FAQs

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA Funds)

  • The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Funds are intended to provide eligible local governments with a substantial infusion of resources to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, and more equitable economy as the country recovers.

    U.S. Treasury advised within these overall categories, recipients have broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of their communities. Funding may be used for:

    1. Support public health expenditures, by, for example, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff
    2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector
    3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic
    4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors
    5. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet

    Concurrent with the launch of this program, the U.S. Treasury has published a 40-page Interim Final Rule that implements the provisions of this program. These examples listed above do not describe all the terms and conditions associated with this funding and do not describe all of the restrictions on use that apply. 

  • On April 20, 2021, the City Commission authorized the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the creation of an Economic Development Agent position with Montana State University Extension Office.

    The agent will focus solely on economic and business development. The agent will assist small businesses and industries impacted in Park County, including tourism, travel, and hospitality, in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. The City Commission authorized the proposal and a 3-year contribution for the position.  

  • MONTANA HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND

    The American Rescue Plan Act provides funding that will help Montanan homeowners, and homeowners across the country, remain in their homes. The purpose of the Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund, in accordance with federal legislation and U.S. Treasury guidance, is to mitigate financial hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing funds to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020.

    The Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund will serve income-eligible Montanans whose gross household income does not exceed 150 percent of the Area Median Income, and 60% of funds available must target Montanans whose gross household income does not exceed 100% of the Area Median Income. visit arpa.mt.gov/housing to see if you are eligible for assistance. 

    The Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund may be used for the following:

    • Mortgage payment assistance
    • Financial assistance to allow a homeowner to reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing-related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default
    • Homeowner’s utilities, including electric, gas and home energy
    • Homeowner’s internet service

    Visit HOUSING.MT.GOV for current information about housing assistance and to subscribe to receive email updates from the Department of Commerce.

     

     

  • MONTANA EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

    The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance program is available for income-eligible Montanans who have lost household income as a direct or indirect result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of housing instability.

    Eligible renters can receive:

    • a monthly maximum of $2,200 for past due and future rent payments
    • up to $300 for past due and future utilities including gas and electric
    • Up to $50 per month for internet.

    Households can receive assistance for rent and utility bills dating back to April 1, 2020. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and appropriated to the Department of Commerce by the Montana Legislature HB 3 and HB 630.

    Please visit HOUSING.MT.GOV to check your eligibility and apply.

     

     

  • U.S. Treasury guidelines list ineligible use of ARPA funds:

    1. Funds may not be used to offset a reduction in tax revenue 
    2. Deposits may not be made into pension funds
    3. Funds cannot be used to payoff debt
    4. Funds may not be used to pay legal settlements
    5. Funds may not be used as federal match dollars for other grants

    Concurrent with the launch of this program, the U.S. Treasury has published a 40-page Interim Final Rule that implements the provisions of this program. These examples listed above do not describe all the terms and conditions associated with this funding and do not describe all of the restrictions on use that apply. 

  • Visit the U.S. Department of Treasury announced local governments will receive funds in two tranches, with 50% provided beginning in May 2021 and the balance delivered approximately 12 months later. States that have experienced a net increase in the unemployment rate of more than 2 percentage points from February 2020 to the latest available data as of the date of certification will receive their full allocation of funds in a single payment; other states will receive funds in two equal tranches. 

    The City of Livingston received the first payment on June 15, 2021. 

    More detailed information about allocation funding amounts can be found by visiting the U.S. Department of Treasury website.

  • Visit the U.S. Department of Treasury website to learn more about these funds.

Animal Control

  • Pet licenses may be purchased at the City Finance Office at 220 E. Park St.  You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination, your driver's license and a current phone number.  

    Renewals may be accepted by mail, send a check or money order payable to the City of Livingston, along with proof of current rabies, current address and phone number and a copy of the driver's license. Incomplete requests will be returned.

  • Any dog or cat be acquired by any person subsequent to the first day of March, such fee shall be paid within seven (7) days of the date of acquisition of the dog or cat.

  • Licenses are $15 per year for spayed or neutered dogs and $5 for cats. Unaltered dog licenses are $75 per year.

  • It is unlawful and punishable as a civil offense for any person owning, keeping or harboring any dog or cat four (4) months of age or older to fail to register and license said dog or cat with the City of Livingston.

    The civil penalty is not to exceed One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per offense.

  • All licenses shall expire at twelve (12) midnight of the last day of February of the year following payment of the license fee.  Licenses must be renewed BEFORE March 1st to avoid a $10 per license late fee.

Cares Act Funds

  • Click on the link below for a comprehensive list of who has received COVID Funding awarded grants in Livingston.

    You can filter your search results by Social Services/Non-Profit programs, Business Stabilization Grants, Child Care Grants, Montana Loan Deferment Program Grants and many more. 

    Click Here

  • 2020 has presented a new challenge to the City of Livingston Administration, this year,  with the addition of CARES Act revenue. The City has approximately an additional $2,255,000.00 in funds exceeding the 50% General Fund reserve limits established by state law in MCA 7-6-4034, The City Staff believed one effective use of these additional funds was to purchase the old State of Montana building, located at 220 E. Park St. in Livingston and brought the decision before the City Commission with Resolution No. 4929.

    The purpose of this purchase was to immediately complete or significantly advance 6 goals in the Livingston
    Organizational Strategic Plan, a plan in which the City Commission developed and has tasked the City Manager and staff with the execution of. Specifically:

    Goal 1.4 Restructure Organization and Physical Spaces Prioritizing Efficiency & Design Specifically, action 1.4.2. Align Physical Space with Organizational Structure. City staff believes the current footprint of 220 E. Park St. provides and an excellent opportunity to re-locate the City Manager, and assistant, the City Attorney and assistant, the HR Director, the Building and Planning Director, Deputy Planner, Building Inspector, the City Finance Director, Accountant and Utility Billing Staff to one centralized location. This eliminates the $26,000/year expense of leasing the City Finance Office at 110 S. B Street.

    Goal 1.4 Restructure Organization and Physical Spaces Prioritizing Efficiency & Design Specifically, action 1.4.3. Pursue efficiencies by combining services with Park County. City Staff believes while the effort to combine HR with Park County failed, the purchase of the building provides the opportunity to increase efficiencies while providing for growth in a manner that is fiscally responsible and provides opportunities to partner with Park County, state agencies, or other organizations. The City has contacted DPHHS and is willing to lease office space to the state at a reduced rate. 

    Goal 2.1. Establish Operational Reserves in all non-rate supported funds. Action 2.1.1. General Fund goal of 33.33%. The City currently finds itself with a surplus of $2,255,000.00 exceeding that 50% limit set by MCA, to avoid any penalties, surplus funds must be spent. However, this purchase also reduces future annual costs and makes preservation of the General Fund reserve easier to maintain. Our independent auditor just presented the results of their examination of spending in the last fiscal year, with a special section for federal funds including CARES Act – they found no discrepancies.

    Goal 2.7 Pursue Cost-Saving Energy Investments: Staff priced the cost of a Solar array placement to the roof of the south-facing side of the 220 E. Park St. building, which would provide for increased energy efficiencies, and reduced electrical costs. An initial estimate projects the solar array could fulfill up to 100% of the building's electrical needs.

    Goal 3.1 Personnel/Public Security Category Facilities: The building’s current footprint and layout provide increased security for all staff with staff. This purchase eliminates a stand-alone facility (Finance) and increases safety both through configuration and mutual support.

    Goal 4.3. Improve Community Access: While not specifically defined within the framework of the Livingston Organizational Strategic Plan, the City believes the goal of improved community access to City staff can easily be attained by the purchase of 220 E.Park St. The community will be able to access more services in one location and improved parking and ADA access also increase accessibility.

    The very mission of the City of Livingston Organizational Strategic Plan reads:
    Providing essential services, quality of life opportunities, and maintain what is best about Livingston while providing for growth in a manner that is fiscally responsible with integrity and compassion.

    City Staff believes the purchase of the building embraces the greater mission of the Strategic Plan. It is a capital purchase that provides a creative and efficient way to advocate for enhanced services after the significant reduction of State Services which burdens our community with a corresponding increase in services for those vulnerable citizens.

    By maintaining space for Child and Family Services, the current tenant of 220 E. Park St., if they maintain that presence in our community and could lead to providing office space for the Office of Public Assistance (SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, TANF cash assistance) and Job Service where those programs mean better outcomes for the children and families in our community.

    The Livingston City Commission members and many members of the community have emphasized the importance of maintaining/increasing access to these services provided to those in our community who may not have access to a computer or a phone. City staff believes the purchase of this building would fulfill that need for greater community
    access not only to City Staff but to State Services as well.

  • By law, Montana's tribes and political subdivisions may purchase supplies and services in cooperation with the State of Montana. Section 18-4-402 of MCA, permits local public procurement units to take advantage of the cost savings realized by the State's volume purchasing. Purchasing contracts include Road Oil, Traffic line paint and reflective glass beads, road salts, snowplow blades, fuel, rubberized asphalt, fencing materials, vehicles, services from Montana State Prison, services from State Professional Development Center and more. 

    The City recognized significant cost savings in purchasing new matching furniture for the new office space.

Charter Form of Government

  • A Charter is the local government equivalent of a state or national constitution, subordinate to both.  A local government charter is a written document, approved by the voters within its jurisdiction, which defines the powers, structures, privileges, rights and duties of its local government and sets forth any limitations thereon.  Therefore, it is the most important legal document of any city.

     

  •  COMPARISON OF PRESENT FORM OF CITY GOVERNMENT WITH THE PROPOSED CHARTER

    CHARACTERISTICS

    PRESENT FORM OF GOVERNMENT

    PROPOSED FORM OF GOVERNMENT

    COMMENTS
    FORM OF GOVERNMENT Commission-Manager
    Elected Commission performs policy making functions. Appointed professional manager administers government under direction of the City Commission.    		 Charter with Commission-Manager
    Elected Commission performs policy making functions. Appointed professional manager administers government under direction of the Commission.    		 No changes to structure of government
    POWERS General Government Powers Self-Government Powers The Chair provides more governing flexibility, continues the limits the City's Taxing and also requires public hearings any increase, in fees or utility rates. 

    GOVERNING BODY,
    size, term,
    presiding officer

    		 City Commission responsible for all legislative functions and supervision of City Manager.

    5 Commission members elected at large in nonpartisan elections.

    Four year overlapping terms of office.

    Chairman elected from and by Commission

    City Commission responsible for all legislative functions and supervision of City Manager.

    5 Commission members elected at large in nonpartisan elections.

    Four year overlapping terms of office.

    Chairman elected from and by Commission

    No change

    No change
     

    No change

    No change
    CHIEF EXECUTIVE A City Manager, appointed by Commission on the basis of professional qualifications, administers the operations of city government. A City Manager, appointed by Commission on the basis of professional qualifications, administers the operations of city government. No Change
    Powers and duties The City Manager carries out the policies of the Commission, advises the Commission, executes the budget, and enforces laws and ordinances The City Manager carries out the policies of the Commission, advises the Commission, executes the budget, and enforces laws and ordinances No Change
    Appointment powers The City Manager appoints all employees. The Commission itself will appoint members of boards and Commissions. The City Manager appoints all employees. The Commission itself will appoint members of boards and Commissions. No Change
    Budget Preparation City Manager prepares the budget in cooperation with department heads. Budget is then modified and approved by the City Commission. City Manager prepares the budget in cooperation with department heads. Budget is then modified and approved by the City Commission. No Change

     

    Click here to read more

City Building and Planning Department

  • A petition is filed with the City reflecting a substantial interest by property owners in a specified improvement.

    b. The City Commission will authorize the development of preliminary cost data which may be done by City staff or a consultant.

    c. If a consultant is needed, a selection committee will be approved by the City Commission, unless the citizen group has already hired an engineer.

    d. The Commission will then consider passing a Resolution of Intent to create the district.

    e. A 15-day waiting period begins during which time residents receive square footage costs and neighborhood meetings are held to explain the data.

    f. After the waiting period a public hearing is held at which the City Commission review protests. If more than 51% protest, the district will not be created. If less than 51% protest, the district can be created at the discretion of the City Commission.

  • Application is made to the Planning Office and it is then reviewed by the Development Review Committee (DRC). The DRC makes a recommendation to the City Manager who presents the application to the City Commission for final action.

  • An applicant must go to the City Planner to obtain and fill out an application form. A fee is required with the application. The Planner publishes a notice of public hearing on the rezoning request 15 days before the public hearing on such a request. Notices are sent to property owners within 300 feet of the property notifying them of the rezoning request. A staff recommendation is then prepared and the applicant is made aware of that recommendation before the public hearing. The public hearing is held before the Zoning Commission and this body forwards its recommendation to the City Commission.

  • An application is made to staff in the Planning Office, who then brings the application and request before the City Commission for consideration and action.

  • Two complete sets of plans including site plan, cross-section(s), elevation(s), foundation and floor plan must be submitted to the Building Department along with a completed Permit Application. The plans are reviewed, any deficiencies are noted and corrections are made by the applicant. Once the plans are approved, a permit may be issued. Residential projects will be charged a plan review fee as well as a permit fee. Commercial projects will be charged just a permit fee, but at a higher rate than residential projects.

  • Building permits are required for any structural work done on a building. This includes re-roofing, changing door or window openings, moving or adding walls and building exterior decks. Changes made to a commercial building, even though minor in nature, will almost always require a permit to verify that life safety codes specific to the occupancy are being followed.

    Detached, one-story, residential storage buildings not larger than 120 square feet do not need a building permit.

  • Anyone who wishes to do work on his private residence may do any or all of the work himself. As with all building construction in Livingston, the Building Inspector and/or Fire Inspector makes periodic inspections to see that the work meets the requirements of the adopted Code. A list of inspections is provided to the permit holder when the permit is issued and it is this person's responsibility to see that all inspections are made at the proper time. Permits for work on a structure other than a private residence must be purchased and the work completed by a licensed professional in the corresponding field.

City Commission

  • The City Commission can hold executive sessions on matters where the Chair determines that the right of individual privacy exceeds the public’s right to know. These meetings are not open to the public.

  • The Chair, or in his/her absence, the Vice-Chair, may call special meetings of the Commission whenever public business may require it. A meeting may also be called at the express written request of any three members of the Commission. Whenever a special meeting shall be called, a summons or a notice in writing signed by the Chair or the Vice-Chair shall be served upon each member of the Commission either in person or by notice left at their place of residence, stating the day and hour of the meeting, the purpose for which such meeting is called, and no business shall be transacted except such as is stated in the notice. Such notice must be served at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

    A special meeting may also be held without the requirement of a notice being served, if the Chair and all Commission members, prior to the meeting, sign a waiver of notice of the meeting but in this event, the public media shall be notified as soon as practical prior to such meeting.

  • The City Commission appoints the City Manager who serves at the Commission's pleasure.  The Chair, with the Commission's approval, appoints members to several advisory boards and Commissions whose terms vary according to the by-laws of the individual group.

  • Ordinances are laws and may carry a penalty for violation. Resolutions are motions, carrying no legal status or penalty and merely express the intent or policy of the City Commission.

  • Digital recordings of City Commission meetings have been designated as the official public record of meeting proceedings; these recordings will be available online at www.livingstonmontana.org and the City Office. Written minutes are summary minutes that can be viewed online or at the City Office, and are meant to be a supplement to the digital recordings (2-3-212 MCA). Any citizen may review minutes of Commission meetings since all regular meetings of the Commission are open to the public.

City Manager

City Sidewalks and Streets

  • Most of the streetlights in town belong either to the City or North Western Energy. Call 222-5667 and notify the Public Works office of the light in question. If it does not belong to the City we will notify N.W.E.

    Click here to see the current streetlight map.

  • If you wish to contest a citation. You must personally appear in City Court, with the original yellow copy of the parking violation, on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. immediately following the date of your citation, or you may pay your fine at the City Fiance Office immediately at 220 E. Park Street in person, or by mail.

  • Improves the appearance

    Perhaps the most obvious benefit of street sweeping is that it improves the aesthetic of our streets. By removing trash, dirt debris it enables the City to look cleaner and more attractive. 

     

    Helps to prevent the pollution of the Yellowstone River

    Street sweeping helps prevent unwanted garbage and other debris from entering our stormwater drainage system and eventually discharge into the river. Sweeping prevents unwanted waste particles from making their way from the roadways to the stormwater system, and into the ecosystems of various animals. These contaminants can poison the ecosystems of these animals, turning their habitats into toxic wastelands.

     

    Improved safety for motorist and bicyclists

    By removing the buildup of dirt, rocks, and debris on streets, it helps to prevent motorist and bicyclists from skidding, sliding and colliding with objects. This is important for children who ride bikes to school. A small tire skid can lead to a much larger accident in just seconds. It removes stones that are left on the roads, which can kick up and puncture vehicle tires, be kicked up, and cause damage to windshields.

  • The City Commission may at any time, order sidewalks be constructed or repaired. If the property owner fails to do so within thirty days, the City may construct the sidewalk and assess the cost against the property. All sidewalks must be constructed as specified by the City, including acquiring a permit from the City's Building Inspector. Once sidewalks are installed it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain them.

  • The Street Department sends out a sanding crew when we receive 1" to 4" of snow. After 4" of snow accumulation or slick conditions exist we plow our Primary Snow Route. 

    It is unlawful for anyone to shovel or push snow into a city street. Gravel streets are not on the normal sanding routes. Click here to see current routes.

  • Our street sweeping schedule normally runs from May-August, for the first 2 full weeks of each month. Each year in April we mail a copy of the updated street sweeping schedule to all residents. If you didn’t receive one or lost your copy you can view and print another copy here. Through the rest of the year, we sweep the City streets as needed.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

  • In 2023, the City of Livingston underwent personnel restructuring and removed the Code Enforcement position from the Police Department.  The position is responsible for ensuring the city code compliance, which includes the 2-hour parking downtown, abandoned vehicles, trailers parked over the time allotment, blight, overgrown weeds, snow removal, along with other city codes.

    To report a code violation in Livingston, call 406-823-6010, and ask for the Code Enforcement Officer.

    Parking complaints may be reported by clicking here. 

     

  • Livingston's City code applies to all grass, weeds, bushes and trees on private property that are allowed to overgrow onto any public right-of-way, including planting strips, streets, sidewalks, and alleys. 

    Tall weeds and grass not only contribute to blighted conditions in neighborhoods, but they can also harbor rodents, snakes, and other pests and block visibility for drivers.  Properties with overgrown vegetation are deemed a public nuisance and a safety hazard as they can make grass fires more dangerous for firefighters and families.

    Read What you need to know for Avoiding Nuisance Grass and Weeds Violations

     

Commission-Manager Form of Government?

  • The City Manager is expected to prepare and submit the annual budget to the City Commission. In addition to supplying the information requested by the body, the City Manager may make recommendations on any matter which requires Commission action. The Commission may adopt or modify these recommendations, and whatever action they take is binding on the City Manager.

  • The City Manager is responsible to the Commission, which may terminate their service at any time. All department heads and other City employees, including City Attorney, are responsible to the City Manager. The Fire Chief is responsible to the City Manager, but the appointment of the Fire Chief is subject to the City Commission approval. The City Judge is an elected official and the judicial branch of government is separate from the Executive or Legislative branches but subject to the appropriation authority of the legislative body.

  •  a. A single, small governing body is made collectively responsible to the voters for all aspects of City government.

    b. The City Manager's government insures a greater degree of separation between "politics" and administration, than is found in other forms of government, at the same time increasing the control of the elected governing body over all aspects of municipal affairs.

    c. As technical expertise is not required of them, it is possible to have more representative Commission; Commission positions are more attractive to qualified citizens as they do not require full-time attention.

    d. It appears that generally this form of government has increased the prestige of the Commission and improved the status of expert administration in municipal government.

    e. It is easy to fix responsibility for municipal operations when one person coordinates the city administration.

    f. A business-like attitude is brought to the job of running a City and more coordination exists in government than was previously the case.

    g. The plan, as far as can be determined, has brought about a much more efficient administration than was found under the old systems of municipal government.

    h. The City Manager plan increases attention to local problems and diminishes partisanship based on traditional political divisions.

    i. The Manager plan in many cases raises the morale of municipal employees and gives them a sense of security in their jobs than is present under other forms of government.

    j. Although City Managers have not universally lowered the total cost of government in their respective communities materially, unit costs often have been lowered.

    k. It is easier to remove a manager for malfeasance than one or more elected officials.

  • A small number of Commissioners are elected - on a non-partisan ballot, and generally at large -- to serve as the City's governing body. This body determines municipal policies, adopts ordinances, votes appropriations, and appoints the chief administrative officer, the City Manager. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of city operations, advises the City Commission on public policy; and holds office at the pleasure of the Commission.

    There is a distinction between the functions of Policy-making (representation) and Policy Execution (administration), the former being the duty of the commission, the latter the duty of the Manager. It is inappropriate management for a Commissioner to tell an employee, what he/she wants to be accomplished. Because the City Manager serves the governing body as a whole, the direction must be given by the majority will of the governing body. Since the governing body is responsible to the public for actions of the City Manager, the success of this form of government depends to a very large extent on the maintenance of mutual understanding and a high degree of cooperation between the Manager and Commission.

  • On November 4, 1986, by Special Election the following plan of government was approved: Commission-Manager Form. The Commission-Manager form consists of an elected Commission and a Manager appointed by the Commission, who shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the local government. The Manager shall be responsible to the Commission for the administration of all local government affairs in his charge by law, ordinance or resolution.

  • The Manager is responsible to the Commission for the proper conduct of all city activities under the direction of the office, providing information and advice, and making recommendations.

    The City Manager is the Commission’s technical advisor and consultant, but only the Commission can make laws and establish policies. Thus, the burden for political leadership falls squarely on the Commission.

     City Managers cannot and must not permit themselves to assume responsibilities that rest exclusively in the City Commission. The City Manager can and should outline desirable community goals, but not make an issue of the proposals. If the Commission cannot be convinced of the logic of the plans, the Manager will devise another plan or simply follow the Commission’s instructions. But once the Commission has acted, the Manager may assume the responsibility as an administrative duty of acquainting the public with the policy which has been adopted.

Electric Vehicles Charging Station?

  • The total cost to the City for the construction was $10,000.

  • Currently it cost users $1.50 per hour to charge.

  • Yes, after November 14, 2019 violators will be imposed a minimum fine of $40, per offense.

  • There are two charging stations located on West Clark Street adjacent to Neptune's Taphouse and Eatery.

  • One goal identified in our City's Strategic Plan was to Create Electric Vehicle Infrastructure.

    Research has shown that Cities tapping into new ideas and innovations, proved to be more resilient than the cities that stuck to their old tricks.

    Source

Finance and Budget?

  • Due to an increase in court cases, the City has budgeted for support from a contract attorney.  This change allows more time for the City Attorney to manage City legal matters.

  • With the exception of accounting for employee benefits, there were no significant changes to this department's budget.  Certain costs related to part-time employees were shifted from instructor/official fees to salaries and wages. 

    This change provides a better picture of what actual personnel costs are for each department.

  • The City, in conjunction with Park County, is transitioning its internet service from Charter to Blackfoot Communications.  This upgrade will provide expanded bandwidth at several facilities and allow geographically separated facilities to connect back to the main servers for improved network services and the backup of data.

    In addition, it will provide these facilities with the ability to connect to IP phones, significantly reducing phone costs compared to traditional business landlines.

  • Click here to see the approved budget for FY20

  • In April 2019, Senate Bill 160 (Provide worker's compensation for presumptive diseases of firefighters) was approved by the Governor.  This bill increased worker's compensation from 4.2% to 7.66% for a total cost increase of $16,454.

  • At the request of the City Commission and Citizens, the City has budgeted for a growth policy in FY20.  The cost of this study is anticipated to be approximately $75,000 and will be funded by a combination of private grants and donations, as well as general fund tax dollars.

  • The change in the Salaries fund balance is due, in large part, to an accounting change in which Special Revenue Funds previously used to account for employee benefits were eliminated.

    These expenditures are now recorded within the same fund and department as employee wages.  This change provides a better picture of what actual personnel costs are for each department. 

    For FY20 budget wages include an average of 2% increase from the previous year.

  • The City Manager has agreed to support the following outside agencies during the fiscal year. This line item is an account of those funds. These contributions include:
     

    • $30,000 to fund MSU Economic Development agent (shared with Park Co.)
    • $5,000 to fund Windrider Transit services 
    • $5,000 to fund the Spay/Neuter Clinic

  • The City's existing server was purchased in 2012 and is nearing the end of its life, $9335 has been budgeted to replace this server in FY20.

Fire

  • We have the authority to employ 30 paid part-time reserves. Applications to join may be obtained at the fire department.

    Minimum qualifications are Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certified through The National Registry and/or Montana State.

  • Our stats are kept on a fiscal year calendar which is July 1st to June 30th. Last year we responded to 653 fire calls and 1,943 EMS calls for a total of 2,596.

  • Livingston Fire does not do the billing. It is contracted to Medwrite in Billings, Mt. Their toll free number is 1-877-209-6223. They will be happy to assist you in any way.

  • Currently the City of Livingston is rated a 3.

  • All commercial and home businesses within the city limits require an inspection. If unsure contact the city clerk's office, Emily Hutchinson at (406) 823-6002.

Fireworks

  • No

    Livingston Municipal Code Sec. 11-2. entitled Fireworks—prohibits the explosion of fireworks within City limits.

    It shall be unlawful for any person to explode, use or sell firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, fireworks or similar substances, or other pyrotechnics, or any substance containing chlorate or potash mixture or other similar substance, except toy pistols or guns loaded with caps, within the city; except supervised displays as hereinafter provided.

Girl Scout Trail

  • On August 6, 2019. The City Commission voted unanimously to remove the Girl Scout trail system from the Parks and Trails Committee master plan, as there currently is no easement to the Girl Scout property.

  • On August 6, 2019, this matter came before the Livingston City Commission.

    A request was made from the Livingston Parks and Trails Committee for a request for an easement on the Girl Scout Property.

    After much discussion, no motions were made, and no votes were taken.

Growth Policy

  • Participate in the upcoming survey and public meetings.  Get information on these opportunities and more via: social media, utility flyers, and the City Website, sign-up for email updates.

  • It was estimated to cost approximately $80,000.  Burton Planning Services came in under the proposed budget at $74,795.00.

  • Yes, a Growth Policy is required by the State of Montana as outlined in the Montana Code Annotated.

  • A Growth Policy is an official public document that is intended to guide future social, physical, environmental and economic growth and development of a jurisdiction.

  • Click below to see monthly updates provided by Burton Planning Services.

  • • It will serve as an integral land use planning guidance tool as the community, including the 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction, grows and develops.

    • It will reflect the desires and needs of the community as well as the existing and future capacity of the city’s infrastructure, economy, and natural environment.

    • It will name the best locations for growth and assist the City with ensuring that development and investment occurs appropriately.

     

  • Burton has provided their anticipated project timeline which is process is divided into 5 major tasks and will take place over a 12-month time period.

  • The updated Final June 2021 Growth Policy can be found by visiting http://burtonplanning.com/LivingstonGrowthPolicy/read-download/

    For questions regarding this process, contact Mathieu Menard Planning Director at (406) 823-6228.

     

  • Yes, this is a Public process that will be conducted by Burton's Planning Services.

    Burton's plan to engage our community consists of mailers with utility bills, a webpage with comment function, social media posts, newspaper articles, public meeting announcements, digital survey tools, and representation at community events.  We look forward to your participation!

    We will continue to provide project updates, as they become available. If you want to sign up for email updates on this project as well as other City projects email your name, address, and phone number to emailupdates@livingstonmontana.org.

Human Resources

  • When the City conducts a search for applicants through an external competitive process, the job is posted in, at minimum on the City web site, the bulletin board outside the City Office, the State of Montana Job Service and major employment web sites such as Indeed.

    The City accepts applications for posted positions, but not general applications for employment. Click here for more information.

New Community Wellness Center?

  • The proposal for a new Community Wellness Center is still in the very preliminary phases. On July 22, 2019, there was a second community meeting regarding the feasibility of this project, and the consultants presented 3 different design concepts based on the feedback they received from the community at the first meeting.

    At this point, nothing is set in stone and no decisions have been made. More information can be found by clicking here.

  • Other locations were reviewed but it was determined that the existing site was the best choice because:

    1. The City already owned the land so that reduces project cost.
    2. The location is central to most of the schools in the community providing greater access.
    3. The site is on the service line for Windrider giving broader access to those with transportation challenges.
    4. The site is within walking distance of our Downtown area which helps to promote downtown vitality and local businesses.
    5. The site has great access to outdoor amenities like the Bandshell, Yellowstone River and trails.

Parks Department?

  • City residents are responsible for the care and maintenance of both trees and weeds along boulevards and alleys adjacent to their property per City Code 23 and 12-92.  Any trimming, planting, or removal of boulevard trees requires a permit from the City. These permits can be found on our website and returned to the Public Works Department for review and approval. 

Purple Air Quality Monitor Real Time Information

  • Residents interested in real-time air quality monitoring information can visit the Purple Air website and get a good picture of their nearest air quality. 

    Users can toggle between real-time data and readings averaged over the last 10 or 30 minutes, or up to one week on average markers.

Railroad Crossing

  • Construction design and location determine the actual dollar amound needed to fund a new crossing, we know that some funds will come from the following:

    • Urban Route Funds
    • Utility Costs
    • Mill Levy
    • SID (Special Improvement District)
    • Costs are reduced as new properties are added to the district
       

  • No hard numbers can be determined until a determination will be made as to where it will be located.

    Some preliminary estimates are:

    • Planning: $1.4M
    • Front Street Extension (including water/sewer): $5.3M
    • Underpass Bridge: $3.1M
    • Highway 10 widening: $1.2M

    Total $12M

  • In June 2019, The City Commission approved the City Manager to apply for a federal planning grant with MRL.

    •  $940k for City/$1.99M for MRL
    •  $500k City match/ $3M match for MRL
    • Awards usually in Dec/Jan
    • Used for engineering, not study
    • If successful will apply for a construction grant

    We visited the Transportation.gov website in December and were disappointed to learn Livingston was not awarded any funding for this project. 

  • The Transportation plan indicated the area near PFL way as the best location.  The Star Road location failed due to the projected growth on the west side.

  • A final decision on overpass vs. underpass has not been made.  The determining factor will be the geography at the point the crossing is constructed.  If the railroad is naturally higher than the surrounding areas, an underpass is easier to build.  If the railroad is lower than the surrounding areas and overpass makes more sense.

Search Tips and Tricks

  • Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

  • No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

    In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

  • Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

Special Event?

  • Please review the Policy and Procedures and complete the application located in the Recreation Department Rental Facilities information.

    Note that all special event applications must be turned in at least 45 days prior to the event and if you are eligible for and plan to seek a fee waiver, they must be submitted a minimum of 60 days in advance.

Transfer Station and Solid Waste?

  • No.

    See code Sec. 12-61 B. “The collection of solid waste is a service. The property owner pays for the availability and utilization of this service. The appropriate weekly minimum charge will be billed monthly regardless of whether the service is utilized. Sec. 12-61C. Excepted from charge shall be buildings unfit for use, buildings used exclusively for cold storage and vacant lots.”

  • The minimum charge is $6.00. The charge is based on the material you bring in and by the weight. Please review the solid waste rates for more details. Some items are free of charge.

  • The City is no longer giving out green waste cans. The City provides Green Waste Collection for approximately 900 households in Livingston. When the service was implemented each 90-gallon green receptacle was meant to be shared by neighbors on each block. Currently, the cost to provide service to the 900 households is distributed between all residents and commercial businesses in Livingston. The City does not currently have a funding source, adequate labor, and equipment to provide the service Citywide. The City is evaluating a fee-based service for green waste collection. Until that is implemented your options are to bring your green waste to the Transfer Station and drop it off for free, or bag it and throw it in with your regular garbage.

  • There are a couple of reasons for a garbage can not being emptied.

    1. Cans need to have 3-4 feet of space around them to enable the clamps to pick them up. If your can was too close to a structure or vehicle we will not attempt a pickup.
    2. If you set your garbage can out make sure that you have it out the night before pickup. Our driver starts early and will not swing back around to empty your can if it is put out after he has passed through.
    3. Do not pile garbage around the can, or have long items sticking out of the can.
    4. We might have missed you. If you can’t wait another week call 222-5667 to schedule a pickup.

  • Summer hours start the first Saturday in June and runs through the last Saturday in October.

    Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Saturday 8:15 am – 12:15 pm

    Closed Sundays and Holidays

     

    Winter hours from November – May

    Monday – Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

    Closed weekends and Holidays

  • WE
    DO NOT ACCEPT HAZARDOUS WASTE OR ASBESTOS! click here for
    list of materials that we accept.

  • See our City recycling page for more information. Glass recycling is only for Park County residents.

  • Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Closed Sundays and Holidays

  • This service is available from May through October.

    Green cans are picked up on Tuesdays and Thursdays May-August.

    September – October green cans are picked up on Tuesdays.

    For more information see the Green Can Collection web page.

  • Recycling of glass is provided to the citizens of Livingston at no charge and the City Commission found that this service is desired by and beneficial for the citizens of Livingston, and Livingston is the only municipality in the State of Montana that provides for the recycling of glass and the cost to the city of glass recycling is not covered by the current fees.

    The City of Livingston operates solid waste services as an enterprise fund, i.e. that the cost of providing the services to the general public on a continuing basis is financed or recovered through user charges and are not supported by the general tax levy. 

    A recycling fee of $1/month for residential users and $2/month for commercial users will cover the cost of glass recycling.

    The City Commission held a public hearing on July 16, 2019, at which time the public was invited to attend and comment on its intent to create a user recycling fee of $1/month for residential users and $2/month for commercial users to become effective for solid waste services starting July 2019, to be billed beginning on August 2019.

    69-7-101 et sec. Montana Code Annotated (MCA), authorizes increases in utility rates when deemed necessary by the City Commission.

Water and Sewer?

  • Yes. But a signed Waiver of Protest of Annexation Form must be submitted by the property owners when the permit is obtained.

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