City Council approves levies for next year's budget

In a series of unanimous votes, the Havre City Council approved the first readings of continuing a number of tax levies and assessments to fund next year’s budget.

These included resolutions levying and assessing a tax on the cost of maintaining street lights for The City of Havre, a tax on property within the city limits for the cost of maintaining city streets, a tax on property within the city limits for the cost of Bullhook maintenance and a tax for the cost of solid waste services all for the fiscal year 2020-21.

They also adopted the preliminary budget and setting of budget hearing for the coming fiscal year.

The council also approved a construction and maintenance agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for a project on Boulevard Avenue.

Havre Mayor Tim Solomon said construction on the project will begin next summer.

The council also approved a street closure on Third Street between Second and Fifth Avenues and Third Avenue between Second and Fourth Streets to accommodate the Steve Heil Memorial Car Show, which will be Sept. 18 from 5 to 11 p.m.

Solomon said the event’s organizers have asked for an extra couple of blocks this year due to the event’s recent growth and a desire to have attendees use social distancing as much as possible.

Council Member Terry Lilletvedt suggested that organizers require masks at the event as well.

No committee updates were discussed at the meeting, but Council Member Lindsey Ratliff said she spoke with Montana State University Extension Local Government Center Director Dan Clark to get education out into the public regarding the prospect of a charter government in preparation for the upcoming election.