The Helena City Commission has tentatively agreed to ask voters in March to approve a $5.3 million public safety levy that would fund 21 additional firefighters and nine new police officers. Commissioners made the decision during a Wednesday evening meeting, selecting both a levy amount and an election date for the measure.

Commission Divided on Amount

The vote to pursue the $5.3 million figure — a middle-tier option among those considered — passed 3-2. Mayor Emily Dean, Commissioner Sean Logan, and Commissioner Julia Gustafson backed the amount. Commissioners Melinda Reed and Ben Rigby pushed for a more expensive option, with Reed arguing the lower figure might fall short of actual needs.

“I feel hesitant to do anything less than that because I’m worried that if we go with the more responsible choice, it’s actually going to be a little bit less than what we need,” Reed said.

Mayor Dean, however, said she was comfortable with the middle option. The commission unanimously agreed to place the levy on the March 9 ballot. A formal confirmation vote is scheduled for August.

What Prompted the Levy

Helena voters approved a third fire station in 2024, and that facility is currently under construction with a spring completion target. The outgoing fire chief, Jon Campbell, departed earlier this summer, with insufficient staffing to operate the new station cited as a factor in his decision to leave.

Police Chief Brett Petty told the commission that his department currently lacks dedicated detectives for crash investigations and a violence against women investigations unit — gaps the levy funding would help close. Fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking have strained law enforcement resources across Montana, adding pressure on departments in cities like Helena to maintain adequate staffing.

Tax Impact on Property Owners

If voters approve the levy, property owners in Helena would see a meaningful increase in their annual tax bills. A home valued at $300,000 would carry an additional $134 per year, while owners of homes valued at $600,000 would pay roughly $310 more annually.

What Comes Next

The commission’s August confirmation vote will formally place the measure on the March 9 ballot. If approved by Helena voters, the city could begin hiring the 30 combined firefighters and officers needed to fully staff the new fire station and expand police investigative capacity.

The levy decision comes as Montana cities face growing pressure to fund public safety services against a backdrop of rising property values and voter skepticism about tax increases. Statewide, public safety and fiscal issues are shaping several races heading into Montana’s June primary and November general election, with candidates across the state fielding questions about government spending and local services.