What Impact Does a Rejected Mill Levy Have on Area Emergency Services?

What happens when area residents vote against funding measures aimed at enhancing local emergency services? In 2024, a mill levy aimed to cover costs for additional personnel and operational expenses for the city's police and fire departments was turned down by voters, with 58 percent against and 42 percent in favor.

As the city grows, the need for safety services continues to grow. "We’re seeing an increasing number of calls and cases and an increasing number of more substantial crimes. And certainly, an increasing number of felonies. I would say the rate of crimes happening per population is remaining relatively consistent," Bozeman police chief, Jim Veltkamp (KBZK Bozeman News August 29, 2025). The need for additional public safety resources is not going away.

Between Montana law changes as a result of HB20 and voters rejecting the 2024 proposed mill levy for emergency services, Bozeman Police and Fire departments and community residents may need to make some thoughtful choices in the near future. Learn about the measures that have been taken to address the recent emergency services funding deficit, how the proposed mill levy was structured to meet the needs of our growing community, and what measures are needed to address growing needs when the voter majority votes “No” on an emergency services mill levy.

Join Bozeman Fire Chief Josh Waldo and Police Chief Jim Veltkamp for the OLLI at MSU Friday Forum to learn about and discuss how rejected levies affect the services residents depend upon.

You can easily register using our registration system if you are a current OLLI member. Participants must register no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8. If you are not an OLLI member, do not wish to use the OLLI registration system, or wish to register after registrations close, click or tap here to register directly through Zoom. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions to join the program.

Friday Forum offers presentations and lively discussions on local and regional timely topics. Friday Forum is free and open to the public.