Public Safety Mill Levy Election Set For May 6
Author: Linda Kent, MT43 News Staff Reporter
Public Safety Mill Levy Election Set for May 6
Linda Kent
MT43 News Staff Reporter
The Broadwater County Commission approved Sheriff Nick Rauser’s request for a mill levy election to add approximately $1.1 million per year to the county’s public safety, dispatch, and law enforcement budget for the next five years.
The levy would make permanent the department’s current levy of 34.4 percent of the county’s floating property tax mills, last approved in 2020. The election will be held by mail ballot, with votes to be counted May 6.
“The biggest thing I want people to know is this is the same amount that was voted in in 2020,” Rauser told the commission. “I promised to mill 20 percent less than this because I have the ability to go up to this amount.”.
“I just need to be able to grow with the growth of Broadwater County,” Rauser said. “Unfortunately, with growth, crime grows. We’ve spent the last five years building up services that the public wanted.” That included adding two positions through a grant, the addition of a school resource officer, as well as a position to be based in southern Broadwater County.
“Knowing that it’ll expire, it’s kind of difficult trying to hire and recruit people, knowing the funding might not be there down the road,” Rauser said, explaining why he had requested a permanent levy.”If it’s permanent, we can just grow and provide the services that the residents expect.”
The county commission offered their own resolution supporting the public safety request.
“The feedback has been positive,” Commission Chair Lindsey Richtmyer said, echoing Commissioner Debi Randolph’s comments about three public meetings held by the sheriff prior to the resolution request. “People have encouraged you to keep this consistent.”
Rauser said that he plans to reinstate a citizens board to review the department’s budget. "That way, the public has a voice to be able to sit down with me and look at where we’re at, how much we need to mill every year, so the public will have a voice there.”
Sheriff Rauser said he plans to hold additional informational meetings as the election nears including Facebook Live sessions. A question-and-answer document will also be available on the county website soon.
