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08/21/2026
Good morning. This issue of Missoula This Week dives into local government budgets and upcoming projects at the Missoula County jail. There are also preparations for wildfires by community emergency management officials.
Weekend Weather Update ☀️
Despite back-to-school season, summer lingers with highs in the 90s on Friday and Saturday, cooling to mid-80s Sunday, says the National Weather Service’s Missoula office. Rain is possible Saturday afternoon, so festival-goers and river visitors should bring sunscreen, water, and rain gear.
Missoula County Jail’s $3.5 Million Renovation Begins
Missoula County aims to start a $3.5 million renovation of its detention center after denying a $5 million request to replace frequently leaking water pipes. Commissioner Josh Slotnick and staff have strategized to fund the reduced budget. Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen highlights the unique wear on the pipes due to continuous use.
The county’s facilities director, Jason Hauser, notes the jail uses recirculation pumps that accelerate pipe degradation. Annual repairs cost 600 hours and $5,000 in materials. Replacements will include ceiling tiles, sheetrock, and flooring. The project, taking 18 months, must maintain jail security and inmate movement, says Chris Lounsbury, chief administrative officer.
The county commissioners are considering a mill levy increase, raising $370,000 for loan servicing despite a proposed 3.25% tax hike. Legislative changes may lower county property taxes for most residents. Additionally, a $1.3 million contract upgrades the heating and cooling system, funded by savings, while other repairs are postponed.
Meeting Minutes 📝
City Council
The Missoula City Council approved the 2027 budget proposed by Mayor Andrea Davis, incorporating a 3.8% tax increase. Most homeowners will see a decrease in city property taxes, though second homes and short-term rentals may face higher taxes. The budget passed with a 9-2 vote, despite opposition from Council Member Bob Campbell.
School Board
The Missoula County Public Schools Board approved the 2027 budgets, with the elementary budget at $80.7 million and the high school budget at $66.7 million. The state covers 80% of the general fund, with the district generating the remaining 20%. The board decided against a high school safety levy on the November ballot.
Public Notice 🧐
Birch Street Closure for Milling and Paving
🗓️ Aug. 24-26
⏰ 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍 Birch Street between North Russell Street and West Broadway
Local traffic and first responders will have access during work hours, with the road reopening each evening.
Currents Aquatics Center Annual Maintenance
🗓️ Aug. 23-Sept. 11
Currents swim passes are valid at Splash Montana during the indoor pool’s closure for deep cleaning and routine maintenance.
Verbatim 💬
“We collectively have to change our perceptions of wildfire. … Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you don’t have risk from wildfire. That really is where our education efforts, from my perspective, need to be focused. And we’re starting to get more capacity to have that focus in some of these areas where they don’t need to be talking about thinning projects on their property; they need to be talking about routine home maintenance, getting rid of the juniper bush that’s right up next to their house, cleaning out their gutters, very simple things that can make a huge difference. But it is a long game, and we gotta change some hearts and minds.”
— Adriane Beck, director of the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, during a city council update on wildfire preparedness.
Missoula’s fire officials advise residents to enroll in Smart 911 for emergency alerts as local and regional teams coordinate wildfire responses.
Local Lineup 🚶
🎶 The 20th annual River City Roots Festival is in downtown Missoula this weekend. Enjoy performances by 10 bands, a Main Street art show, food vendors, and the Roots Run. The full schedule is available online.
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