Good morning, JoVonne Wagner here with something a little different for you.
Welcome to our revamped version of Helena This Week. We maintain our focus on Helena’s issues, events, politics, and culture, now with more diverse content. We value your feedback. Have a news tip, a community question, or a photo to share? Keep reading to get involved.
This week, Helena city leaders are interested in proposing a public safety levy to residents, but the timing is uncertain.
But first, here’s a look at this week’s weather ⛅
Expect a cool Monday in Helena, with temperatures rising to around 73 degrees by Wednesday, says National Weather Service meteorologist Austin McDowell. Overnight lows will be in the 40s.
So — how could Helena pass another levy?
The Helena City Commission is mulling over a public safety funding election. If voters accept, the levy will support more police and firefighters.
This feels familiar, doesn’t it? Previously in 2024, a similar levy aimed to tackle Helena’s growth challenges but failed, with approval only for a third fire station bond.
Now, city officials are exploring how best to inform voters about why more funding is crucial.
Several aspects are under consideration, including whether to present the levy this November, alongside federal elections, or during a special election in March.
“I’d like to have a discussion around what it would look like to plan now until December,” said Mayor Emily Dean. She highlighted urgency but emphasized wanting the levy to succeed.
If the levy is voted on in November, Dean worries public education efforts might be overshadowed by political campaigns.
Commissioner Julia Gustafson mentioned that choosing March avoids competition with a school district levy, likely in May.
City staff remain skeptical about delaying, as public need rises and services struggle.
“Multiple significant incidents could mean we couldn’t respond, risking lives,” City Manager Alana Lake explained. City staff support a November timeline.
The commission will revisit the timeline on July 15, with plans to set an election date by July 20. They must also decide between three staffing options, which will influence the levy cost.
The highest staffing level could lead to a $6.2 million levy request. For homes valued at $300,000, taxes would rise by $156 annually; $600,000 homes would see a $360 increase.
Queen City Views 📸
Montana Free Press reporter Zeke Lloyd captured Helena’s sunset on June 24, 2026, from Reeders Alley. Want to submit a photo? Send them to [email protected].
Public Notice 🧐
City offices closed for Independence Day
🗓️ Closures on Friday, July 3
📍 Affected locations include city administrative offices, the civic center, municipal court, Capital Transit, and the transfer station offices.
The city’s next community listening session
🗓️ Friday, July 17
⏰ 3 p.m.
📍 Helena Civic Center ballroom
ℹ️ Discussion on public safety.
🔁 Monthly sessions. Find the schedule here.
Weigh in on Helena’s parks and recreation master plan
🗓️ Survey closes Saturday, July 25
ℹ️ Input on recreation facilities, parks, urban pathways, and other programs will update the department’s master plan for future city improvements. Visit the Be Hear Helena website for details.
🔗 Take the survey
Glad You Asked 💬
Share your questions about the Queen City. Curious about a vacant building or why Helena restaurants close on Mondays? Submit your queries here. Answers will appear in future Helena This Week newsletters.
About Town 🚶
Arts & Culture: Myna Loy’s KnitFlix night returns Tuesday, June 30. Enjoy a feel-good movie in a cozy setting. Bring your knitting supplies. Screening “A League of Their Own” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Holiday Specials: Celebrate July 4th at Centennial Park with the Capital City Fourth of July Celebration. Enjoy free hot dogs, rootbeer floats, bouncy houses, and live music from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food scene: Visit East Helena’s food truck festival Thursday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Held at Main Street Park, featuring mobile eats, live music, and local vendors.
Programming note: Helena This Week will not publish Monday, July 6, due to Montana Free Press’ summer break. Regular schedule resumes July 13.
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