East Missoula Fire District’s Levy Proposal Clarified Amid Initial Confusion

In the upcoming May 6 Special District Election, East Missoula voters will decide on a proposed $300,000 levy benefiting their local Rural Fire District. Missoula County released a notice regarding the ballot’s language due to initial inconsistencies with previously distributed district information.

The East Missoula Rural Fire District’s board of directors had finalized a resolution 85 days prior to the election requesting an additional $300,000. This official resolution’s language now prominently appears on the ballot. Prior communication from the district erroneously suggested different figures, leading to some miscommunication about the exact levy amount.

Local statutes and electoral timelines restrict any changes to the ballot language once it is established, ensuring that what voters see on the ballot precisely reflects the approved resolution language, even after discovering the information discrepancies.

The fire district operates independently from Missoula County, with its board holding sole authority over decisions concerning ballot contents, including mill levies.

For additional details and clarification about the levy, residents can reach out to Tyler Munoz, Chief, at 406-317-3873 or [email protected], and JD Sessions, Assistant Chief, at 406-317-2144 or [email protected].