The Bulletin - March 25-29
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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Catching Up with the Commission
March 19, 2024
Check out this week's video update from the Gallatin County Commission by clicking on the photo below!
Amended Second-Half Tax Bills Mailed to Gallatin County Property Owners
Last year, the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) concluded that for tax year 2023, 77.9 mills would be sufficient to meet the budgetary requirements of the State School Equalization Funds rather than 95 mills, which have been billed in previous years. The property tax bill you received from Gallatin County in November reflected that reduction.
However, Governor Gianforte sued Missoula County, which eventually resulted in a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that authorized DOR to levy the maximum mill amount regardless of the budget. Gallatin County has thus been directed to collect the full 95 mills, and second-half tax bill have been amended accordingly.
The Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office mailed these amended second-half tax bills to property owners on Friday, March 22. Property owners can expect to see these arrive in their mailboxes soon.
Property owners should disregard the second-half payment due on original bills, sent late last year, and pay the amount that comes with the amended bills instead. Do not pay both.
Folks who paid the full year’s taxes in December will still need to pay the amount indicated on this bill. These additional tax collections mandated by the Governor's Office will be sent to the State of Montana and not to any local jurisdictions.
Second half property taxes are due May 31.
If you pay your property taxes through your mortgage, please verify with your lender that they will handle paying this amended bill.
Property owners can also view amended bills online at https://itax.gallatin.mt.gov.
If you have questions about your bill, please contact the Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office by phone at 406-582-3033, by email at treasurer@gallatin.mt.gov, or in person at the Gallatin County Courthouse located at 311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman.
Property tax information, including bills and history, can also be found at https://itax.gallatin.mt.gov.
Gallatin County Fairgrounds Opens Public Survey
The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is excited to announce the next step in the ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning process with the opening of the online public sentiment survey. This is the second part of the initial public engagement for this large-scale project that began with focus groups and an open house at the fairgrounds in late February/early March of this year.
The fairgrounds asks that people limit survey responses to one per person, but to please share the link widely to anyone who would like to offer feedback and be a part of this exciting process. The survey will be online at GallatinCountyFairgrounds.com or using this link until April 29.
The purpose of the ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning Project is to update the fairgrounds facility so that it can better serve the community of Gallatin County year-round. “There are so many wonderful memories that have been made on these grounds,” said Caitlin Quisenberry, Fairgrounds Director, “but many of the buildings on site are in a state of disrepair or too small to be able to fully serve the population of user groups anymore.”
The feedback from this survey will be used to guide the vision for future improvements and development on the fairgrounds property, located in northeast Bozeman. “At the end of this project, we’ll see some new and improved spaces that honor our current users and community while also welcoming some new ones. This survey will be helpful in understanding how best to do that,” said Quisenberry.
The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is a department of the Gallatin County Government and hosts the annual Big Sky Country State Fair in July. This project is not related to the annual fair or its programming, but rather the year-round facilities and their users. The fair will continue to be hosted at the fairgrounds every year, but it might see some impacts from this project during the different phases on construction.
Another Chance to Weigh in the Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy Projects!
Thank You, Gallatin County community!
A huge shoutout to everyone who joined us at our in-person events last week to share your thoughts on our Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy projects! Your valuable input is shaping the future of Gallatin County, and we appreciate your commitment to our community's vision.
Missed out? No worries! Our virtual event is coming up on Thursday, March 28 (6-7:30 PM). Join us via Zoom to share your thoughts on the Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy. The Zoom link and a call-in number are also available at https://envisiongallatin.com/get-involved-2! Your feedback is crucial!
Let's keep the momentum going and build a future we can all be proud of!
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.
Curves North of Churchill Construction Update
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and CK May Excavating have completed preliminary irrigation work on the Curves North of Churchill – Secondary 288 project.
Travelers should expect possible reduced speeds on Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26. Work on this project will resume in late May as weather and other factors allow.
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. 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!
Text Churchill to 406-226-1603 to sign up for text updates.
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
Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements Update
The following is from the Montana Department of Transportation:
CK May will begin construction on US Highway 191 (US 191) near Gallatin Gateway on Monday, March 25. This portion of the Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements project will include adding a left-turn bay, shoulder widening, and replacing an existing bridge with a box culvert. This work is anticipated to be completed in early August.
Crews will be adding a detour to facilitate bridge replacement that will occur later this summer. During construction, drivers can expect reduced speeds and flaggers to accommodate construction equipment entering the construction area. Please plan for potential delays, be mindful of roadside crews, and travel carefully 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/.
Featured County Job Posting: Administrative Clerk for Elections
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 Elections Office is seeking an administrative clerk to join their team!
This position is mainly responsible for processing voter registration and absentee ballot requests, respectfully assisting the public, database input and maintenance, processing and verifying petitions, receiving and verifying mailed ballot packets, coordinating election processes, and processing and verifying petitions.
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 County builds roadmap for future land use with public engagement
Trail Creek yoga retreat clears county zoning hurdle
Gallatin County 911 eyes new phone system with updated technology
County inks deal for new Big Sky Country State Fair operator
Snowmobiler injured after crashing into rock near West Yellowstone
Rescuers help injured skier caught in avalanche near Hyalite Reservoir
Woman accused of vehicular homicide of Manhattan teen denied bail reduction
County voters to decide on potential local government study
Gallatin County Sheriff reports another wrong-way driver on the interstate
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 25
- Urban County Tax Meeting - 1:30 PM
- County Attorney Meeting - 2 PM
Tuesday, March 26
- Public Meeting - 9 AM
Wednesday, March 27
- Budget Meeting - Operations and Wage Adjustment - 9 AM
Thursday, March 28
- Forest Service Project Updates - 3:30 PM
Monday, April 1
- Work Session - 8:30 AM
- Road Department Update - 10:30 AM
- 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.
Monday, March 25
- Open Lands Board Meeting - 6 PM
