Southeast Montana News

On the upcoming June primary ballot, voters in Billings will have the opportunity to decide on whether to conduct a local government review. This review, as outlined in the 1972 constitution, occurs every 10 years and encompasses the structure, form, and powers of the local government.

According to the Billings City Council, if the majority of voters approve the review, a 7-member commission will be elected in November to examine and submit recommendations to the public. The commission will commence its work in 2025, and in 2026, voters will accept or reject the recommendations put forth. The entire review process is capped at $200,000, to be funded by taxpayers. The breakdown of costs varies based on property value, with a $100,000 property potentially contributing up to $1, and a $600,000 property up to $5.99.

The Billings City Council has presented the following ballot options for the June election:

- [ ] FOR THE REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNDING, NOT TO EXCEED $200,000, OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMISSION CONSISTING OF SEVEN MEMBERS TO EXAMINE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS AND SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT.

- [ ] AGAINST THE REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNDING, NOT TO EXCEED $200,000, OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMISSION CONSISTING OF SEVEN MEMBERS TO EXAMINE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF BILLINGS AND SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT.

For those interested in the specific laws governing the local government review election, they can refer to statutes 7-2-171 through 7-3-193 at: [https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/](https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/)