Bozeman voters reject fire station bond and first responder mill levy

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BOZEMAN, Mont. – Residents of Bozeman have voted against two significant funding measures aimed at enhancing local emergency services.

The first measure, the General Obligation Bond Election for Fire Station 4, was intended to finance the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new fire station. The bond would have allowed the City of Bozeman to issue general obligation bonds up to $18 million. If passed, property taxes on a home valued at $100,000 would have increased by $7.88 in the first year, $23.64 for a $300,000 home, and $47.28 for a $600,000 home. The bond proposal was rejected by 57 percent of voters, with 43 percent in favor, according to the Montana Secretary of State.

The second measure, a mill levy for first responders, was also turned down by voters. This levy aimed to cover costs for additional personnel and operational expenses for the city’s police and fire departments. The proposal included a phased increase in mills, starting with up to 9 mills in fiscal year 2026 and reaching 48 mills by 2030, raising approximately $11.6 million annually. Voters opposed the mill levy with 58 percent against and 42 percent in favor.

 

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