Are there any events that I will be able to learn more about this ballot measure?
Yes! The Central Valley Fire District is committed to educating voters on this ballot measure. Events related to this mill levy are available on our Calendar page. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about this ballot measure and speak with district staff, you can request additional information.
Does the fire district receive funding from the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport?
The Central Valley Fire District and the Gallatin Airport Authority entered an Interlocal Agreement in August of 2017. This agreement also includes a lease which provided space for the district to construct Fire Station 1 (215 Wings Way, Belgrade, Montana). This agreement has a financial review established every 10 years, with the next review taking place in 2027. This agreement created an exchange of land in support of services with no monetary transaction. The Interlocal Agreement is available online here for additional information.
How can I request a presentation for a group?
Representatives of the Central Valley Fire District would be glad to meet with you to discuss the ballot measure. If you would like to request a presentation from our group, contact our office at 406-388-4480 or you can Request Additional Information.
The Central Valley Fire District is a combination fire department where career and volunteer members work side by side. All 36 career firefighters maintain certification as an emergency medical technician, with 10 of those firefighters having certification as a Paramedic. Based upon assignments and positions in our deployment, the district has 7 paramedics operating across 3 shifts. The district has 32 additional members who perform various roles as volunteers. All members are supported by 9 administrative staff members who support the district’s mission.
How is the fire district funded?
The Central Valley Fire District is a Montana Rural Fire District, the district receives approximately 88% of funding from tax revenue sources, and 12% of funding from non-tax revenue sources. As a Montana Rural Fire District, individuals are able to collectively receive the Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services provided by the District. In 2020, voters within the City of Belgrade voted to annex into the Fire District, making the Central Valley Fire District the only Montana Rural Fire District that protects a Class I City in the State of Montana. This innovative approach allows access to crucial fire and emergency medical services to individuals in a more efficient and effective manner.
Is this for building a Fire Station?
No. The funds from this ballot measure are strictly for operations and staffing of the fire district. The district has an existing Capital Mill Levy that has restricted funds for fire apparatus, buildings, and firefighting equipment.
What impact will this have on my taxes?
Using current assessed values of taxable property in the District, property taxes on a home in the District valued at:
$100,000 would be approximately $31.05 per year
$300,000 would be approximately $93.15 per year
$600,000 would be approximately $186.30 per year
An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs. The district has created a calculator to assist residents in understanding the impacts upon their individual property and is available at My Financial Impact.
What is different about this Mill Levy and the Fall 2023 Mill Levy?
The ask for the Mill Levy is slightly different, but the district’s need remains the same from the Fall 2023 Mill Levy. Based upon changes to the district’s valuations from the Department of Revenue, the district’s financial projections have determined an ask of 23 Mills will balance the needs of the district with the ask of the taxpayers. This levy will replace an existing 10 mill levy previously passed by voters, which is a net increase of 13 mills to taxpayers.
What will happen if the Mill Levy does not pass?
Currently, the Central Valley Fire District is operating with an operational deficit. The largest portion of the Central Valley Fire District’s operations budget is for Personnel and Staffing. The district is currently utilizing funds from Operations Reserves to address this gap in funding. Once this funding is exhausted, the district will have to reduce operations expenditures. Without additional operations funds, the district will not be able to provide additional services and will likely have to examine existing service levels to address the deficit in our funding.
What will my ballot say?
Shall the Board of Trustees of the Central Valley Fire District (the “District”) be authorized to levy up to 23 mills per year in perpetuity to raise approximately $3,997,687 dollars per year based on current property valuations for the purposes of funding increased operating and staffing costs for emergency response?
An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs. Using current assessed values of taxable property in the District, property taxes on a home in the District valued at $100,000 would be approximately $31.05 per year, on a home in the District valued at $300,000 would be approximately $93.15 per year, and on a home in the District valued at $600,000 would be approximately $186.30 per year.
Mill Levy – YES
Mill Levy - NO
What will the Fire District do with the additional funds?
Funds from this mill levy will directly fund the operations of the Fire District. The majority of the district’s budget 83% is allocated for our personnel to provide the critical services that they deliver to our community. These funds will work to immediately stabilize the district’s budget, stabilize the district’s staffing model, as well as provide a foundation to add responders to meet the growing needs of our community. For more information, learn about Our Why.
