Feeding deer officially banned in Havre

The Havre City Council unanimously passed a number of resolutions and ordinances at its monthly meeting Monday evening, including the second reading of an ordinance banning feeding deer inside city limits.

Havre Mayor Tim Solomon requested the creation of the ordinance back in August as more and more deer were being spotted in the city, drawn by the promise of food.

Solomon said feeding wildlife like deer is illegal statewide, but he wanted it in city ordinance as part of an effort to educate people about the problems that come with feeding deer in the city, as well as making it easier to enforce.

With the passage of the second reading, the ordinance is now in effect.

The Council also passed a resolution amending the budget in the sewer fund to include expenditures involved with a recent grant that were not accounted for in the budget.

Council members also approved the donation of a 1991 Bauer Air Compressor to The Loma Volunteer Fire Department, as the city of Havre has no more use for the model, having moved to different air canisters for its firefighters’ breathing apparatuses.

They also ratified the Montana Federation of Public Employees latest dispatcher’s collective bargaining agreement.