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8/24/2026
Good Monday morning to you. A local organization in Great Falls has completed a poll to assess interest in a potential public safety levy. Understanding how these questions were framed was crucial to interpreting the results accurately. This step comes after the previous levy and bond request was rejected by voters in 2023. Below are the findings.
But first… heads up, Great Falls
For those curious about the low levels of the Missouri River, it’s due to NorthWestern Energy using dams to draw down river levels for upgrades on the upstream side of Black Eagle Dam. These efforts, underway for a few years on the downstream side, will last through mid-September.
‘We can’t afford to fail,’ says group backing future public safety levy
Electric City Citizens for Public Safety is advocating for a future public safety levy in Great Falls, a renewed effort after a previous levy was rejected. Joe McKenney, a city commissioner, noted the need to ask the community what it supports. The group raised funds to commission a poll, with early results showing 55% support among likely voters. The 4.6% margin of error suggests approval isn’t certain yet. Pollsters aim for 65% approval. The group highlighted strong backing for public safety departments and aims to sway undecided voters.
Etzwiler emphasized, “We can’t afford to fail.” The group calls for action to avoid lagging behind Montana cities like Missoula and Billings, which have passed similar levies recently. Poll questions remain internal, but their phrasing could significantly impact outcomes. If questions focused on issues like raising taxes for police versus funding to improve public safety, approval rates could vary.
Great Falls has relied on one-time funds, like ARPA, to support safety departments. Rising labor costs are driving the 2027 city budget increases, yet no formal levy proposal exists pending city commission approval.
Photo Op 📸
Gov. Greg Gianforte recently visited Great Falls to present the 2025 Montana Veterans Commendation awards at the Montana Veterans Memorial. Honorees included Bernard Cooper, David Driver, Ernesto Galvez, and others.
Eye on Local Government 🏛️
The Great Falls City Commission approved 2027 assessments for five special districts. Here’s a summary of the changes:
Boulevard District
Funds maintain boulevard trees, with assessments only for properties within the district. Assessment change: 10% increase or $12.45 for an average-sized lot. Total assessment: $136.62 for an average lot.
Park Maintenance District
Established in 2018, this fund addresses park maintenance and covers debt payments on the Aim High Big Sky recreation center. Annual revenue is $1.5 million, with assessments varying by property value. The 2026 assessment was $37.51 for a $300,000 home.
Lighting Districts
Great Falls has 27 lighting districts, with NorthWestern Energy owning most lights. Seventeen districts will see increases ranging from $50 to $35,000. Check page 282 of the city commission agenda for details.
Portage Meadows
This district provides services like snow removal and tree care to a specific neighborhood. Assessment change: 10% increase or $42.81 for the average lot. Total assessment: $470.95 for the average lot.
Street Maintenance
Funds improvements on 393 miles of streets and alleys. Residential, commercial, downtown, and mixed-use properties have different assessments. Assessment change: 5% increase or $7.25 for an average residential lot. Total assessment: $152.80 for an average residential lot.
Great Falls in Brief ⏱️
The Great Falls City Commission has changed its meeting times, with work sessions at 4:30 p.m. and regular meetings at 6 p.m. starting in September. Meetings will continue on the first and third Tuesdays monthly. The Electric City Waterpark hosts Drool in the Pool Aug. 29, allowing dogs to swim from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is $6 per pet and $3 per human, including free microchipping. Find more information about the event.
Great Falls Clinic and Hospital welcomes new CEO Ned Hill, previously with HCA Healthcare. Hill replaces Mark Robinson, whose tenure was less than two years. Hill starts on Aug. 24.
More from MTFP 📰
Indigenous affairs reporter Nora Mabie explores an exhibit at The History Museum about an Indian boarding school in northcentral Montana, with records donated by the Ursuline Sisters Catholic order.
Dept. of Corrections 😬
The Aug. 18 edition of Great Falls This Week misstated the 2027 assessment for the Park Maintenance District as $37.50 on a $300,000 home, a figure from 2026. 2027 estimates aren’t ready, according to city finance.
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