Consent 1.J.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 02/24/2014
- TITLE
- 2014 Local Government Review Study Commission
- PRESENTED BY:
- Brent Brooks
- Department:
- Legal
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Montana Constitution, Article XI, Section 9, and the MCA Section 7-3-173 provides that each local government's registered voters must be given the opportunity at least every ten (10) years to review their form of government. City voters will decide whether to review the current form at the primary election on June 3, 2014. If a majority of voters choose to conduct the review, Local Government Review Study Commissioners will be elected at the general election on November 4, 2014. The electors chose to not review the form of government in 2004. The most recent review of the City’s form of government occurred during 1994-1995.
If a Study Commission is approved, the Mayor and Council may determine the number of Commission members. There must be at least three members and an odd total number. The 1994 Commission had seven members, seven were proposed in 2004 and the attached resolution would also create a seven member Commission. Cities may also establish a budget and levy property tax mills to support a Study Commission's work. The 1994 Commission spent $15,600 and City staff worked extensively with the Commission. If a 2004 Commission had been created, staff estimated a two year budget of $100,000, assuming minimal staff involvement. The Council may defer making a budget decision until after the primary election, which is prior to the FY 15 budget adoption. The City Council must adopt a Resolution that includes ballot language and submit it to the Yellowstone County Election Administrator by March 10, 2014.
If a Study Commission is approved, the Mayor and Council may determine the number of Commission members. There must be at least three members and an odd total number. The 1994 Commission had seven members, seven were proposed in 2004 and the attached resolution would also create a seven member Commission. Cities may also establish a budget and levy property tax mills to support a Study Commission's work. The 1994 Commission spent $15,600 and City staff worked extensively with the Commission. If a 2004 Commission had been created, staff estimated a two year budget of $100,000, assuming minimal staff involvement. The Council may defer making a budget decision until after the primary election, which is prior to the FY 15 budget adoption. The City Council must adopt a Resolution that includes ballot language and submit it to the Yellowstone County Election Administrator by March 10, 2014.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
No alternatives have been analyzed because the first election is required by Montana statute and the Montana Constitution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If a Study Commission is approved by the voters at the June 3rd election, the City Council may appropriate the amount necessary to fund the study.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached Resolution which submits the issue of local government review to the City’s registered voters during the June 3, 2014 primary election, contains the ballot language and would establish a seven member Study Commission.