The annual budget resolution for fiscal year 2027, heard and adopted by the CityCommission at CityCommission2026-08-04. It is the most contested budget vote in the recent record.
Finance Director Melissa Kinzler reported that total revenue in the general fund was estimated to increase 7.7% and general fund expenses 7.57%. The proposed budget in full had been presented at the work session of WorkSession2026-07-07 and recapped at WorkSession2026-08-04 the same evening. Assessment resolutions were set for hearing on August 18.
Brett Doney of the Great Falls Development Alliance spoke in support, discussing the JanickiIndustriesProject abatement and the long-term effect of state property tax limitations. A City resident asked in opposition whether an increase in Mayor and Commissioner compensation was in the budget and where, how marijuana tax revenue is accounted for, the source of an increase in Aim High Big Sky revenue, and why the library levy was not a separate line.
Staff answered: marijuana tax revenue sits in the general fund as a separate item and subsidises public safety and general operations; the Aim High increase came from the sale of the former recreation centre; the library mill would be set in the AnnualTaxLevy resolution on August 18; and the Commission stipend change was on page 24 of the proposed budget — currently $175 per month, or $2,100 a year, per member, proposed to rise by $150 a month for the Mayor and $100 a month for each Commissioner, giving $6,000 a year for the Mayor and $4,700 for each Commissioner.
Commissioner McKenney?, who said he had learned of the change only on querying his health insurance invoice, moved with Commissioner Schreiner to amend the budget by removing the stipend increase and to schedule Commission compensation for a separate public hearing. The amendment failed 2-3, with Mayor Reeves and Commissioners Tryon and Wilson dissenting.
The main motion to adopt Resolution 10635 then carried 3-2, with Commissioners McKenney? and Schreiner dissenting.
Minutes, August 4, 2026: https://greatfallsmt.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08042026-513 Resolutions: https://greatfallsmt.gov/257/Resolutions