MISSOULA — The Missoula City Council approved the 2020 executive budget on an 11-to-1 vote Monday evening.
Mayor John Engen says the budget stems from a city-wide survey where the city council was able to get a feel for the community values.
There are a few things residents will see in this approved 2020 budget.
Residents should see better snow plowing with this new budget thanks to money for three pickup trucks to be mounted snow plows.
Six new police officers will be hired with city officials saying the additions are needed as emergency calls are up significantly in the last decade.
Additionally, there's money for four street division crew members, a traffic service member and a traffic signals staff member to be hired.
These are just a few of the improved services to citizens in the passed budget.
There was plenty of public comment Monday in favor of this budget, and just three – including city council member Jesse Ramos – speaking against the budget.
Mayor Engen says taxpayers will end up paying less in city taxes but homeowners could see their property tax go up because of the increase in property value.
City officials note that in Missoula has grown by 13% in the past decade, adding about 9,000 new residents.
Click here to view the preliminary City of Missoula budget for 2020.
