Welcome to Missoula County Weekly . You’re receiving this because you signed up to receive e - notifications at missoulacounty . us . Missoula County Weekly will keep you informed and up to date on public meetings , county projects and more .       
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   Open House on Maclay Bridge closure , Tuesday , Feb . 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p . m .
   Missoula County will hold an open house on Tuesday , Feb . 6 , on the recent closure of Maclay Bridge . The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p . m . at the FWP regional office , located at 3201 Spurgin Road .
   Representatives from Public Works , the Montana Department of Transportation , engineering firm HDR and the Office of Emergency Management will be on hand to answer residents ' questions about the closure . Missoula County Commissioners Juanita Vero and Josh Slotnick will also be available to talk to residents .
   There will be no formal presentation , and residents are encouraged to stop by the open house at a time that ' s convenient for them . Follow the
   this project on missoulacountyvoice . comfor further updates .
   Housing and Community Development Survey open
   Missoula County is seeking input to help identify needs and gaps in services related to public infrastructure and facilities , economic development , community services and housing . The public is invited to fill out a brief and anonymous survey online at
   missoulacountyvoice . com
    . The survey will be open until 3 p . m . Thursday , Feb . 15 .
   Missoula County can use the survey data when applying for funding from the Montana Community Development Block Grant Program ( CDBG ) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program , which are federal programs the Montana Department of Commerce administers . The County can also apply for other grant funding sources that support local housing , public facilities and infrastructure or other community needs .
   County staff will present the survey results and take additional public comment at 6 p . m . Tuesday , March 5 , at the Missoula Public Library , on the fourth floor in Cooper Space A . The meeting will also be streamed virtually via Microsoft Teams . A virtual public meeting link and survey results will be posted on the Missoula County Voice survey page .
   Learn more and take the survey here .
   Director of Missoula Public Health to step down
   Damian Chase - Begay , director of Missoula Public Health ( MPH ) , will step down from his position at the end of this month .  His last day will be Thursday , Feb . 29 .
   Chase - Begay , who has served as director since May 2021 , is leaving to pursue a new professional opportunity . He is still finalizing this next professional step , and MPH will release additional information when it becomes available .
   “When people ask me what my favorite part of this job is , I never hesitate to say it’s the people I work with , ” Chase - Begay said . “The staff here are knowledgeable , dedicated , amazing people who do great work every day , and I am so honored to have spent the last few years in their company . ” An interim director will be appointed before Chase - Begay’s departure at the end of the month .   
   Missoula Public Health seeks feedback on Community Health Assessment
   Missoula Public Health ( MPH ) is seeking community feedback on the draft 2017 - 2021 Community Health Assessment ( CHA ) . This document represents a comprehensive review and analysis of MPH , state , and federal data regarding health issues and the needs of individuals and communities throughout Missoula County .
   The assessment represents the data , opinions , observations and perspectives of the people who live , work , play and learn in our communities . The information contained in the report can help community partners , residents , businesses and others determine the priority health needs within Missoula County . The assessment highlights how many different factors , such as healthcare access , substance use and the built environment , affect overall individual and community health in Missoula County .
   This information can be used for collaboration , planning , grant writing , advocacy and other areas aimed at improving health . The report includes data based on responses to a survey conducted in July 2023 , which was distributed to city and county residents . MPH typically conducts this assessment every five years as part of its national accreditation process , but the pandemic delayed the cycle this time .
   This latest assessment includes additions that more fully reflect what factors affect health . These additions include a new section on Race , Ethnicity , and Individual and Systemic Racism: Health Equity . The assessment survey also expanded to ask about impacts of climate change .
   View the draft assessment and provide comments until Feb . 27 , 2024 , by visiting the Community Health Assessment page on
   MissoulaCountyVoice . com
    .  
   Property tax assistance programs available for fixed - income residents and disabled veterans
   The deadline for two property tax assistance programs administered by the Montana Department of Revenue is Monday , April 15 .
   The
   Property Tax Assistance Program ( PTAP ) helps Montana homeowners on a fixed or limited income reduce their property taxes on their primary residence . This benefit only applies to the first $350 , 000 of the market value of your residence . Income limits apply and are updated yearly to reflect inflation .
   Download the form
    . The
   Montana Disabled Veteran Assistance Program ( MDV ) helps disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse reduce their property taxes on their primary residence .
   Download the form .
   Explore the details of the Missoula County budget online
   Did you know you can access the details of the Missoula County budget online?
   Click hereto see the FY 2024 Budget Book , which features department descriptions and staffing , capital projects like building renovations and more . You can even compare expenditures and revenues to previous years . No more flipping through massive documents – the Budget Book is fully interactive with graphs , tables and charts .
   Due to the size and complexity , we recommend viewing the Budget Book on a desktop browser in its own window instead of on your phone .
    
   Voter confirmation cards mailed by the Elections Office
   Did you get one of these postcards in the mail? The Missoula County Elections Office recently sent out more than 70 , 000 voter confirmation cards to Missoula County residents . These cards are valid forms of identification for voting . So why are voters receiving these

   Following the 2020 Census , the Missoula County Elections Office was required by law to update precincts and polling place locations based on population . Most voters in Missoula County will not see a change to their polling place , and voters will still be able to vote by mail .
   Voters in Evaro , a section of Lolo and certain parts of the City of Missoula may see changes to where they can vote on Election Day . These new precincts and polling locations are in effect for the 2024 June primary and November general elections .
   The voter confirmation cards list your precinct , polling place , and whether you are registered to vote absentee .
   Elections Office seeking additional election judges for primary , general elections 
   The Missoula County Elections Office is encouraging civically engaged community members to serve as election judges for the 2024 June primary and November general elections .
   The office is seeking 100 additional election judges for the upcoming election year . Election judges greet voters , issue ballots , operate equipment , answer questions and hand out “I voted” stickers . All positions are paid for both training sessions and hours worked on Election Day . See 
   missoulaelectionjudge . com
    for more details . Elections staff are grateful that more than 450 residents have already signed up to serve as election judges .
   Election judges are vital to the election process . They play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the voting process by upholding election laws and providing friendly customer service . Having a higher number of election judges helps keep wait times shorter and improves the level of service for voters .
   Election judges are often assigned to their neighborhood polling place and may also help process absentee ballots in the counting center . Judges must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in Missoula County . They should also be ready and willing to learn more about the voting process and enthusiastic about providing friendly customer service to Missoula voters .
   The County provides election judge certification training , as required by law . Initial training is about three hours , and there are advanced sessions for poll book judges and polling place managers . Training sessions are scheduled throughout February and March and will be held in the Elections Center at 140 N . Russell St .
   New and returning election judges can sign up at 
   missoulaelectionjudge . com
    , by calling 406 - 258 - 4751 or by emailing 
   [email protected]
    . When registering , applicants will be required to provide their name , address and date of birth to verify they are registered to vote in Missoula County .  
   Candidate filing for more than 30 special districts closes Monday , Feb . 12
   The Elections Office is now accepting candidate filings for the May 7 special district election . The Missoula County commissioners encourage all interested candidates to file with the Elections Office as a candidate for any vacant or expiring term for which they are eligible .  
   The deadline to file is 5 p . m . Monday , Feb . 12 .
     
   The current list of openings is listed 
   online
    .  To file for an open position , qualified candidates must complete the Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form available online at 
   missoula . co/candidatefiling
    . Forms must be returned to the Elections Center at 140 N . Russell St . or emailed to 
   [email protected]
    .
    The form may also be picked up or completed in person at the Elections Center . Election staff can help with questions .
   Information about each district or council can be found 
   online
    . Community council members are elected to their seats by filing as a candidate in the special district elections . Applicants must be residents of Missoula County and at least 18 years old . Additional residency requirements may apply . All board positions are served on a volunteer basis . Current council members eligible to seek re - election must file with the Elections Office as a candidate .  
   Click here for more information
    , including the full list of vacant positions .
    
   Mythbuster:
   ‘
   School buses were driving over the Maclay Bridge until it closed . ’
   This is FALSE . Maclay Bridge has not been part of any school bus routes for several years .
   Find out if other things you ' ve heard about the Maclay Bridge are true on the Maclay Bridge/South Avenue Bridge
   page via the Missoula County Voice
    .
   Visit the Myth Busters pagevia the Missoula County Voice link in the bio to help us bust more myths or rumors you may have heard .
   Department spotlight: Clerk and Recorder’s Office
   It’s Friday , and Missoula County employees are working hard for you!
   Located on the first floor of the Missoula County Courthouse annex next to the Treasurer’s Office , where you pay property taxes or register your vehicle , you’ll find a small but mighty group of folks . The Clerk and Recorder’s Office issues birth and death certificates and documents property transactions to help ensure homeowners obtain legitimate property rights .
   The Recorder’s Office receives the Montana Geospatial Information Act grant to
   fund Map Missoula
    , a website where current property information is linked to the 150 years of historical records the Recorder’s Office maintains . Map Missoula will be publicly available in 2025 .
   The Recorder’s Office also manages the
   Missoula Development Dashboard
    , where you can follow Missoula County development trends . They also write
   "Waypoints , "a site about Missoula’s land - based history .
   Click hereto learn more about this office .  
   ‘What’s local government doing about…land stewardship and recreation access?’
   Check out “What is Missoula County doing about…?”to see what county government is doing to address the most pressing issues facing residents . This week we’re highlighting what County government is doing about
   stewardship public lands and recreation sites
    , which includes Marshall Mountain , Clinton Community Park , the G . W . Marks Exploration Center and more!
   Missoula County seeks applicants for advisory boards , community councils
   Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community? Are you passionate about open lands and parks , or want to be involved in administering elections?
   The Missoula County commissioners are seeking engaged community members to
   apply for open positionson Missoula County advisory boards and committees . These boards and committees provide information and guidance to the Missoula Board of County Commissioners regarding important decisions like elections , zoning , and more . The commissioners appoint board members following review of applications .
   The following boards have vacancies*:
   Aquatic Invasive Species District
   Big Flat Irrigation District
   East Missoula Rural Fire District
   Elections Advisory Committee
   Florence - Carlton Cemetery Board
   Impact Fee Advisory Committee
   Lolo Mosquito Control Board
   Missoula Consolidated Planning Board
   Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee
   Planning and Zoning Commission
   Seeley Lake Community Council
   Weed Control Board
   West Valley Community Council
   Zoning Board of Adjustment
   *Please note: Several of these openings are to fill the remainder of vacant terms or for terms that have been vacant for a while , so the term length and expiration dates may not match .
   Engage with us on
   Missoula County Voice
   !
        
   Don’t miss these opportunities to get involved with county government:
   Take the
   Housing and Development surveyto help Missoula County identify needs and gaps in services in public infrastructure by Feb . 15 .
   Share your thoughts or questions regarding the use variance requestfor Western Materials to expand their gravel operations in Lolo by Feb . 22
   Review the 2023 Community Health Assessmentand submit your comments to Missoula Public Health by Feb . 27 .
   Let us know your thoughts or questions on updates to the Missoula County Floodplain Regulationsbefore Feb . 22
   Follow the Wye Infrastructure Plan projectand stay up to date on how Missoula County could address infrastructure deficiencies in the Wye area , such as roads , water , wastewater , broadband and more
   Receive a $500 rebate toward a new water heater
    
   Looking for a job with great benefits? Missoula County is hiring!
      
   Benefits include health , dental and vision insurance; paid parental leave and vacation , sick and holiday leave; free and confidential counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program; and enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System . The following departments are hiring:        
   9 - 1 - 1 Dispatch 
   Animal Control
   Clerk of District Court
   Detention Center
   Facilities Management
   Financial Services
   Justice Court
   Missoula Public Health
   Missoula Public Library
   Partnership Health Center
   Public Works
   Treasurer ' s Office
   See the full list
    
   job openingsat Missoula County and apply today!  
   Missoula County in the News:
   Montana Governor Visits Missoula Jail to Praise Mental Health Fund
    , KGVO
   Montana Department of Transportation details why Maclay Bridge closed
    , KPAX
   Fort Missoula to Create Immersive Display of WWII Detention Era , Missoula Current
   Missoula Public Library offering kids cooking classes
    , KPAX
   Selected Events this Week
   Free Tax Help with AARP TaxAide ( registration required )
   9 a . m . to 8 p . m . , Tuesday , Feb . 6 , Missoula Public Library
   Free Yoga with the YMCA ( drop - ins and beginners welcome )
   12 to 1 p . m . , Thursday , Feb . 8 , Missoula Public Library
   Stonework and Lapidary Workshop
   9:30 a . m . to 3 p . m . , Saturday , Feb . 10 - Sunday , Feb . 11 , Missoula Fairgrounds ( Floriculture Building )
   City Club: Missoula Bridge Infrastructure ( registration required )
   11:30 a . m . to 1 p . m . , Monday , Feb . 12 , DoubleTree Edgewater
   Winter Volunteer Appreciation & Training
   10 a . m . , Monday , Feb . 12 , Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
   Find more events this week on the 
   County’s Event Calendar
   !  
   What are the commissioners up to?
   Below is a summary of recent public meetings , where the commissioners . . .
   Approved a resolution to modify the start date for the
   collection of impact feesfrom Feb . 1 , 2024 , to July 1 , 2024 . This will allow for more time for interlocal agreements to be finalized between the City of Missoula and Frenchtown Rural Fire , as well as more targeted outreach to landowners and builders before the fees go into effect .
   Approved a professional services agreement between the county and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and the Historical Research Associates to develop an immersive exhibition at the Alien Detention Center at the Museum . The contract will be paid for with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and private donations raised through the Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula . The U . S . Department of Justice used Fort Missoula as an Alien Detention Center and held Japanese and Italian immigrants from 1941 to 1944 . The Historical Museum acquired Barrack E100 from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in 2017 . Groundbreaking on the restoration of the barrack will start this spring and will be wrapped up by fall 2024 . The immersive experience is scheduled to open in spring 2025 following the restoration of the barrack .
   Approved a professional services in the amount of $30 , 000 with United Way of Missoula County to assist with the creation of the exploration of childcare solutions , specifically the Missoula Childcare Advantage at
   the former Cold Springs School .
   Approved two different family transfers . Family transfers are an example of a subdivision exemption that allows the property owner to create a parcel from their land to transfer to an immediate family member to reside on , such as a grown child or parent . Learn more about Family Transfers under the "development review" tab
   online .
   Keep up with the commissioners yourself by
   attending a public meeting . The commissioners’ meetings for the upcoming week are listed below ,
   with links to agendas and Microsoft Teams links: 
   Tuesday , Feb . 6
   • 10 a . m . :
   Commissioners Administrative Meeting
   • 11 a . m . :
   Lands & Economic Development/Fairgrounds Update
   • 6 p . m . :
   Planning Board Meeting
   Wednesday , Feb . 7
   • 10 a . m . :
   Chief Officers Update
   • 2 p . m . :
   Investment Committee Update
    
   Thursday , Feb . 8
   • 8 a . m . :
   Chief Administrative Officer Update
   • 10 a . m . :
   Commissioners Administrative Meeting
   • 2 p . m . :
   Commissioners ' Public Meeting
    
   Monday , Feb . 12
   No meetings scheduled – commissioners Vero and Slotnick will be attending the
   National Association of Countiesconference in Washington , D . C .  
    
   Please note that agendas for department and administrative meetings are published two business days before the meeting , and public meeting agendas are published the Friday before the meeting . Administrative and public meeting video recordings are available on the
   Missoula County YouTube page
    , and MCAT plays the public meetings live on Spectrum Channel 190 .
   Email
   [email protected]or call 406 - 258 - 4877 if you have any questions or comments on an upcoming meeting .  
   

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