Commissioners' Public Meeting - 2026-04-02

Adopted policy creating two tracks for workforce housing in Targeted Economic Development Districts: (1) Attainable housing track for for-profit developers using market-based guardrails including 11+ units per acre density, smaller home sizes, and modest finishes; (2) Affordable housing track for nonprofit developers using established programs like LIHTC, Habitat for Humanity, and Section 8 with income limits and rent/sale price restrictions. TIF support available for public infrastructure, with vertical construction support limited to affordable housing projects only. Policy received recommendations from MJAC and MDA in January.

Approved annexation of multiple parcels owned by Valley View Farms LLC into Missoula Rural Fire District, located west of the airport. Properties include: 5280 Deschamps Lane (tax parcel 514104), 4055 and 4085 Rooster Ridge Road (tax parcel 480600), and numerous unaddressed parcels (tax parcels 420283002, 2012082900, 420283001, 420283005, 420283006, 420283007, 420283008, 420283003, 420283004, 480706). Petitions signed by property owners representing at least 40% of acreage and 40% of taxable value.

Approved extension of phase one deadline for Granite Peak RV Park expansion at 9900 Thoroughbred Lane from August 2026 to August 2029. The 50-space, two-phase expansion was originally approved in August 2024. Phase one includes 29 spaces; phase two includes 21 spaces with 2034 deadline. Extension needed due to ongoing agency and DEQ reviews for sewer (city) and water (Y Area Water) connections. Technical representative: Ron Wessione from PCI. Owner: Dave Swisher.

Approved resolution of intention to create Rural Special Improvement District 8450 for paving and improvements along Morgan Lane and a portion of Mustang Lane. Petition submitted by Roger Beatty with signatures from 8 of 14 affected properties. Second hearing scheduled for June 4, 2026 to hear protests and consider resolution to create the district.

Approved amendments to subdivision regulations regarding urban and rural standards, including updated definitions for public wastewater treatment/disposal systems and public water supply systems based on DEQ rules. Eliminated redundant 'level of development' language and improved sentence structures in urban and rural area purpose and intent statements.

Tax abatement application for manufacturing machinery, fixtures, and equipment (class eight property) at 8659 Robbins Road submitted by Montana Knife Company. Under policy 24-1, abatement rates are 100% for $0-10,000 value, 90% for $10,000-20,000, and 80% for $20,001+. Applicant requested tabling to conduct due diligence regarding TED district benefits.

Tax abatement application for new and expanding industry improvements at 8659 Robbins Road with estimated construction cost of over $10.5 million, completed December 2025. Company qualifies as more than 50% of annual gross income comes from out-of-state sales. Abatement would be 75% or 50% of new taxable value. Applicant requested tabling for further research.