The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners

Domestic violence, also often referred to as intimate partner violence, can be difficult to address and has lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Missoula County’s Just Response program, made up of mental and medical health professionals, law enforcement, advocacy groups, child protection and criminal justice organizations, works to respond to DV cases and increase overall community safety. 

The commissioners recently sat down with Erin Shreder, Just Response coordinator, to discuss the tangible results of this inter-agency collective, the upstream causes of domestic violence and more.  

This episode deals with difficult topics like relationship and domestic violence. The Crime Victim Advocate Division of Missoula County is here to help you. Please call 406-258-3830 or visit their office at 317 Woody Street. YWCA Missoula is another resource and their crisis line is 1-800-483-7858.

Related links and resources:

• Strangulation Protocol
• First Step Resource Center
• All Nations Health Center
• University of Montana Student Advocacy Resource Center
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The Agenda's foray into transportation issues continues this week with Shane Stack, director of Missoula County Public Works, and Erik Dickson, county engineer.

With the recent closure of Maclay Bridge in Target Range, residents have a lot of questions about how we got here. The commissioners, Shane and Erik tackle those questions and much more in this episode. Be sure to follow this project on Missoula County Voice for more updates and information.

This episode has a lot of acronyms and engineering terms, so here's a guide for you, in alphabetical order:

• BIP: The Bridge Improvement Program, a funding opportunity administered by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Categorical exclusion, also called a CE or Cat Ex: A finding of a National Environmental Protection Act process that determines a project has no significant effect on the human environment. If a CE is granted, the project does not need an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.  
• Creosote: A material derived from tar that is used to preserve wood.
• EA: Environmental assessment. If a categorical exclusion does not apply to a project, then an environmental assessment must be developed before the project can move forward. This is a public document that provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether the project meets the criteria for a Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact (FONSI) or if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed. 
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Federal agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement if a project is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The regulatory requirements for an EIS are more detailed and rigorous than the requirements for an EA.
• FHWA: The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the federal Department of Transportation.
• FONSI document: Finding of No Significant Impact. A FONSI document is the decision document of an EA and is signed by the federal agency.  
• HDR: An engineering firm employed by both Missoula County and MDT to assist with bridge planning.
• Load rating: The amount of weight a structure can safely carry. A load posted or load limited bridge is restricted by its load rating.
• Local option gas tax: A voter-approved 2-cent tax on gas sold within Missoula County. Revenue from this tax was specifically designated for road and bridge improvements. County residents approved this measure in 2020, but the state repealed in 2021. 
• MDT: Montana Department of Transportation, the state's transportation agency
• NEPA: National Environmental Protection Act, passed in 1970 to promote and protect the environment. 

Click here for the full glossary.

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

This week the Missoula County Commissioners continue their discussion with transportation planner Aaron Wilson. They discuss the concept of 15 minute cities and how creating diverse, accessible transportation choices can reduce traffic congestion. Aaron also gives updates on the safety studies and plans for accommodating growth in areas like Brooks Street in Missoula and Highway 200 in East Missoula.

Don’t miss part two of this series on planning, traffic and transportation!

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

In the latest episode of The Agenda, we answer common questions about everyone's favorite street in Missoula (bonus points if you listen while stuck in traffic on Reserve!) 

Aaron Wilson, transportation planning manager from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization, joined the county commissioners this week to answer questions like: Is Reserve Street really home to the most dangerous intersections in Missoula? Can infrastructure changes actually decrease traffic?

In this episode, they discuss the evolution of Reserve Street, problems with pedestrian safety, and the role of the  Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in coordinating transportation efforts across jurisdictions. Don’t miss part one of this two-part series on planning, traffic and transportation.

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

This week the commissioners reviewed memorable projects from 2023, including those that address homelessness, affordable housing, recreation opportunities and much more. Tune in for a conversation that covers everything from property taxes to new parking lots to wildfire prep.

Do you have something you'd like the commissioners to discuss in 2024? Email communications@missoulacounty.us!

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The holiday season means more travel and celebration, but it also means an increased risk of impaired driving. Do you have a plan for a sober ride home?

This week the commissioners spoke with Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway and Health Specialist Steve Schmidt about recent impaired driving trends in Missoula County and what resources are available to residents.

• Substance Abuse Treatment Resources
• Drive Safe Missoula
• R.O.A.D Court
• No Joke Theatre

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Tax bills have landed in mailboxes and many residents are frustrated, confused and concerned. Why are property taxes so high? How did we get here? The commissioners discuss the topic of the tax system in Montana and what potential solutions could look like in this week’s episode of The Agenda.

Related links:

• What Do My Taxes Pay For?
• View your tax bill online
• The Re-Appraisal Process

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Did you know the Missoula County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer, as well as the coroner, and oversees the office responsible for serving civil paperwork? Did you also know that Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen was on the 1995 Montana Grizzlies national championship football team?

This week, the commissioners spoke with Sheriff Petersen about everything from jury summons to predictions for the Cat-Griz game and how his department is addressing the need for increased deputy patrol in rural areas.

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Local government is a large, busy organization. Who makes sure all payments the County makes are to the right vendors and are for legitimate county expenses? This week, the commissioners talked with Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall about safeguarding taxpayer dollars, fraud detection and the importance of internal financial controls.  

Related links:

• County claims list
• County policies

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

New name, same great local government podcast. We’ve rebranded to The Agenda! 

With 67 episodes and more than 7,000 downloads since it launched in 2021, the commissioners' podcast was due for a refresh. If you’re already subscribed, there’s no change to how you listen.

This week, Commissioners Slotnick and Strohmaier sat down with Missoula County Housing Specialist Garrick Harmel to talk about what local government can do to reduce displacement while incentivizing the construction of affordable places to live.

Related links:

• Housing Innovation Fund
• Housing Action Plan: Breaking Ground

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

“County government is funded mostly by taxpayer money.” “If Missoula County didn’t spend any more money next year, taxes would stop going up.” Have you heard this before? Are these statements true or false? 

This week the commissioners spoke with Chris Lounsbury, chief administrative officer for Missoula County, about budgeting, taxing and government spending. Tune in to this week’s episode for some myth-busting with a side of tax policy.

Related links:

• FY 2024 Budget Page
• Commissioner's Public Meeting Portal
• See budgets from previous years

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Marshall Mountain, located between East Missoula and Bonner, has been a haven for locals to enjoy the outdoors since the early 20th century. Now, there’s an opportunity to secure the base area of the former ski hill and surrounding areas for public ownership. But this potential park has a lot of moving parts: three different pieces of land with separate private owners, two governments, two public processes for open space bond funding, management considerations and more.

This week, the commissioners talked to Chet Crowser, Chief Lands & Communities Officer for Missoula County, and Donna Gaukler, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Missoula, about the scope of this project and what’s next for this beloved area.

Related links:

• Marshall Mountain Park on missoulacountyvoice.com
• Open Space Bond FAQs
• Friends of Marshall Mountain

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

The Western Montana Fair is more than just rides and fried food. The Missoula County Fairgrounds is one of the few public gathering places that unites people from all backgrounds every summer. 

This week, the commissioners spoke to Jerry Marks, the county extension agent, and Billie Ayers, events and operations manager at the fairgrounds, about the history of this hallmark event and what’s in store for the 2023 Western Montana Fair.

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Seeley Lake is an unincorporated town with a population of about 1,600 in the northern part of Missoula County. Located between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and dotted with narrow, glacial lakes, the Seeley area is synonymous with recreation and beautiful landscapes.

Thousands of people visit Seeley Lake each summer, but what’s it like to be a year-round resident, or own a business there? This week, the commissioners sat down with Claire Muller, director of the Seeley Lake Community Foundation, to talk about the unique challenges and misconceptions about this rural community.

Related links:

• Seeley Lake Community Foundation
• Seeley Lake Community Council

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Whether you're a seasoned floater or you've never sat in an inner tube, the River Ambassadors are here to help! Each summer, these friendly faces help recreators of all kinds navigate access points along the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers.

 Now in its third summer, the river ambassador program is the result of collaboration between Missoula County, City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Clark Fork Coalition. Tune in to hear more about this successful program and tips for a great day on the water.

Related links:

• Clark Fork Coalition - River Ambassadors Program
• River Ambassadors on Instagram
• Sha-Ron Parking Access Project
• Clark Fork River Map - Downtown Locations
• Fish, Wildlife and Parks Interactive Map of Fishing Access Points

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

One of Missoula County's major initiatives is to address systemic issues of inequity in our community. But what does that really mean, and what does it look like? 

This week, the commissioners sat down with Elisha Buchholz (equity coordinator at Missoula County), Rozlyn Haley (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion fellow at Missoula County) and Rajiem Seabrook (director of equity and impact at Empower Montana) for an update on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) efforts.

Related links

• JEDI Advisory Board
• 2021 JEDI Resolution
• Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Missoula County

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

Property taxes are defined by multiple sets of rules, calculations and inaccessible words like "mill" and "levy." How much is a mill worth, and what's the limit on how many mills local government can collect? Who determines how much your house is worth? What if there was a way visitors could pay for the services they use when they visit our community that would lower your property taxes at the same time?

In this episode, Commissioner Slotnick breaks down the taxing system, how it relates to the County budget and what to expect when you get your re-appraisal notice from the state this summer. 
 
 Related links:

• Montana Dept. of Revenue - Property Assessment Division
• How to Read Your Appraisal
• How to Appeal Your Appraisal 
• Learn more about the County budget process

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

In late 2021, the Missoula County commissioners asked the newly formed Department of Lands and Economic Development to inventory and assess the utility of all 260+ county-owned properties. Emily Brock, director of that department, joined the commissioners this week to debut the inventory mapping tool, explain how the parcels are assessed based on six factors, talk about next steps and how the assessment will be used to make decisions.

Follow along with the interactive mapping tool and submit feedback online: https://missoulacountyvoice.com/lands-inventory

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

What happens when you call 9-1-1? Why does the person on the other line ask so many questions? April 9-15 is Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an opportunity to recognize and thank the 9-1-1 dispatchers who work around the clock every day as the first point of emergency response.  

This week, Commissioner Strohmaier and a special guest host sat down with Sherri Odlin, 9-1-1 manager, and Adriane Beck, director of the Office of Emergency Management, to talk about what it’s like dispatching 9-1-1 calls, how technology has changed this process and their most memorable calls.  

Missoula County is hiring Public Safety Communications Officers! Click here to see the full job description.

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!

With warmer weather on the way (eventually), some residents may be planning home improvement projects. Did you know that you need a permit to re-roof your home? Or that some projects require a sanitation review from the Missoula City-County Health Department? The permitting process may seem daunting, but county staff are here to help ensure your next project is compliant and safe.

Commissioner Slotnick sat down with Rita Hagler from the Building Division of Public Works, and Nick Zanetos from the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department this week to talk about all things permitting.

Be sure to check out missoulacounty.build to get started!

Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!