast!
Curves North of Churchill Construction Update
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will begin work in mid-March to resurface approximately 1 mile of State Secondary Highway 288 (MT 288), also known as Churchill Road, between Churchill and Manhattan. This project includes grading, surfacing, and seal and cover (chip seal) operations. CK May Excavating, Inc. has been selected as the contractor for this project.
“This important project will extend the service life of the road and enhance safety features,” according to Craig Walker, Project Manager for MDT’s Butte District. “MDT and CK May Excavating, Inc. appreciate the traveling public’s patience and cooperation during this construction season.”
Irrigation work will begin in mid-March and is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete, weather and other factors permitting. Once this preliminary work is complete, crews will pause activities until late May.
Travelers should expect reduced speeds and a single lane controlled by signal lights for traffic in both directions. Traffic patterns will return to normal overnight and on weekends.
Work will occur on Churchill Road, between Amsterdam Road and the intersection with Meadow View Way.
Traffic will be detoured around the Camp Creek Bridge structure for the duration of the project, via the detour shown in the project map. Work will occur on Churchill Road, between Amsterdam Road and the intersection with Meadow View Way. Two aging timber structures will be replaced with concrete box culverts, and four more new culverts will be installed to ensure maximum drainage efficacy. Crews will also install rumble strips and new signage, and update pavement markings.
Visit the project website for more info!
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.
News and Brews Spring Series
The Gallatin Conservation District and MSU Extension Gallatin County is continuing with the Ag News and Brews Speaker series.
There is one event remaining in the series. This is a great opportunity to learn, connect other producers and support local businesses.
- March 27 at 6 PM - Programs and Support for Farmers/Ranchers from the USDA/NRCS at Dry Hills Distillery in Four Corners
To RSVP, call the Gallatin County Extension office at 406-582-3280
Public Comment Sought on I-90 Project near Manhattan
The Montana Department of Transportation invites the public to comment on a proposal to replace the bridges that cross the Gallatin River on Interstate 90 (I-90), approximately three miles east of Manhattan.
More information on the project can be found here.
Provide public comments online here. Please note that comments are for project UPN 10363000.
Featured County Job Posting: Rest Home Nurse (RN/LPN)
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 Rest Home is seeking a casual call nurse to join their award-winning team!
This position performs a variety of professional nursing services for residents of the Gallatin Rest Home. 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
Gallatin Co. recruits election judges
County receives $400k for composting and food diversion
Gallatin Co. Commission signs off on large purchases for 2 departments
Gallatin County launches e-cig disposal program
Bozeman Police seeing uptick in strangulation cases, prompting concern over increased homicide risk
County issues $500k loan to developer affordable housing
Gallatin County builds roadmap for future land use with public engagement
Trail Creek yoga retreat clears county zoning hurdle
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, March 18
- Health Officer Update - 1 PM
Tuesday, March 19
- Public Meeting - 9 AM
- Indigent Deaths and Burial Discussion - 1 PM
Wednesday, March 20
- Administrator Update - 8:30 AM
- Fairgrounds Update - 10 AM
- Planning Update - 10:30 AM
- Emergency Medical Services Study Update - 1 PM
Friday, March 22
- Rest Home Budget Discussion - 9 AM
- Strategic Plan Work Session - 11 AM
Monday, March 25
- Work Session - 8:30 AM
- Chief Officers Meeting - 10:30 AM
- Urban County Tax Meeting - 1:30 PM
- County Attorney Meeting - 2 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.
Tuesday, March 19
- Consolidated Board of Adjustment Meeting - 4 PM
