In his famous Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln elegantly defined our country and our constitution in a very few words. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” The Constitution empowered we the people to govern ourselves as we see fit and fair. The government and the politicians work for us – not the other way around. So, participate in YOUR government, starting at the local level. If you do not, don’t be surprised by what is done under the banner of ‘governing’ you or ‘taking care of you.’
Make plans to attend the Interlocal Agreement Town Hall Meeting on November 13, 2024 at 5pm at the Custer County Event Center.
Read the original post on the Custer County, Montana website >
For the last several months the Custer County Commission and the City of Miles City has been engaged in discussions concerning the Interlocal Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The Interlocal Agreement is an annual document that specifies the amount of money each governmental agency shares during the year. The shared costs typically concern 911 Dispatch, Ambulance Service and Animal Control.
In FY25 Miles City has included in the Interlocal Agreement, a percentage of the Impact Fees that Custer County received from the Windfarm and a $50,000 request for the use of City Parks by county residents.
In a letter from the Mayor of Miles City, received on November 4, 2024, pending the outcome of negotiations. Mayor Dwayne Andrews stated that
“In the event this agreement is not fully negotiated and agreed upon within the 90-day period from this notice, the City’s position is that the Interlocal agreement, along with provision of ambulance services outside of the City limits, will terminate at midnight on January 31, 2025”.
Because of the audit findings in the operation of Miles City Government for the last 2 years indicating the lack of ability to properly manage their budget, the Custer County Commission feels strongly that just providing the City of Miles City with additional funds is not fiscally prudent. Miles City government has not shown any indication of improving the efficiency of providing services with limited funds. This is not sustainable behavior.
The Custer County Commission is soliciting citizen input into the resolution of the Interlocal Agreement.
Issues:
• Use of City Parks by others who live outside of Miles City limits $50,000 FY25.-County is suggesting a parks district with an assessment to support all parks in Custer County.
• Ambulance service outside of city limits- City wants $250,000 in FY25 to pay for this service. Custer County has paid an average of $80,000+ annually on a fee for call basis to Miles City. Options are to pay as demanded, create a Custer County Ambulance service, contract with a private ambulance service for all of Custer County.
Here is the letter the mayor sent to the commission on November 4, 2024
