Great Falls meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Great Falls City Commission to weigh annexation, tax increase, $2.845M industrial park bonds

Great Falls city boards met over the past two weeks to consider a range of items, from a downtown parking system to a library policy change. The most consequential items appeared on the City Commission's Aug. 4 agenda, which included a property annexation, a proposed property tax increase, and $2.845 million in bonds for the East Industrial Park. No minutes have been published for any of these meetings, so all actions remain pending.

City Commission

The City Commission held a regular meeting Aug. 4 with public hearings and resolutions on several major items. According to the agenda, the commission was scheduled to:

• Consider annexation and zoning for 305 21st Avenue South (Resolution 10633, Ordinance 3285).
• Review an amended 2026 Urban Renewal Plan for the Downtown District (Ordinance 3286).
• Vote on a resolution to increase property tax (Resolution 10636).
• Adopt the annual budget resolution (Resolution 10635).
• Authorize $2,845,000 in bonds for the Great Falls East Industrial Park (Resolution 10650).

A separate work session later that day included a recap of the proposed FY2027 budget from Greg Doyon and finance staff.

Library Board

The Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees met July 28. Agenda items included electing a chair and vice-chair, accepting June financial reports, and adopting minutes from the May 26 meeting. The board also considered a legal agreement with Mr. Bill Bronson and a proposal to remove Section Six, “Forms,” from the policy manual.

Parking Advisory Commission

Also on July 28, the Parking Advisory Commission reviewed and graded proposals from six vendors for a downtown parking management system. The vendors were PayByPhone, Cardinal Tracking, FSH Technologies, Passport Inc., Paygasus, and SP+ Municipal (Metropolis). The commission also planned to appoint a vice chair and vote on recommending Aimee Lennox as a new member.

Neighborhood Council

The Council District #3 Neighborhood Council held a special meeting Aug. 6 to plan a summer celebration scheduled for Aug. 22 in Jaycee Park.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official meeting calendar for future agendas and minutes.

Great Falls Commission Reviews FY2027 Budgets; Water Bond, Parking Bids on Recent Agendas

Great Falls officials spent late July reviewing next year's budgets, weighing a $5.02 million water system revenue bond, and grading proposals for a downtown parking management system. Most meetings from the past two weeks have agendas published but minutes not yet available, so outcomes for several key items remain unconfirmed.

City Commission Work Session — July 21

The City Commission held a work session to review proposed FY2027 budgets for the library and municipal court. No formal votes were taken.

The proposed library budget includes removal of the Assistant Director position to cover insurance and bargaining costs. The proposed municipal court budget notes staffing vacancies and the end of the Pre-Release Center partnership.

Commissioners also discussed proposed meeting time changes: work sessions at 4:30 p.m. and commission meetings at 6:00 p.m. Other proposed rule updates included removing proclamations from the formal order of business and replacing an Ethics Committee reference with the County Attorney's Office in Section 8.3.

City Commission — July 21

The commission's regular meeting agenda included a consent agenda with three notable items: Resolution 10634 authorizing a $5,020,000 water system revenue bond, final payments of $820,745 for the Sanitary Sewer Trenchless Rehabilitation Phase 27 project, and the 2026–2027 School Resource Officer Agreement with Great Falls Public School District.

The commission was also scheduled to set public hearings for a cash-farm lease agreement for city-owned parcels 3016300 and 3015100 (Solid Waste Division – Manchester property) and consider an appointment to the Great Falls Transit District Board. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Parking Advisory Commission — July 28

The Parking Advisory Commission was scheduled to review and grade proposals from six vendors for a downtown parking management system: PayByPhone, Cardinal Tracking, FSH Technologies, Passport Inc., Paygasus, and SP+ Municipal (Metropolis). The agenda also included appointing a vice chair and voting on whether to recommend Aimee Lennox for commission membership. Minutes are not yet available.

Library Board — July 28

The Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees was scheduled to elect a chair and vice-chair, consider a legal agreement with Mr. Bill Bronson, and vote on removing the forms section from the policy manual. The board was also set to accept June financial reports and adopt minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting. Minutes are not yet published.

Neighborhood Council — July 20 and July 23

The July 20 Neighborhood Council agenda included approving June 15, 2026 minutes and an update from Great Falls Fire Department Chief Jeremy Virts. A public comment period was scheduled for petitions and other matters.

On July 23, Neighborhood Council District 4 was scheduled to appoint a vice-chair and fill a council vacancy, with a presentation from the Community Emergency Response Team and updates on CrimeMapping and the Janicki Town Hall. Minutes are not yet available for either meeting.

EMS Advisory Board — July 23

The EMS Advisory Board was scheduled to discuss trauma patient destinations, general transport destinations, the Sentinel Project, and an updated process for presumptive signs of death. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — City Commission Work Session:** FY2027 proposed budget recap presentation from Greg Doyon and Finance Staff.
• **Aug. 4 — City Commission:** Public hearings on annexation and zoning for 305 21st Avenue South (Resolution 10633, Ordinance 3285), the amended 2026 Urban Renewal Plan for Downtown District (Ordinance 3286), intent to increase property tax (Resolution 10636), the annual budget resolution (Resolution 10635), and $2,845,000 in bonds for Great Falls East Industrial Park (Resolution 10650).
• **Aug. 6 — Neighborhood Council 3:** Special meeting to plan a summer celebration scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Jaycee Park.

Great Falls Commission reviewed FY2027 budget without action; water bond vote set for July 21

The Great Falls City Commission reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget at a July 7 work session but took no formal action on it, according to official minutes. City Manager Greg Doyon presented the budget, covering fund-balance usage, staffing changes, and the impact of recent legislative changes. Commissioners and staff discussed revenue projections, cost increases, and the role of the new Strategic Development Officer. No votes or approvals were recorded.

City Commission — July 7

The City Commission's regular meeting agenda included several items, but minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. Scheduled items were:

• First reading of Ordinance 3285 to rezone 305 21st Ave S to R-2 Single-family Medium Density.
• Appointment of Nena Frances Horner to the Housing Authority Board for a two-year term.
• Recommendation of Bryan Lockerby for the Police Commission for a three-year term.
• Award of a Beverage/Vending Service and Sponsorship Agreement to Admiral Beverage Corporation (Pepsi of Great Falls).
• Consent agenda including $4,158,776 in expenditures and setting public hearings for the Gibson Park concession lease and FY2027 BID/TBID budgets.

Historic Preservation Advisory — July 8

This commission was scheduled to discuss the Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark and hear reports from the Semiquincentennial, Vinegar Jones Cabin, and Boston and Montana Barn committees. Approval of June 10 meeting minutes was also on the agenda. Minutes have not been published.

Business Improvement District — July 9

The BID board was scheduled to act on the FY2027 budget, June 2026 financial statements, grant programs, and a professional services agreement. Minutes from the June 11 meeting were also set for approval. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Park and Recreation — July 13

The park board was scheduled to discuss a Janicki Industries groundbreaking, a dam drawdown project, the Iron Man event, and 4th of July fireworks. Minutes have not been published.

Neighborhood Council — July 14 and 15

The Neighborhood Council met July 14 to approve June 9 minutes and hear Jim Dea, President of the Great Falls Association of Realtors, discuss maintaining property values. A July 15 meeting was scheduled to approve June 15 minutes and hear a Great Falls Fire Department update from Chief Jeremy Virts. Minutes have not been published for either meeting.

Housing Authority — July 16

The Board of Commissioners was scheduled to discuss insurance renewals (property and liability, and auto policy), CD investments maturing, and a funding request from the Boys & Girls Club. The agenda included administering the oath of office to Nena Frances Horner for a term through June 30, 2028. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Neighborhood Council:** Will vote to approve June 15 minutes and hear a fire department update from Chief Jeremy Virts.
• **July 21 — City Commission:** Will consider Resolution 10634 authorizing a $5,020,000 water system revenue bond, final payments of $820,745 for the Sanitary Sewer Trenchless Rehabilitation Phase 27 project, and the 2026–2027 School Resource Officer Agreement with Great Falls Public School District. Public hearings are set for a cash-farm lease of city-owned parcels 3016300 and 3015100. An appointment to the Great Falls Transit District Board is also on the agenda.
• **July 21 — City Commission Work Session:** Will review the FY2027 library budget ($2,795,197 revenue, $2,785,370 expenses, presented by Amy Dissmeyer), the FY2027 Municipal Court budget, and proposed amendments to meeting rules (Resolution 10645). Written public comments are due by 12:00 PM on meeting day.
• **July 23 — Neighborhood Council District 4:** Will appoint a vice-chair and fill a council vacancy, with a Community Emergency Response Team presentation and updates on CrimeMapping and the Janicki Town Hall.

Great Falls roundup: City Commission eyes rezoning and $4.1M consent agenda; Neighborhood Council 3 plans Summer Celebration

The only local body with confirmed decisions this past week was Neighborhood Council 3, which recorded donations and assigned tasks for its upcoming Summer Celebration. Several other boards and commissions — including the City Commission, Airport Authority, and Business Improvement District — met or are scheduled to have met, but official minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Neighborhood Council 3 — Summer Celebration (Decided)

Neighborhood Council 3 met July 2 and discussed logistics for a planned Summer Celebration featuring food trucks, music, and static displays. No formal votes on policy or budget were recorded, according to official minutes.

The council identified donations from several local businesses and organizations: Benefis Healthcare, Showdown Ski Area, Pizza Hut, Fetch, Ace Hardware, McDonald's, and Great Harvest Bread.

Monetary donations recorded in the minutes were:

• $500 from NeighborWorks Great Falls
• $200 from The Parts Store
• $173 from Tammy Quintrell
• $100 from Sam's Club

Eric Peterson was assigned to contact Malmstrom Air Force Base regarding the Honor Guard and to produce a poster for the NC3 pavilion fundraiser project.

City Commission — July 7 (Agenda Only)

The City Commission agenda included a first reading of Ordinance 3285 to rezone 305 21st Ave S to R-2 Single-family Medium Density. If approved, this would change the zoning classification for that property.

The consent agenda listed $4,158,776 in expenditures and the setting of public hearings for the Gibson Park concession lease and FY2027 BID/TBID budgets.

Appointments on the agenda included Nena Frances Horner to the Housing Authority Board for a two-year term and a recommendation for Bryan Lockerby to the Police Commission for a three-year term.

The Commission also had an agenda item to award the Beverage/Vending Service and Sponsorship Agreement to Admiral Beverage Corporation (Pepsi of Great Falls).

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so it is not confirmed which items passed.

City Commission Work Session — FY2027 Budget (Agenda Only)

Also on July 7, the Commission held a work session for a presentation on the proposed FY2027 budget, led by Greg Doyon and finance staff. No minutes are available yet.

Airport Authority — June 30 (Agenda Only)

The Airport Authority Board agenda included review of May 2026 financial reports, a parking lot bid, an Avmax Phase I extension, and a ground lease amendment. Listed items included a Passenger Facility Charge totaling $77,772.68, maintenance and operations checks totaling $794,852.97, and payroll checks totaling $120,919.22. Minutes have not been published.

Business Improvement District — July 9 (Agenda Only)

The BID board agenda included action items on the FY2027 budget, June 2026 financials, grant programs, and a professional services agreement. Minutes have not been published.

Historic Preservation Advisory — July 8 (Agenda Only)

The commission was scheduled to discuss the Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark and hear reports from the Semiquincentennial, Vinegar Jones Cabin, and Boston and Montana Barn committees. The barn committee report was listed as an action item. Minutes are not yet available.

Coming Up

July 14 — Neighborhood Council: The Great Falls Neighborhood Council will meet to approve minutes from June 9 and discuss maintaining property values with Jim Dea, President of the Great Falls Association of Realtors. Public comment on non-agenda items will be accepted. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Great Falls boards weighed Benefis Village permit, library pay; City Commission set for rezoning and budget

Several Great Falls advisory boards and authorities met over the past two weeks, but because minutes have not yet been published, the outcomes of their scheduled votes are not available. The largest item on the agendas was a public hearing on a conditional use permit for Benefis Village, a proposed memory care community on 13.14 acres at 3020 18th Ave South.

Planning Advisory Board / Zoning Commission — June 23

The board scheduled a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for Benefis Health System Inc. to establish a retirement home (Benefis Village) at 3020 18th Ave South. The proposal would accommodate up to 48 residents and employ approximately 52 full- and part-time staff. Neighborhood Council #5 raised concerns about lighting, building visibility, and construction dust; staff recommended increasing setbacks from 8 to 15 feet as a condition. The board was set to vote on a recommendation to the City Commission. The vote outcome is not yet available.

Library Board — June 23

The Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees was scheduled to act on library director compensation and a July 4th holiday closure, adopt May 21 special meeting and May 26 general meeting minutes, and accept financial reports including income statements, vendor summaries, and a donation report. Attached minutes from May showed discussion of strategic planning, a library remodel, and a fundraising timeline. Outcomes are not yet published.

Transit District — June 24

The Great Falls Transit District Board was set to elect officers, review financial and ridership reports, discuss a preliminary budget, and consider the purchase of emergency radio equipment. No outcomes are available.

Neighborhood Council District 4 — June 25

The council was scheduled to vote on the Adopt a Park Program presented by Art Taft, approve May 28 minutes, and hear an introduction from new Park and Recreation Director Toby Hazelbaker. Public comment on non-agenda items was invited.

Airport Authority — June 30

The Great Falls International Airport Authority was scheduled to review May 2026 financial reports, including payroll checks totaling $120,919.22 and maintenance and operations checks totaling $794,852.97. A Passenger Facility Charge totaling $77,772.68 was listed. Discussion items included a parking lot bid, an Avmax Phase I extension, and a ground lease amendment.

Neighborhood Council — July 2

The council discussed planning for the annual Summer Celebration scheduled for August 22, 2026, at Jaycee Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Coming up

• **July 7 — City Commission:** First reading of Ordinance 3285 to rezone 305 21st Ave S to R-2 Single-family Medium Density. The consent agenda includes $4,158,776 in expenditures and setting public hearings for the Gibson Park concession lease and FY2027 BID/TBID budgets. Appointments up for vote: Nena Frances Horner to the Housing Authority Board (two-year term) and Bryan Lockerby to the Police Commission (three-year term). The Commission will also consider awarding a beverage/vending service and sponsorship agreement to Admiral Beverage Corporation (Pepsi of Great Falls).
• **July 7 — City Commission Work Session:** Presentation on the proposed FY2027 budget, led by Greg Doyon and finance staff.
• **July 8 — Historic Preservation Advisory Commission:** Discussion of the Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark, plus reports from the Semiquincentennial, Vinegar Jones Cabin, and Boston and Montana Barn committees.