Townsend City Council and Cooperative Housing Meeting Tackles Opportunities, Challenges for Local Housing
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Townsend City Council and Cooperative Housing Meeting Tackles Opportunities, Challenges for Local Housing
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
Townsend, MT — The Townsend City Council’s December 2 meeting was anything but routine, as city business gave way to a vigorous community conversation about the future of local housing and the potential for innovative, cooperative solutions.
Council Handles City Business, Prepares for Community Discussion
Mayor Vickie Rauser and council members began the evening by rearranging the agenda to tackle all city business first, allowing the remainder of the night to focus on housing. After opening the floor for public comment—with none offered—the council approved minutes from November 18, 2025, with a key correction: “The fire department’s recent presentation was intended to propose a referendum for city residents to choose between three options, rather than presenting options directly to the city council,” clarified one council member.
Routine updates followed, including approval of November claims and brief reports from city departments. The ongoing water project and street maintenance were noted, while Council Member JB Howick shared plans to bring the state’s exempt water well issue to the next agenda, saying, “I believe it might impact the next review of the zoning board.”
With business concluded, the council adjourned, noting Councilman Nate Brown’s absence for the record.
