Proposed study would review how Montana forms local governments

The proposed resolution asks the Legislative Council to assign a committee or staff to study how local governments are formed, changed, or ended. The study would review state processes for creating, changing, and ending local governments, past city and town incorporations, and whether the rules conflict, repeat one another, or need updating. If staff conduct the study, an appropriate committee chosen by the Legislative Council would review its findings and conclusions. The study, including any required presentation and review, would have to finish before September 15, 2026.

The proposed resolution asks the study group to involve local government organizations, county commissioners, and community members. Community members would come from areas interested in forming an incorporated city, town, or county. Named organizations include the Montana League of Cities and Towns, the Montana Association of Counties, and the Montana State University Local Government Center.

The proposed resolution asks for the study results to be reported to the 70th Legislature. The report would cover the study of local government formation, change, and abandonment processes. The report would include the committee's findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations.