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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   Maclay Bridge closed to all traffic
   Due to structural concerns , Maclay Bridge west of Missoula will be closed for the foreseeable future . Missoula County Public Works closed the bridge Jan . 26 after the Montana Department of Transportation informed staff Jan . 25 that a routine inspection demonstrated that the bridge can no longer carry traffic safely or reliably .  
   Public Works crews placed signs at Humble Road and North Avenue indicating the closure of the bridge , which spans the Bitterroot River to connect North Avenue to River Pines Road in the Big Flat neighborhood . Crews also placed barricades and barriers at each end of the bridge to prevent access and will place signs at other key intersections over the coming weeks .
   Drivers will need to use Big Flat Road , Mullan Road , Reserve Street , Blue Mountain Road and Highway 93 for detour routes around the closure . The bridge will also be closed to pedestrian and bicycle access .
   Public Works staff will evaluate the feasibility and cost associated with temporarily repairing the bridge , but may ultimately decide to close the bridge permanently .
   Click here to read more .
   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 .
   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 . comfor 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 .
    
   Missoula County seeks applicants for 2024 rural grant projects
   Missoula County has opened the second round of Impact Grants and is continuing to accept Micro Grant applications to support community - driven projects that enhance the quality of life in rural areas of Missoula County . Individuals , nonprofit organizations , citizen groups , community councils , schools and special districts are encouraged to learn more and apply online . 2023 winners included the Potomac School District , which purchased a walk - in cooler , the Seeley Lake Lions Club , which hired lifeguards for the Double Arrow swimming pool , the Bonner - Milltown History Center , which transcribed oral history for archival preservation , and others .
   The Rural Grant Program was initiated by the Missoula County Commissioners in 2023 and includes two unique funding opportunities: Micro Grants , with awards between $100 to $500 , and Impact Grants , with awards ranging from $500 to $4 , 000 . The awards are designed to support community projects within the county but outside Missoula city limits .
   Learn more and find application requirements .
   Mythbuster:
   ‘Building permits are pointless and shouldn ' t be required . ’
   This is false .
   Missoula County has required building permits on properties outside Missoula city limits since 2006 to ensure structures within the county are safe . For example , permits ensure roofs can handle a lot of snowpack , houses are not built on top of septic tanks , electrical is properly handled to prevent injury , and the proper materials are used so a building does not collapse .
   Take a look at these examples of unpermitted work , where a tuna can could electrocute someone and heavy snowpack collapsed a building . Don’t be these people – make sure your building is up to code!
              
   Missoula County’s Building Division knows that you must take time out of your day to apply for permits , so to streamline the process they are continually improving their online application process and remain open to walk - in customers .
   All inspectors in Missoula County are also “combination inspectors , ” meaning they are certified to inspect both residential and commercial buildings , including all their mechanical , electrical and plumbing . This way it only takes one trip for a building inspector to go through all those permits for a building .
   Keep in mind a new building or project may also involve the environmental health department if you have septic tanks on your property or you plan to install a bathroom in the new building . The planning department may also be involved to make sure the new construction is in line with the area ' s zoning .
   The
   Missoulacounty . buildwebsite will help you walk through all the steps you need to follow when you ' re building . If you need a building permit and live within the City of Missoula ,
   click here
    .
   New podcast episode |
   Reserve Street: The Sequel
   This week the Missoula County commissioners continue their discussion with transportation planner Aaron Wilson . They discuss the concept of 15 - minute cities and how creating diverse , accessible transportation choices can reduce traffic congestion . Aaron also gives updates on the safety studies and plans for accommodating growth in areas like Brooks Street in Missoula and Highway 200 in East Missoula .
   Don’t miss part twoof this series on planning , traffic and transportation!
   Click here to
   listen to part one .
    You can find this episode wherever you get your podcasts under "The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners" .
   ‘What’s local government doing about…responsible growth and development?’
   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
   responsible growth and development
    , which includes zoning codes , leveraging federal grants , wildfire preparedness and long - term transportation planning .
   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:
   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
   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:
   County Seeks Funding for Costly Bridge Repairs as Spring Nears
    , Missoula Current
   Late nights on ice: Inside Missoula ' s hockey subculture , The Pulp
   County treasurers tell legislature property tax system needs reform
    , NBC Montana
   Selected Events this Week
   Blooms & Brews: Sqelixʷ ( Salish ) Storytelling with Aspen and Cameron Decker
   6 to 8 p . m . , Tuesday , Jan . 30 , G . W . Marks Exploration Center
   Sewing Drop - In Hours
    
   3:30 to 5 p . m . , Wednesday , Jan . 31 , Missoula Public Library
   Watercolor Painting Class
   12 to 2 p . m . , Friday , Feb . 2 , Missoula Public Library
   First Reads with the Montana Repertory Theatre: “The Thin Place"
    
   2 p . m . , Saturday , Feb . 3 , Missoula Public Library
   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 agreements to develop a federal grant application to fund the replacement of the Boy Scout , Glacier Creek and Sunset Hill bridges . Missoula County Public Works has worked with the Montana Department of Transportation to apply for a separate RAISE federal grant to address these bridges and Cold Creek and Riverview Drive bridges . Public Works staff anticipate hearing back on both BIP and RAISE grants by summer 2024 .
   Approved a revision to a land easement agreement between Missoula County Fairgrounds and Gold Creek Cellular Montana Limited ( Verizon Wireless ) for 10 years . Annual revenue from the agreement will starting at $10 , 521 . 04 and increase by 3% annually , and also includes a one - time signing bonus of $25 , 000 .
   Approved an interlocal agreement between Missoula County , Powell County , Mineral County , City of Missoula and the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization , Granite County and the City - County of Butte - Silver Bow for the Parks to Passes plan . The Parks to Passes is a regional initiative that would construct a 220 - mile multimodal trail from Butte to the Idaho border . In Missoula County , this grant application includes addressing pedestrian deficiencies in Frenchtown and Clinton . This interlocal initiates a planning grant application for the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity ( RAISE ) program . “Multimodal” is not currently defined but would be addressed in community planning if the grant is secured . Missoula County Parks , Trails and Open Lands staff expects to hear back about this grant this summer . If awarded , a public engagement process on the project would take place in 2025 or 2026 .
   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 , Jan . 30
   No meetings scheduled
   Wednesday , Jan . 31
   • 10 a . m . :
   Chief Officers Update
   • 1 p . m . :
   Lands and Communities Update
   Thursday , Feb . 1
   • 8 a . m . :
   Chief Administrative Officer Update
   • 10 a . m . :
   Commissioners Administrative Meeting
   • 2 p . m . :
   Commissioners ' Public Meeting
   Monday , Feb . 5
   • 8 a . m . :
   Public Works Update
   • 9:30 a . m . :
   Lands and Communities Update
   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 .  
   

Press release information :

Direct link to press release: Click here .

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