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We have evolved! 

The MMIA News and Views Newsletter is now a joint effort with the Montana League of Cities and Towns. Check out our many editions since starting this joint effort. Read about the same great risk management content you’re used to, along with other vital information about local, state, and national topics.

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The updated inflation factor for mill levy calculation in 15-10-420, MCA for FY 2025 is 2.80%.

Department of Administration Memo

Overview

The State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Program, established through House Bill 355 during the 2023 legislative session, is a state-funded initiative designed to assist cities and towns in financing the maintenance and repair of local government facilities through collaborative efforts. Local governments are required to contribute a cash match to participate in this partnership.

Starting from July 1, 2023, for the biennium, a total of $20 million is allocated from the general fund to the Montana Department of Commerce ("Commerce"). These grants will be awarded in accordance with the provisions of HB 355, ensuring compliance with eligible projects recommended by the legislative bodies of each city or town. The Department of Commerce requests that you make reasonable efforts to submit completed applications by March 30th. LEARN MORE.

Eligible Projects

  • Drinking water systems-Wastewater treatment systems
  • Fire suppression systems (if independent of a drinking water system)
  • Streets
  • Roads
  • Bridges
  • Landfills
  • Streetlights
  • Airports
  • Public grounds and buildings
  • Projects that expand existing water and wastewater treatment plants that are being operated at 90% of design capacity or greater

Grant Limits

City and Town Allocation of Funding Amounts

Project Application

Grant Application

Model Resolution Template - This is a sample resolution to reference. Please note, it it not required by HB 355. To learn more visit the Department of Commerce State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act webpage.

Virtual Town Halls with Montana Department of Commerce

First Virtual Town Hall with Department of Commerce held on November 6, 2023
WATCH RECORDING

Virtual Q & A with Department of Commerce held on December 5, 2023
WATCH RECORDING

Second Virtual Town Hall with Department scheduled for January 23, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m.
JOIN ZOOM

Infrastructure Bill Programs and Grant Opportunities Available

Members you don’t want to miss these current opportunities!
The National League of Cities, Results for America, and the United States Conference of Mayors have developed a new program called the Local Infrastructure Hub. The Hub is a national program that ensures all cities and towns can access federal infrastructure funding for local recovery, community improvement, and deliver results for residents. The Hub connects local leaders to leading policy and innovation experts who will help guide cities and towns of all sizes to access funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Make sure your municipality gets vital infrastructure funding, and sign up for updates for more information.

Grant Application for assistance Bootcamps - January 2023

News & Resources

Upcoming Events and Webinars

Further information can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website here.

ARPA Reporting

ARPA Law, Rules, Expenditure Guidance, and FAQs

State of Montana ARPA Programs

Municipal Town Hall Recordings

Estimated Fuel Tax Allocation for FY25

Montana Department of Transportation has provided estimated FY25 annual fuel tax allocations per city and county. Please note, this is an estimation based on projected revenues collected and will change throughout FY25. Entities will be paid based on actual revenue collected each month.

ESTIMATED FUEL TAX ALLOCATIONS FOR FY25

Updated Gas Tax Allocation Process

In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed HB 76 which combines the separate allocations of state motor fuel taxes to local governments into a single monthly allocation. This includes the “old” gas tax statutory appropriation ($16,816,000 annually) and the BaRSAA allocation (the 2017 gas tax increase). This eliminates the red tape of BaRSAA - no more resolutions, local match or sending requests to MDT for allocation, reservation or re-allocation and no more reporting on projects.

Under HB 76, local governments now receive a monthly share of the gas tax collections from the previous month. The new distribution is be based on sales of gas, like the BaRSAA account, which means that monthly gas tax receipts fluctuate throughout the year as they are collected by the department. You can expect distributions to be higher in summer months and lower during the winter. MDT sends out monthly projections for the year in early June and additional updates if actual receipts start to significantly vary from the projections.

Fuel Tax Allocations

For information on Road and Bridge Funding, visit the MDT Page.

MDT City-Maintained Route Agreement Documents

This bi-annual survey collects data including starting and maximum salaries and minimum education/experience requirements for a wide variety of common municipal positions. Many of our members find this resource helpful in setting their own salaries and requirements for hiring. 

VIEW THE 2024 SALARY SURVEY

Please note the tabs on the bottom of this spreadsheet delineating positions by city/town.

If you have questions regarding compensation or other HR matters, please contact the League.

Past Surveys

2024 SALARY SURVEY Download

Foundations of Governance

Online Training for Newly Elected Officials

This five-week webinar series covered a wide range of topics to equip newly elected officials with a solid foundation and understanding of local government. From the basics of the form and function of local governance to risk management, review this series as a resource for local leadership.

Please find recordings and slides below:

Week 1
Introduction to Municipal Government Resources (video link)

Week 2
Understanding the Purpose and Function of Municipal Government (video link)
Purpose and Function of Municipal Government Slides
 (PDF)

Week 3
Roles and Responsibilities in Municipal Government (video link)
Roles and Responsibilities Slides 
(PDF)

Week 4
Montana Open Meeting and Citizen Participation Laws (video link)
Open Meeting & Citizen Participation Slides
 (PDF)

Week 5
Collective Advocacy and Risk Management (video link)

Resources:

Montana's Entitlement Share Payment is a yearly payment to local governments to compensate for lost property tax revenue, earmarked fees, and other revenue. The concept was established in 2001 by HB 124 as a way to address the potential for errors that could occur when revenue streams are redirected. 

Entitlement Share Payment amounts for FY 2025 Explanation of HB 212 Class 8 Reimbursements