Missoula County

Missoula County this week joined Ravalli County in asking the U.S. Forest Service to require a deeper environmental review on the proposed Sheep Creek Mine near Darby.

Most residential property owners across Missoula County will pay less in county taxes this year, even as the county's budget increases by roughly 3.2%.

The county adopted the moratorium in early July and state law requires it to initiate its study within 30 days. That process has already begun, officials said this week.

The recommended fees represent a one-time sum intended to cover the cost of infrastructure needed to support new growth.

With the fire danger now listed at “very high,” Missoula County on Tuesday took the near annual step of issuing an emergency wildfire proclamation and said the potential for “extreme” fire danger may be near.

Missoula County's preliminary budget for the new fiscal year looks to shore up rising medical costs and cover the state's rate of inflation through a county-wide tax increase of roughly 3.2%.

Missoula County joined the growing list of voices this week expressing concern over proposed changes to a federal grant program – one that could put local governments across the country at risk of losing federal funding, even after it's awarded.

Citing its wildlife habitat and connectivity, Missoula County on Tuesday approved spending $250,000 from the 2018 Open Space Bond to help conserve 242 acres in Bonner.

A range of providers offering services from mental health to shelter will receive funding from Missoula County through a number of levies and grants this year, and while the funding goes far in helping the organizations complete their mission, few received their full request.

Saying it's policies regarding cryptocurrency mining and data centers are outdated, Missoula County on Monday stated its intent to enact interim zoning to pause any future projects until it can study their impacts and any potential regulations needed to mitigate them.