City government commission sets public hearing

Havre residents will soon have a chance to express their opinions on the form of city government the community should have.

The Havre Study Commission, which is reviewing the city’s form of government, will hold a hearing at 7 p.m. March 8 at city hall. The commission wants to gather ideas from the public on what course of action the commission should take.

Commission Chair Dave Brewer said the three-person panel has so far heard three general ideas. The members hope to get the public’s input on these and solicit ideas on other potential changes:

• The city manager form of government.

• The structure of City Council and how members are elected.

• A city charter that grants the city more autonomy from state regulations.

Brewer said a Facebook page will be set up so people can keep up to date on issues and give their opinions on where the commission should be headed.

Commission members have said over the last year that they have not received much input from the public, but things are now beginning to change.

Council member Andrew Brekke, the council’s liaison to the commission, said he has received calls for and against on the city manager issue. He said there is confusion in the public over the charter proposal, and the issue will have to be explained to people attending the hearing.

Brewer said he hopes to have two more hearings to garner input.

Brewer said the commission plans to have a tentative report ready by June 13. It will be sent to attorneys to be drawn up, then in July, it will be sent to the public.

The proposed changes will be submitted to voters in the Nov. 8 election.