Montana Boards, Districts, Commissions, and Committees - Local Government Center

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Economic Development / Infrastructure

Business Improvement Districts

Museum and Facilities for the Arts Board

Taxation

Transportation Improvement Authority

Railway Authority

Aerospace Transportation and Technology District

County Transportation Committee

Airport

Airport Appeals Board

The complete municipal airport board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 67-7-302.

Creation and Purpose

The governing body that designated the airport affected area shall act as an airport appeals board or appoint an airport appeals board that functions in the same manner as a board of adjustment provided for in Title 76, chapter 2.

Membership

If the governing body appoints an airport appeals board, the board must have at least three members (67-7-302).

Authority

If a governing body has appointed a board of adjustment under the provisions of 76-2-221 through 76-2-228 or 76-2-321 through 76-2-328, the governing body may designate the members of that board as the airport appeals board, in which case the terms of the members for the purposes of this chapter are concurrent with their terms as members of the board of adjustment.

Business Improvement Districts

The complete business improvement district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-12-1101.

Creation and Purpose

Business improvement districts are created by the governing authority on petition of 60% of the property owners (within the proposed district area), after the passage of a resolution of intent, public hearing and passage of a resolution of creation (7-12-1111, 1112, 1114, 1115). Business improvement districts promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the district. The members (called trustees) also aid in tourism, promotion, and marketing within the district (7-12-1102).

Membership

A board of trustees, appointed by the governing authority, governs the district. The board must be made of at least five and not more than seven property owners from within the district. Each trustee serves a four-year term (7-12-1121).

Authority

The resolution of creation details the functions to be carried out by the trustees. Trustees have the authority to promote business activity and private investment and can contract with the governing authority to maintain, operate, and repair parking garages, streets, alleys, malls, bridges, ramps, tunnels, landscaping, and other public facilities. The business improvement district may also beautify public areas and provide police, maintenance, and cleaning personnel for public areas (7-12-1131).

Funding

Trustees provide the governing authority with an annual operating budget and the amount of tax to be assessed. Any debts incurred by the district may be paid only out of the district funds and consequently county funds may not be used (7-12-1133, 1144).

Rural Improvement Districts

The complete rural improvement districts statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-12-2101.

Creation and Purpose

Whenever the public interest or convenience may require, the governing authorities may order and create special improvement districts outside of the limits of incorporated towns and cities for the purpose of building, constructing, or acquiring by purchase one or more of the improvements of the kind described in 7-12-4102, in or for the benefit of the special improvement district (7-12-2102). There are special provisions within rural improvement districts for districts for lighting (7-12-2201) and sanitary and storm sewers (7-12-2301).

Membership

If a rural improvement district includes areas in more than one county, the board of county commissioners of each county in which any portion of the district is situated shall, upon creation of the district and at a joint session, appoint an initial board of three trustees to administer the affairs of the district. At the end of the term of a trustee, the board of county commissioners of the county represented by the trustee shall appoint a new trustee. In case of a vacancy by death, resignation, removal from the district, or otherwise, a trustee shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners of the county represented by the trustee to fill the vacancy. At least one trustee shall be appointed from each county within the district (7-12-2121)

The county surveyor may be the engineer, as defined in 7-12-2101(6), for a rural improvement district (7-12-2116). It shall be the duty of the county clerk to prepare all necessary schedules and resolutions levying the taxes and assessments in such special improvement district (7-12-2118).

Authority

The board of trustees of a rural improvement district shall have all the powers and duties with respect to such district as the board of county commissioners has with respect to a district including the area of only one county (7-12-2123). Before ordering any of the proposed improvements, the trustees shall pass a resolution creating the special improvement district in accordance with the resolution of intention that is introduced and passed by the board (7-12-2113).

Whenever sanitary or storm sewers, lights or light systems, waterworks plants, water systems, sidewalks, or any other special improvements petitioned for or created by the state or federal government have been made, built, constructed, erected, or accomplished as provided in this part, the board of county commissioners under whose jurisdiction the district was created or supervised or directed shall adequately and suitably maintain and preserve the improvements and keep those improvements in proper repair and operation, by contract or otherwise (7-12-2120).

Funding

All demands for incidental expenses in 7-12-2101(7), except for the administrative fee of the county and interest payable on warrants or bonds of the district, shall be presented to the county clerk by itemized bill, duly verified by oath of the demandant (7-12-2119). The whole cost of maintaining, preserving, and repairing improvements in any improvement district may, in the discretion of the board, be paid by assessing the entire district in the method provided for by 7-12-2108 (7-12-2120).

Special Improvement Districts

The complete special improvement district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-12-4101 and 7-12-4201. Subject to the powers granted and the limitations contained in this part, the powers and duties of the municipality and the procedure to be followed are as provided in parts 41 through 44 of chapter 12 for other types of special improvement district.

Creation and Purpose

Whenever the public interest or convenience requires, the city council may create special improvement districts for acquiring by purchase, building, constructing, or maintaining devices intended to protect the safety of the public from open ditches carrying irrigation or other water; for acquiring by purchase or building and constructing municipal swimming pools and other recreation facilities; and order the whole or a portion, either in length or width, of one or more of the streets, avenues, alleys, or places or public ways of the city (7-12-4102). There are special provisions within special improvement districts for lighting districts (7-12-4301), street maintenance districts (7-12-4401), and street parking districts (7-12-4501).

Membership

The governing body serves as the authority over the district. A joint resolution of the city and county must be passed agreeing to the terms of the special improvement district prior to passing the resolution of intention or the resolution creating the special improvement district. A copy of the resolution of intention and the resolution creating the special improvement district must be provided to the county commissioners upon the passage of the respective resolutions. In all those cities where there is no city engineer, the city council is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint a suitable person to discharge the duties laid down as those of the city engineer in this part, and all provisions of this part applicable to the city engineer shall apply to such person so appointed (7-12-4119).

Authority

The city or town council may create special improvement districts, designating them by number; extend the time for payment of assessments levied upon the districts for district improvements for a period not exceeding 20 years or, if refunding bonds are issued pursuant to 7-12-4194, for a period not exceeding 30 years; make the assessments payable in installments; and pay all expenses of whatever character incurred in making the improvements with special improvement warrants or bonds (7-12-4102).

Funding

All demands for incidental expenses mentioned in 7-12-4101(7), except the administrative fee of the city and interest payable on warrants or bonds of the district, shall be presented to the city clerk by itemized bill, duly verified by oath of the demandant (7-12-4123).

Television District

The television district statutes available in Montana Code Annotated 7-13-2501 have been repealed.

Local Port Authority

The complete port authority statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-14-1101.

Creation and Purpose

Any county or municipality may, by resolution of its governing body, create a local port authority, authorized to exercise its functions upon the appointment and qualification of the first commissioners (7-14-1101). The purposes of a port authority are to promote, stimulate, develop, and advance the general welfare, commerce, economic development, and prosperity of its jurisdiction and of the state and its citizens; endeavor to increase the volume of commerce within the jurisdiction of the port authority and the state; and cooperate and act in conjunction with other organizations, public or private, in the development of commerce, industry, manufacturing, services, natural resources, agriculture, livestock, recreation, tourism, health care, and other economic activity in the state (7-14-1104).

Membership

Upon the adoption of a resolution creating a local port authority, the governing body of the county or municipality shall, pursuant to the resolution, appoint or, at the option of the governing body, elect, as provided in 7-14-1106, not less than five persons as commissioners of the authority. The commissioners who are first appointed must be designated to serve for terms of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively, but thereafter each commissioner must be appointed or elected for a term of 5 years, except that vacancies occurring other than by expiration of a term must be filled for the unexpired term by the governing body.

There must be elected a presiding officer and vice presiding officer from among the commissioners. An authority may employ an executive director, secretary, technical experts, and other officers, agents, and employees, permanent and temporary, that it may require and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. An authority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees the powers or duties that it considers proper (7-14-1103). Each commissioner shall hold office until a successor has been appointed or elected and has qualified. The certificates of the appointment, reappointment, or election of commissioners must be filed with the authority (7-14-1103).

Authority

An authority has all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this part, including but not limited to the power to, (subject to 15-10-420,) request annually the amount of tax to be levied by the governing body for port purposes, which request the governing body may in its discretion approve for port purposes (7-14-1111).

Funding

A commissioner of an authority is entitled to receive expenses, as provided in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503, incurred in the discharge of duties. Any county or municipality for which an authority has been created upon such terms, with or without consideration, as it may determine may lend or donate money to the authority, and may provide that all or a portion of the taxes or funds available or to become available to or required by law to be used by the county or municipality for port purposes be transferred or paid directly to the port authority as such funds become available to the county or municipality (7-14-1105).

Regional Port Authority

The complete regional port authority statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-14-1102.

Creation and Purpose

Two or more local governments may by joint resolution create a public body, corporate and politic, to be known as a regional port authority. A regional port authority may be increased from time to time to serve one or more additional counties or municipalities if each additional local government, each of the local governments then included in the regional authority, and the commissioners of the regional authority, respectively, adopt a joint resolution consenting to the increase (7-14-1102).

The port authority shall promote, stimulate, develop, and advance the general welfare, commerce, economic development, and prosperity of its jurisdiction, endeavor to increase the volume of commerce, support the growth of all kinds of economic activity, and provide maximum opportunities for employment and improvement in the standard of living of its citizens (7-14-1104).

Membership

The resolution creating a regional port authority must create a board of not less than five commissioners. The number to be appointed, their term, and their compensation, if any, must be provided for in the resolution. Each regional port authority shall organize, select officers for terms to be fixed by agreement, and adopt and amend from time to time rules for its own procedure (7-14-1102).

Authority

The port authority may sue and be sued, acquire real or personal property, establish comprehensive port zoning regulations, and provide financial and other support to organizations in its jurisdiction whose purpose is to promote, stimulate, develop, and advance the general welfare and economic development of its jurisdiction (7-14-1101).

Funding

Local port authority commissioners may submit the amount of tax to be levied by municipalities and counties participating, issue bonds, and charge fees for the use of services (7-14-1111, 1125, 1133). In counties supporting ports of port authorities, a levy authorized in 67-10-402 may be made for such purposes (7-14-1132).

Local Improvement Districts

The local improvement district statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-14-2701 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001

Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Technology Districts

The complete television district statutes available in Montana Code Annotated 7-15-4295 have been repealed. See 7-15-4279 Targeted economic development districts.

Industrial Districts

The complete industrial district statutes available in Montana Code Annotated 7-15-4299 have been repealed. See 7-15-4279 Targeted economic development districts.

Museum and Facilities for the Arts Board

The museum and facilities for the arts board statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-16-2201 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001 Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Elections

Board of County Canvassers

To view the complete statute describing county canvassers, refer to Montana Code Annotated (13-15-401).

Creation and Purpose

Every county will have a board of county canvassers (13-15-401). County canvassers certify votes cast within the county for federal, state and local elections including president and vice-president of the United States, congressional offices, state and district offices, state legislators, district court judges, and multi-county ballot issues. The certification is given to the state board of canvassers (13-15-501).

Membership

The governing authority of the county or consolidated local government is ex officio a member of board of county canvassers. If the governing authority cannot attend, the board of county canvassers must choose another county official to fill the vacant authority’s place. Any political subdivisions within the county, which participated in the election, may send their governing authorities to join in canvassing the votes (13-15-401).

Authority

The county canvassers shall open the returns, audit the tally books or other records of votes cast, determining the vote for each individual and for and against each ballot issue from each precinct, compile totals, and declare or certify the results (13-15-403).

Funding

No funding source is specifically authorized in the Montana Code Annotated.

Fair

Fair Commission

The county fair commission statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-21-3401 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001

Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Multi-County Fair Districts

The county fair commission statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-21-3401 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001

Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Joint Fair and Civic Center Commission

The joint fair and civic center commission statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-21-3401 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001 Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Fire service areas are financed through rates charged to structure owners in the district who benefit from the fire protection services offered. In the resolution creating the fire service area and by resolution as necessary after creation of the fire service area, the board of county commissioners shall establish a schedule of rates to be charged to owners of structures and owners of undeveloped land that are benefited by the services offered by the fire service area. The income of the fire service area may be used to procure equipment and buildings to house the equipment (7-33-2404).

Governance

Community Councils

The complete statute detailing community councils can be found in Montana Code Annotated 7-3-223, 7-3-317, 7-3-417, and 7-3-516, depending on the form of local government chosen.

Creation and Purpose

Community councils are established by local governments and adopted by voters and serve to advise governing authorities. Councils are elected from within the voting district or authorized by ordinance (7-3-516).

Membership

Community councils must consist of at least three members to advise the governing authority from that district; the term of office of elected officials may not exceed 4 years and shall be established when the form is adopted by the voters (7-3-223, 7-3-317, 7-3-417, and 7-3-516).

Authority

Community councils serve in an advisory capacity only (7-3-223, 7-3-317, 7-3-417, and 7-3-516).

Funding

No funds are specifically allocated in statute to this board.

County Compensation Board

The complete County Compensation Board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-4-2503.

Creation and Purpose

The county compensation board shall hold hearings annually for the purpose of reviewing the compensation paid to county officers. The county compensation board may consider the compensation paid to comparable officials in other Montana counties, other states, state government, federal government, and private enterprise (7-4-2503).

Membership

The county compensation board consists of the county commissioners, three of the county officials described in subsection 1 (county treasurer, county clerk and recorder, clerk of the district court, county assessor, county superintendent of schools, county sheriff, county surveyor in counties where county surveyors receive salaries as provided in 7-4-2812, justice of the peace, county coroner, and county auditor), the county attorney, two to four resident taxpayers appointed initially by the board of county commissioners to staggered terms of 3 years, with the initial appointments of one or two taxpayer members for a 2-year term and one or two taxpayer members for a 3-year term, and one resident taxpayer appointed by each of the three county officials described in subsection 1 (although not mandatory).

Authority

The county compensation board shall prepare a compensation schedule for the elected county officials, including the county attorney, for the succeeding fiscal year. The schedule must take into consideration county variations, including population, the number of residents living in unincorporated areas, assessed valuation, motor vehicle registrations, building permits, and other factors considered necessary to reflect the variations in the workloads and responsibilities of county officials as well as the tax resources of the county. A recommended compensation schedule requires a majority vote of the county compensation board, and at least two county commissioners must be included in the majority.

Funding

Funding for this board is not mentioned in the statutes.

In order to carry out the purposes of the public health system, in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, each local board of health shall appoint and fix the salary of a local health officer who has the necessary education and credentials (50-2-116). The local health board shall adopt and enforce quarantine to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and furnish treatment for persons who have a communicable disease, abate nuisances affecting public health and safety, reimburse local health officials for necessary expenses, maintain sewage treatment systems, and adopt fees to regulate to control and disposal of sewage from private and public settings (50-2-116).

Funding

Health boards are financed by an appropriation from the general fund of the county (50-2-109). The department may accept funds for public health from an agency of the federal government or from any other agency or person and allocate funds to local boards (50-2-103). Local boards are financed by general fund appropriations, special levy appropriations, state and federal funds available, and contributions from school boards and other official and nonofficial agencies. There is within the state special revenue fund a local board inspection fund account (50-2-108).

City Boards of Health

The complete city health board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 50-2-105.

Creation and Purpose

Membership

There is a city board of health in each first- and second-class city consisting of five persons who are appointed by the governing body of the city and serve at its pleasure. Terms of appointed members shall be staggered and shall be for 3 years each. The governing body of the city shall establish the staggered order of terms and all regulations necessary to establish and maintain the board (50-2-105).

Authority

Funding

City boards are financed by an appropriation from the general fund of the city after approval of a budget. The department may accept funds for public health from an agency of the federal government or from any other agency or person and allocate funds to local boards (50-2-103). Local boards are financed by general fund appropriations, special levy appropriations, state and federal funds available, and contributions from school boards and other official and nonofficial agencies. There is within the state special revenue fund a local board inspection fund account (50-2-108).

City-County Boards of Health

The complete city health board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 50-2-106.

Creation and Purpose

By mutual agreement between the county commissioners and the governing body of the city or cities, the county and a city or cities may form a city-county board of health (50-2-106). The purpose of the board is to supervise destruction and removal of all sources of disease-causing filth, guard against the introduction of communicable disease, supervise sanitary inspections of public establishments, and control and dispose of sewage that is not otherwise regulated. The board must appoint a local health officer (50-2-116).

Membership

The board must be composed of at least five persons. A city-county board of health consists of one person appointed by the county commissioners who serves at their pleasure; one person appointed by the governing body of each city that participates in the city-county board who serves at the pleasure of the appointing governing body; additional members appointed by the county commissioners and governing body or bodies of the city or cities participating in the city-county board as mutually agreed upon who serve at the pleasure of the appointing commissioners or governing body. Terms of appointed members must be staggered and must be for 3 years each. By mutual agreement between the county commissioners and the governing body of the city or cities, they shall establish the staggered order of terms and all regulations necessary to establish and maintain the board (50-2-106).

Authority

Funding

The county commissioners and governing body of each participating city may mutually agree upon the division of expenses under 7-6-4001 or 15-10-420.

District Boards of Health

The complete health districts statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 50-2-107.

Creation and Purpose

By mutual agreement, two or more adjacent counties may unite to create a district board of health. First- and second-class cities located in those counties may elect to be included in the district (50-2-107). The purpose of the board is to supervise destruction and removal of all sources of disease-causing filth, guard against the introduction of communicable disease, supervise sanitary inspections of public establishments, and control and dispose of sewage that is not otherwise regulated. The board must appoint a local health officer (50-2-116).

Membership

A district board of health consists of one person appointed by the county commissioners of each county in the district who serves at the pleasure of the appointing commissioners; one person appointed by the governing body of each city that elects to be included in the district who serves at the pleasure of the appointing governing body; additional members appointed by the county commissioners of each county that participates in the district board as mutually agreed upon who serve at the pleasure of the appointing commissioners (50-2-107).

Authority

Funding

District boards are financed by appropriations from the general funds of each county in the district in proportion to the population in each county. First- and second-class cities which elect to be included in the district contribute to the county in which they are located in the way provided for city-county boards under (50-2-111). All funds shall be deposited with the county treasurer of one of the counties as agreed upon by the commissioners of the counties in the district. The county treasurer shall disburse the funds as county funds (50-2-112).

Unsanitary or unsafe dwelling accommodations exist in urban areas throughout the state, and such unsafe or unsanitary conditions arise from overcrowding and concentration of population, the obsolete and poor conditions of buildings, improper planning, excessive land coverage, lack of proper light, air, and space, unsanitary design and arrangement, lack of proper sanitary facilities, and the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes (7-15-4401).

It is in the public interest that work on such projects be instituted as soon as possible and the necessity for the provisions hereinafter enacted is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination, to be in the public interest (7-15-4401).

The ordinance authorized by 7-15-4406(2) is not effective until it has been approved by a majority vote of the registered electors within the city limits voting either at a special election held in conjunction with a regular or primary election or at a general election (7-15-4408).

Membership

An authority consists of seven commissioners appointed by the mayor. The mayor shall designate the first presiding officer. A commissioner may not be a city official. Two of the commissioners must be directly assisted by the housing authority and are known as resident commissioners. The staff of the housing authority may not involve itself in the nomination or appointment of resident commissioners, except that the housing authority shall notify all of the households directly assisted by the housing authority when a resident commissioner position is vacant (7-15-4431).

Authority

An authority shall exercise public powers and have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part and part 45, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted. An authority shall have power to sue and be sued; have a seal and alter the same at pleasure; have perpetual succession; make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the authority; make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws and rules, not inconsistent with this part and part 45, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the authority. In addition to all of the other powers herein conferred upon it, an authority may do all things necessary and convenient to carry out the powers expressly given in this part and part 45 (7-15-4451).

Funding

The governing authority shall first, make an estimate of the amount of money necessary for the administrative expenses and overhead of the housing authority during the first year following the incorporation of the housing authority; second, shall appropriate such amount to the authority out of any money in the city treasury not appropriated to some other purpose; and third, shall cause the money so appropriated to be paid the authority as a donation (7-15-4417).

In addition to the power granted in 7-15-4417, any municipality located in whole or in part within the boundaries of a housing authority may, annually and from time to time, make donations or advances to the authority of such sums as the municipality in its discretion may determine (7-15-4418).

Land Use and Planning

County Board of Park Commissioners

The complete county board of park commissioners statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-16-2301.

Creation and Purpose

Governing authorities may, by resolution, create a county board of park commissioners (7-16-2301).

The county board of park commissioners govern the use of park land and facilities (7-16-2322).

Membership

The number of members, terms, and special qualifications of members will be determined by the governing authorities in the resolution creating the county board of park commissioners (7-16-2301).

Authority

The county board of park commissioners make rules to govern the use of park land and facilities. The board also employs a park superintendent to manage park lands. A county park warden may be employed by the board to enforce the rules (7-16-2322). The park commissioners may lease lands owned by the county (7-16-2323). The board may make all contracts necessary or convenient for carrying out any and all of the powers (7-16-2325).

Funding

The county board of park commissioners is only authorized to spend money existing in the county park fund. This fund is comprised of revenue from sale of hay, trees, plants, or the leasing of facilities and lands. Park commissioners may accept federal grants and loans (7-16-2328, 2329, 2332).

County Park District

County Park District statutes in Montana Code Annotated 7-16-2401 through 7-16-2443 have been repealed. See 7-11-1001 Special Districts — Creation and Governance, for more information.

Municipal Board of Park Commissioners

The complete municipal board of park commissioners statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-16-4201.

Creation and Purpose

There may be created by ordinance in all cities of the first and second class a board of park commissioners, whether the cities are a council form of government or city-manager form (7-16-4201).

Membership

The number of members, terms, and special qualifications of members will be determined by the governing authorities in the resolution creating the municipal park commission and must meet the same requirements as those provided for a county resolution in 7-1-201 (7-16-4201).

Authority

Membership

A city planning board shall consist of not less than seven members to be appointed as follows: one member to be appointed by the city council from its membership; one member to be appointed by the city council, who may in the discretion of the city council be an employee or hold public office in the city or county in which the city is located; one member to be appointed by the mayor upon the designation by the county commissioners of the county in which the city is located; four citizen members to be appointed by the mayor, two of whom shall be resident freeholders within the urban area, if any, outside of the city limits over which the planning board has jurisdiction under this chapter and two of whom shall be resident freeholders within the city limits (76-1-221).
The clerk of the city council shall certify members appointed by its body. The certificates shall be sent to and become a part of the records of the planning board. The mayor shall make similar certification for the appointment of citizen members (76-1-221).

Authority

Funding

After the governing authorities have, by ordinance and resolution, created a planning board, the governing bodies represented upon such board may appropriate funds to carry out the duties of the planning board. When a planning board has been created by agreement of more than one governmental unit, the governing bodies of the governmental units which have created the board shall agree upon the proportion of expenditures to be borne by each such unit and may budget and appropriate the funds necessary for the respective shares thus agreed upon (76-1-402).

City-County Planning Boards

The complete planning board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 76-1-101.

Creation and Purpose

The governing body of any city or town, the governing bodies of more than one city or town, or the governing body of any county or any combination thereof may create a planning board in order to promote the orderly development of its governmental units and its environs (76-1-101). The purpose is to encourage local units of government to improve the present health, safety, convenience, and welfare of their citizens and to plan for the future development of their communities to the end that highway systems be carefully planned; that new community centers grow only with adequate highway, utility, health, educational, and recreational facilities; that the needs of agriculture, industry, and business be recognized in future growth; that residential areas provide healthy surroundings for family life; and that the growth of the community be commensurate with and promotive of the efficient and economical use of public funds (76-1-102).

Membership

A city-county planning board consists of no fewer than nine members to be appointed as follows: two official members who reside outside the city limits but within the jurisdictional area of the city-county planning board to be appointed by the board of county commissioners, who may in the discretion of the board of county commissioners be employed by or hold public office in the county; two official members who reside within the city limits to be appointed by the city council, who may in the discretion of the city council be employed by or hold public office in the city; two citizen members who reside within the city limits to be appointed by the mayor of the city; two citizen members who reside within the jurisdictional area of the city-county planning board to be appointed by the board of county commissioners (76-1-201).

The ninth member is to be appointed by the board of supervisors of a conservation district provided for in 76-15-311 from the members or associate members of the board of supervisors, subject to approval of the members provided for in subsections (1)(a) through (1)(d) in 76-1-201. However, if there is no member or associate member of the board of supervisors of a conservation district who is able or willing to serve on the city-county planning board, the ninth member of the city-county planning board must be selected by the eight officers and citizen members pursuant to subsections (1)(a) through (1)(d) of 76-1-201, with the consent and approval of the board of county commissioners and the city council (76-1-201).

The open space commission has the power to borrow funds, advance or accept advances of public funds, use grants and other federal assistance to preserve open space concurrent with the purposes of this chapter (76-6-103).

Conservation District

The complete conservation districts statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 76-15-101.

Creation and Purpose

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of soil and soil resources of this state, for the control and prevention of soil erosion, for the prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and for furthering the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state (76-15-102).

Within 30 days after a petition has been filed with the department of natural resources and conservation (as provided for in 2-15-33) it shall cause due notice to be given of a proposed hearing before the department upon the question of the desirability and necessity in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of the creation of the district; upon the question of the appropriate boundaries to be assigned to the district; upon the propriety of the petition and other proceedings taken under this chapter; and upon all questions relevant to those inquiries (76-15-202).

Membership

The conservation district is authorized to divide the unincorporated area of the district into no more than five supervisor area, which each must be represented by one supervisor. If less than five supervisor areas are established, sufficient supervisors must be elected at large to complete the governing body of the district as provided in 76-15-311(1). In a district containing no incorporated municipalities, the department may reorganize the district into seven supervisor areas (76-15-301).

Two supervisors shall be elected at the second general election following the organization or reorganization of the district and shall replace the two supervisors appointed by the department. Thereafter, a district shall alternately elect three and two supervisors at succeeding general elections (76-15-304).

Authority

A conservation district and the supervisors thereof shall have the power to conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to the character of soil erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, and water quality as it pertains to saline seep and to the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed. The district shall also have the power to publish the results of such surveys, investigations, or research and disseminate information concerning such preventive and control measures and works of improvement (76-15-401).

Funding

A conservation district and the supervisors of the conservation district may borrow money and incur indebtedness and issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness; refund or retire an indebtedness or lien against the district or property of the district; establish and collect rates, fees, tolls, rents, or other charges for the use of facilities or for services or materials provided. Revenue from these sources may be expended in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. The district may also, subject to 15-10-420, levy taxes as provided in this part to pay any obligation of the district and to accomplish the purposes of this chapter as provided in this chapter; apply for and receive federal revenue sharing funds in order to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter; establish a conservation practice loan program as provided in this part; or apply for, accept, administer, and expend funds, grants, and loans from the state or federal government or any other source (76-15-501).
Unless otherwise provided by law, all money which may from time to time be appropriated out of the state treasury to pay the administrative and other expenses of conservation districts shall be allocated by the department among the districts already organized or to be organized during the ensuing biennial fiscal period (76-15-502).

Library

Library Board

The complete library board statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 22-1-308.

Creation and Purpose

Upon the establishment of a public library under the provisions of this part, the mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council or city commissioners, shall appoint a board of trustees for the city library and the presiding officer of the board of county commissioners, with the advice and consent of the board, shall appoint a board of trustees for the county library (22-1-308). Library trustees have exclusive control of the operation and care of the library, of the spending of public library funds, and of the construction or lease of library buildings. The board is responsible for employing and compensating all library staff. Trustees hire a chief librarian, who serves at the pleasure of the board (22-1-309).

Membership

Five appointed trustees serve five year terms on the library board. Trustees may only serve two consecutive terms. Only one member of the governing body may be on the board. The presiding officer of the governing authority appoints new trustees to fill vacancies. These appointed trustees serve out the remaining term of the trustee they replaced (22-1-308). Following the appointments, in July of each year, the trustees shall meet and elect a presiding officer and other officers that they consider necessary, for 1-year terms. Vacancies in the board of trustees must be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments.

Authority

Trustees of every public library shall adopt bylaws and rules, establish and locate a central public library, have the power to acquire real and personal property, and to exercise such other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for the effective use and management of the library (22-1-309).

Funding

The governing body that has established the public library may levy a tax to maintain public library services. Tax proceeds will be called the library fund. Under certain circumstances, the governing body may issue bonds (22-1-304). The governing body may also establish a library depreciation reserve fund. The fund replaces and acquires property, capital improvements, and equipment necessary for maintaining library services. Library depreciation reserve funds are moneys allocated to the library and not used by the year’s end (22-1-305, 306).

Public Library District

The complete public library districts statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 22-1-701.

Creation and Purpose

Proceedings for the creation or enlargement of a public library district or the conversion of a public library to a public library district may be initiated by a petition signed by not less than 15% of the qualified electors who reside within the proposed district or the area to be added to an existing district; or a resolution of intent adopted by the county governing body, calling for the creation of a district. When the territory to be included in the proposed public library district lies in more than one county, a petition must be presented to the governing body of each county in which the territory lies (22-1-702). The purpose of this part is to provide a method for: establishing, equipping, administering, and funding public libraries; and contracting for library services from existing public libraries (22-1-701).

Membership

Within 30 days after the certification of the formation of the public library district, the governing body of each county with territory included in the district shall jointly appoint the initial members of the district’s board of trustees. The members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified (22-1-704). After appointment of the initial members of the board of trustees, all members must be elected by the electors of the public library district (22-1-706).

Authority

The board has all powers necessary for the betterment, operation, and maintenance of library property within the territory of the public library district, including establishing library locations (22-1-707).

Funding

Subject to 15-10-420, the county governing body shall, annually at the time of levying county taxes, fix and levy a tax on all taxable property within the public library district sufficient to raise the amount certified by the board of trustees and approved by the electors. The tax levied may not in any year exceed the maximum amount approved by the electorate in 22-1-703 or 22-1-709 (22-1-708). The board may accept donations and devises of money or personal property; establish a library depreciation reserve fund as authorized and described in 22-1-716 (22-1-707). Members of the board of trustees serve without compensation (22-1-706).

Livestock and other Animals

Authority

In the name of the county, the trustees of a high school district operating a county high school, as defined by 20-6-101, shall have the power and the responsibility to hold in trust all real and personal property of the districtfor the benefit of the schools and children of the district (20-6-602).

The board may act in an advisory capacity in fixing the fees, terms, and conditions of grazing and agricultural leases (7-8-2709). The members shall serve without pay (7-8-2706).

Transportation

Urban Transportation District

The complete urban transportation district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-14-201.

Creation and Purpose

The urban transportation district process begins with 20% of electors (living within the proposed district) petitioning governing authorities to create the district. Upon receiving the petition, a public hearing is held; followed by an election. If a majority of the votes cast during the election are in favor of district creation, the authorities shall issue a resolution creating the district (7-14-203, 207, 210, 212). The board shall establish, operate, improve, maintain, and administer the transportation district to supply transportation services and facilities to district residents and other persons (7-14-219).

Membership

The urban transportation district is governed by a transportation board. The governing authorities and the governing body of the town or city included within the district will determine by resolution whether the board is elected or appointed, the number of board members, the term of office, and the procedure for filling vacancies (7-14-212).

Authority

The transportation board will have all powers to establish, operate, improve, maintain, and administer the urban transportation district. The board will hire an administrative officer for the district (7-14-219, 220).

Funding

Annually, the board will submit a budget to governing authorities with the amount of money needed for the year. Governing authorities will levy a tax in mills upon property within the district to fund the district’s operation (7-14-231, 7-14-232). The board may borrow money by issuing general obligation or revenue bonds (7-14-235).

Transportation Improvement Authority

The complete transportation improvement authority statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-14-1001.

Creation and Purpose

A county and a municipality within a county may, by joint resolution, create a transportation improvement authority authorized to exercise its functions upon the appointment and qualification of the first commissioners (7-14-1002). The purpose of a transportation improvement authority is to blend the interests of local, state, and federal governments with the interests of the general public and the business community to build, modify, or improve transportation facilities and systems within its jurisdiction (7-14-1001).

Membership

The resolution creating the transportation improvement authority must create a board of nine commissioners appointed as follows: two county officials appointed by the county commissioners; two public members appointed by the county commissioners; two municipal officials appointed by the governing body of the municipality; two public members appointed by the governing body of the municipality; and one member appointed by the governor (7-14-1002). Each commissioner shall hold office until a successor is appointed and has qualified. The certificate of the appointment or reappointment of a commissioner must be filed with the authority (7-14-1003).

Authority

A transportation improvement authority may be increased to serve one or more additional counties or municipalities if each additional county or municipality, each county and municipality included in the authority, and the commissioners of the authority adopt a joint resolution consenting to the increase. The number of additional commissioners to be appointed must be provided for in the joint resolution (7-14-1002).

Funding

Authority

The county transportation committee may conduct hearings to establish facts of transportation controversies, review requests for changes in bus routes, and determine if geographic locations make it impractical for a child to attend school in their county of residence (20-10-132).

Funding

The trustees of a district furnishing transportation to pupils who are residents of the district shall provide a transportation fund budget that is adequate to finance the district’s transportation contractual obligations and any other transportation expenditures necessary for the conduct of its transportation program (20-10-143). The trustees shall report the transportation fund budget on the regular budget form prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction in accordance with 20-9-103, and the adoption of the transportation fund budget must be completed in accordance with the school budgeting laws.

Water

Regional Resource Authority

The complete regional resource authority statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-10-101.

Creation and Purpose

A petition requesting the establishment or expansion of a regional resource authority must be signed by at least 10% of the registered electors within the boundaries of the territory proposed to be organized into the authority or expansion and must be presented to the board of governing authorities of the county in which the proposed authority or expansion is located (7-10-102). Electors residing within the boundaries of a proposed regional resource authority may create or expand an authority by proceeding under the provisions of this chapter. Regional resource authorities may be created to provide for collaboration and coordination in the conservation of water resources or in the management of water resources for agricultural and recreational uses (7-10-101).

Membership

The initial members of the local governing body must be appointed by the county commissioners in the county where the election is administered pursuant to 7-10-104(4), based on the recommendations of the petitioners. The commissioners shall appoint members of the governing body to staggered 2-year and 4-year terms. The appointments under subsection (1) must be made within 30 days after the adoption of the resolution for creation provided for in 7-10-105. Prior to the expiration of the initial appointments, the governing body shall divide itself into districts from which members are elected to succeeding terms (7-10-110).

Authority

A regional resource authority has power to purchase and hold lands within its limits; make contracts and purchase and hold personal property that may be necessary to the exercise of its powers; make orders for the disposition or use of its property that the interests of its inhabitants require; and acquire by eminent domain, as provided in 70-30-101, any interest in property for a public use authorized by law. All other powers and limitations are outlined in 7-10-115.

Funding

A regional resource authority has the power, subject to 15-10-420, to levy and collect taxes for public or governmental purposes, as described in 7-6-2527, under its exclusive jurisdiction unless prohibited by law and impose fees or assessments for services provided (7-10-115).

Metropolitan Sanitary and/or Storm Sewer Districts

The complete metropolitan sanitary and/or storm sewer district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-13-101.

Creation and Purpose

Whenever the public convenience and necessity may require, in order to construct sanitary and/or storm sewer systems within any county, which sanitary and/or storm sewer systems would serve the inhabitants of any county as well as the inhabitants of any city or town within said county, the board of county commissioners, with the approval of the city or town council, may create metropolitan sanitary and/or storm sewer districts (7-13-101).

Membership

The board of county commissioners shall be ex officio commissioners of the metropolitan sanitary and/or storm sewer district formed under the provisions of this part and shall have sole and complete jurisdiction over all drainage structures and sewage treating plants which are now or may be hereafter built and situated within said district (7-13-112).

Authority

Before ordering any of the proposed improvements, the board of county commissioners shall pass a resolution creating the metropolitan sanitary and/or storm sewer district in accordance with the resolution of intention theretofore introduced and passed by the board. The board shall be deemed to have acquired jurisdiction to order improvements immediately upon the occurrence of one of the following: (a) when no protests have been delivered to the county clerk within 30 days after the date of the first publication of the notice of the passing of the resolution of intention; (b) when a protest shall have been found by said board to be insufficient; (c) when a protest shall have been overruled (7-13-111).

Funding

The governing body may levy a tax against all property within the district. Government-owned land is exempt from such taxes or other assessments and all costs assessed against it will be paid out of the county’s general fund. Governing authorities may also establish rates for services and benefits provided by the district to pay for operation and maintenance fees (the money raised by these rates is called the operating and maintenance fund). Governing authorities may also apply for federal grants and may borrow from the federal government (7-13-121, 122, 124, 141, 142).

Governing authorities may issue metropolitan sanitary and/or sewer district bonds to finance major improvements within the district. To ensure prompt payment of the bonds, a reserve fund is established. Governing authorities may transfer money from the operating and maintenance fund to the reserve fund (7-13-151, 152).

County Water and/or Sewer Districts

The county water and/or sewer district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-13-2201 and 7-13-2301.

Creation and Purpose

Creation and Purpose

The water conservancy district will be comprised of an area in one or more counties to prevent and control floods, erosion, sedimentation; provide for regulation of stream flows and lake levels; improve drainage and to reclaim wet or overflowed lands; promote recreation; develop and conserve water resources and related lands, forest, fish, and wildlife resources; further provide for the conservation, development, and utilization of land and water for beneficial uses, including but not limited to domestic water supply, fish, industrial water supply, irrigation, livestock water supply, municipal water supply, recreation, and wildlife (85-9-102). To request a preliminary survey for a proposed conservancy district, the applicants shall present a written petition to the department in accordance with 85-9-201.

Membership

If a district is organized, the court shall establish by court order the number of persons who shall comprise the directors and appoint persons who are electors within the district to membership on the board of directors and fix their compensation. The number may not be less than 3 or more than 11 persons. In fixing the number and making the appointments, the court shall consider the interests and purposes to be served by the district. Upon a verified petition filed by a majority of the directors and for good cause shown, the court may enlarge or reduce the membership of the directors but not to be less than 3 or more than 11. Approximately one-third of the directors first appointed serve for 1 year, approximately one-third serve 2 years, and the remainder serve 3 years. All succeeding terms must be 3 years. Unless excused for good cause, a director who misses three consecutive regular meetings has vacated the position (85-9-401).

Authority

The directors of a conservancy district may sue and be sued, adopt a seal, provide for reimbursing of their members for actual expenses, merge with other special districts as hereinafter provided, and call upon the county attorney or attorney general for such legal services as the district may require or, in the discretion of the directors, employ private legal counsel (85-9-403). On behalf of a district, the director has certain powers over private properties and those acquired or maintained by the district (85-9-405). They may also adopt rules regarding recreational water use (85-9-404), and have certain powers over finances (85-9-406). Limitations of the conservancy district are detailed in 85-9-104.

Funding

To the extent that anticipated revenues from rates, fees, and other charges fixed pursuant to 85-9-407 will not be sufficient to meet the district’s anticipated obligations for annual operation, the directors may make an assessment of not more than 2 mills on all taxable real property in the district for the purpose of fully meeting such obligations. In addition, the directors may annually make an assessment of up to 3 mills on the taxable real property in the district to pay interest and principal on bonded indebtedness (85-9-601).

Weeds

Weed District

The complete weed district statutes are available in Montana Code Annotated 7-22-2101.

Creation and Purpose

Each county will have a weed management district (7-22-2102). The weed district will develop and implement a noxious weed management program in the district (7-22-2109). The city or town council has power to declare and determine what vegetation within the city or town shall be nuisance weeds and provide the manner in which they shall be exterminated (7-22-4101).

Membership

Each weed district will be governed by a district weed board. The membership of the board will be appointed by governing authorities subject to the general board statutes 7-1-201 through 203 (7-22-2103).

Authority

Management criteria for noxious weeds within the district will be developed by the board. The board may employ a coordinator and other employees to carry out the program. Chemicals, materials, and/or equipment may be purchased with money from the noxious weed fund (7-22-2109).

Funding

Governing authorities will create a noxious weed fund. The authorities can appropriate money from any source in an amount of not less than $100,000 or an amount equivalent to 1.6 mills levied upon the taxable value of all property and subject to 15-10-420 and at any time fixed by law for levy and assessment of taxes, levying a tax of not less than 1.6 mills on the taxable value of all taxable property in the county (7-22-2141, 2142).

Additional Information

Organizations / Associations

Montana State University Extension
P.O. Box 172240
Bozeman, MT 59715-2240
Phone: (406) 994-3620
http://www.msuextension.org

Montana Association of Counties
2715 Skyway Drive
Helena, MT 59602-1213
Phone: (406) 449-4360
http://www.mtcounties.org

MSU Local Government Center
P.O. Box 172240
Bozeman, MT 59717-2240
Phone: (406) 994-6694
http://www.msulocalgov.org/

American Institute of Parliamentarians
550M Ritchie Highway #271
Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: (888) 664-0428
http://www.parliamentaryprocedure.org/

National Association of Counties
440 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 393-6226
http://www.naco.org

National Association of Parliamentarians
213 South Main Street
Independence, MO 64050-3850
Phone: (816) 833-3892
http://parliamentarians.org/

National Association of Counties
440 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 393-6226
http://www.naco.org

National Association of Parliamentarians
213 South Main Street
Independence, MO 64050-3850
Phone: (816) 833-3892
http://parliamentarians.org/

State Agencies
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
1625 Eleventh Ave.
Helena, MT 59620-0701
Phone: (406) 444-2074
http://www.dnrc.mt.gov

Department of Commerce
301 S. Park
P.O. Box 200501
Helena, MT 59620-0501
Phone: (406) 841-2700
http://commerce.mt.gov/

Department of Revenue
125 N. Roberts, 3rd Floor
Helena, Montana 59620
Phone: (406) 444-6900
http://revenue.mt.gov/

Department of Justice
P.O. Box 201401
Helena, MT 59620-1401
Phone: (406) 444-2026
http://www.doj.mt.gov/

Human Rights Bureau
P.O. Box 1728
Helena, MT 59624-1728
Phone: (406) 444-2884
http://erd.dli.mt.gov/human-rights

Department of Livestock
PO Box 202001
Helena, MT 59620-2001
Phone: (406) 444-2043
http://liv.mt.gov

Appendix 1: NEGOTIATION STYLES

(Designed by Terrill L. Croghan and Nancy Yeend from the TKI).
Directions: Read each question, and rank the five responses. Begin by placing a 5 next to the response most like you, most of the time and a 1 next to the response that is least like you, most of the time. When you have marked the two extremes, then go back and indicate which responses are 2, 3, and 4.
1. When I encounter someone whose goals are different from mine, I attempt to
_____ a. avoid the situation.
_____ b. acquiesce to the other.
_____ c. find an intermediate solution.
_____ d. pursue my goals.
_____ e. satisfy both of our goals.
2. When a problem arises between another person and me, I am inclined to
_____ a. hope the problem resolves itself.
_____ b. let them have their way.
_____ c. look for a solution that falls between our two viewpoints.
_____ d. persuade them of the merit of my position.
_____ e. seek to discover our underlying interests.
3. When I am confronted with a dispute, I try to
_____ a. postpone the controversy in hopes that it will
go away.
_____ b. soothe the other’s feelings to preserve our relationship.
_____ c. find a compromise solution.
_____ d. look for ways to justify and enhance my position.
_____ e. seek the other’s help to find a mutually satisfying solution.
4. When I am in a situation that calls for negotiation, I try to look for ways to
_____ a. avoid the face-to-face encounter.
_____ b. please the other party.
_____ c. find middle ground upon which we can agree.
_____ d. get the best for myself
_____ e. obtain mutual benefits
91
5. When someone asks me to do something that I believe can be done in a different or better way, I usually
_____ a. could care less how it is done
_____ b. convince myself that doing it their way is best.
_____ c. split the difference between their way and mine.
_____ d. convince them my way it best.
_____ e. seek to find a way to complete the task so that it works for both of us.
Getting the Totals
To obtain an approximate indication of your dispute management style, enter the number you wrote next to each response.
Avd Acc Cop Cpt Col
Q.1 a. __ b. __ c. __ d. __ e. __
Q.2 a. __ b. __ c. __ d. __ e. __
Q.3 a. __ b. __ c. __ d. __ e. __
Q.4 a. __ b. __ c. __ d. __ e. __
Q.5 a. __ b. __ c. __ d. __ e. __
Total ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Analysis of Answers
The column that has the largest sum indicates your naturally preferred negotiation style. The column with the smallest total is your least preferred style.
What are your negotiation strengths?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
What are your negotiation weaknesses?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Appendix 2: SAMPLE BYLAWS
BYLAWS OF _______________________________________ BOARD
ARTICLE I–NAME, PURPOSE
Section 1: The name of the municipal/county board shall be ___________________________.
Section 2: The ______________________________ is organized for the purpose of [insert language used in enabling resolution], more specifically to_____________________________.
ARTICLE II–MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership shall consist only of the members appointed by the Mayor of _________ City/Town or ___ ____County Commissioners.
ARTICLE III–MEETINGS
Section 1: Meetings. The [monthly/quarterly/etc.] meetings will be held on the second Tuesday, of the second month of each quarter at the ___________ meeting room starting at 6:00 p.m.
Section 2: Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the [Chair/Chair and one Board Member/Executive Committee/??].
Section 3: Notice. Notice of each meeting will follow the city/county noticing policy
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING/ADVISORY BOARD
Section 1: Board Role, Size, Compensation. The Board is responsible for (see enabling resolution). The Board shall have up to _________ and not fewer than __________ members. The board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses.
Section 2: Meetings. The [monthly/quarterly/etc.] meetings will be held on _________________ _______________ at the ___________ meeting room starting at 6:00 p.m.
Section 3: Terms. All Board members shall serve _____ year terms and no more than ______ consecutive terms. Board members are appointed or reappointment by the Mayor of _________ City/Town or the ___ ____County Commissioners.
Section 4: Quorum. A quorum consists of a majority of appointed board members and no official action can be transacted or motions made or passed without a quorum present.
Section 5: Officers and Duties. There shall be _____ officers of the Board consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. Their duties are as follows:
1.
The Chair shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the executive committee to preside at each meeting in the following order: Vice-Chair and Secretary.
2.
The Vice-Chair will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board.
3.
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions and/or recommendations, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements, and distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each Board member.
Section 6: Vacancies. When a vacancy on the Board exists, the board may compile a list of nominations for the Mayor/County Commissioners to consider
Section 7: Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A recommendation for removal from the board will be given to the governing body when a Board member has three unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
Section 8: Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called upon the request of the Chair or one-
93
third of the Board. Notices of special meetings shall follow City/County noticing policy.
Section 9: Voting. The chairperson shall _______________________________________. In the event of a tie vote,
________________________________________________________.
ARTICLE V–COMMITTEES
Section 1: The Board may create committees as needed. The Board Chair appoints all committee chairs.
ARTICLE VI–AMENDMENTS
Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds majority of the Board or by resolution passed by the governing authority. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular Board announcements.
These Bylaws were approved at a meeting of the ______________ Board of _____________ (City/County) on _______________________, 20XX.

Montana Boards, Districts, Commissions and Committees
(Alphabetical Listing)

Aerospace Transportation and Technology District
Airport Appeals Board
Airport Board
Board of County Canvassers
Business Improvement Districts
Cattle Protective District
Cemetery Districts
City Boards of Health
City-County Boards of Health
City-County Planning Boards
City Planning Boards
Community Councils
Conservancy District
Conservation District
County Board of Park Commissioners
County Boards of Health
County Building Commission
County Compensation Board
County Housing Authority
County Land Advisory Board
County Park District
County Planning and Zoning Commission
County Planning Boards
County Tax Appeal Board
County Transportation Committee
County Water and/or Sewer Districts
County Zoning Board of Adjustment
County Zoning Commission
District Boards of Health
Drainage District
Elementary School Districts
Fair Commission
Fire Hydrant Maintenance Districts
Fire Service Area
Grazing District
Health Care Facilities Commission
High School Districts
Hospital Districts
Industrial Districts

Irrigation District
Joint Fair and Civic Center Commission
Joint or Consolidated Planning Boards
K-12 School Districts
Library Board
Livestock Protective Committee
Local Improvement Districts
Local Port Authority
Local Water Quality District
Metropolitan Sanitary and/or Storm Sewer Districts
Mosquito Control Board
Multi-County Fair Districts
Municipal Airport Authority
Municipal Board of Park Commissioners
Municipal Housing Authority
Municipal Zoning Board of Adjustment
Municipal Zoning Commission
Museum and Facilities for the Arts Board
Open Space Commission
Organizations / Associations
Parking Commission
Public Library District
Railway Authority
Regional Airport Authority
Regional Port Authority
Regional Resource Authority
Regional Water and Wastewater Authorities
Resort Area District
Rodent Control District
Rural Fire Districts
Rural Improvement Districts
Solid Waste Management District
Special Improvement Districts
State Agencies
Technology Districts
Television District
Transportation Improvement Authority
Urban Transportation District
Weed District

About the Authors

Jennifer Anderson is the Montana State University Extension Agent in Rosebud-Treasure County, Forsyth, Montana. She can be reached at (406) 346-7320, [email protected].

Dan Clark is the Director of the Montana State University Extension Local Government Center. He can be reached at (406) 994-7756, [email protected].

Tim Fine is the Montana State University Extension Agent in Richland County, Sidney, Montana. He can be reached at (406) 433-1206, [email protected].

Ashley Kent is the Associate Director of the Montana State University Extension Local Government Center. She can be reached at (406) 994-6657, [email protected]

Paul Lachapelle is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Montana State University. He can be reached at (406) 994-3620, [email protected].