budgeting

Testifying before a House committee, the heads of NPR and PBS took a conciliatory approach to some Republican criticisms — but held that their organizations are largely nonpartisan and free of political bias.

As the City of Missoula begins crafting its budget for the new fiscal year, housing affordability, economic growth and government accountability will help guide the process.

A portion of the city's tax increment collected for economic development will instead go to fund the county's share of the Johnson Street shelter in the new fiscal year.

The Missoula City Council on Monday night voted 8-4 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes a tax increase of $5.8%, or roughly 11% when the fire levy is included.

Jack Jenks writes, "The city's budget discussions seem to start with the assumption that there will be a tax increase. However, the goal of the discussion should be to avoid an increase or perhaps even decrease the burden on local taxpayers."

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis on Monday said “inflation and priorities” continue to outpace the city's ability to generate new revenue, creating a structural imbalance that will require an ongoing evaluation of services and new revenue tools.

With the budget deadline looming, the Missoula City Council on Wednesday spent nearly five hours deliberating proposed cuts and additions to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

The City of Missoula saw a slight increase in newly taxable value this year, though it's not enough to overcome the state's growing reliance on residential property taxes to pay for basic services, officials said Wednesday.

The top priorities continue the city's core services including public works, police and fire, parks and administrative services. Homelessness is on the list, as well as housing. Economic development plays a stronger role.

The Missoula fire and police departments kicked off the budgeting season on Wednesday, detailing their funding requests for the new fiscal year.