BOZEMAN — On June 27, the Bozeman City Commission will discuss an ordinance aimed at improving short-term rental compliance by applying several requirements to hosting platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO. If adopted, this would require platforms to include the city permit number for each listing within the City and, if no city permit number is supplied, the hosting platform must remove the listing within five days.  Platforms would also need to share information on listings with the city, including addresses.

Having an up-to-date list of existing short-term rental listings would allow city staff to more easily bring short-term rentals into compliance with city regulations. This would ensure all owners and operators of short-term rentals are treated fairly, and that all rentals are operating safely. In addition, the ordinance would provide staff with a more accurate picture of the number of short-term rentals operating in the city.

“This ordinance is backed by research we have done into other similar communities. Many of them have seen success after improving compliance in this way,” City Planner Nakeisha Lyon stated.
 
During the Aug. 9, 2022 Commission work session on short-term rentals, Commission directed staff to explore improving short-term rental compliance through this type of ordinance.
 
The last time the Bozeman City Commission passed an ordinance on short-term rentals was in 2017. Ordinance 1974 established a number of regulations, including the need to register, have a fire inspection, and requiring owner occupancy of the short term rental in certain zoning districts.
 
City staff are also in the process of a more in-depth analysis of how the City regulates short-term rentals, which the City Commission will discuss at a future meeting.
 
More information on short-term rentals and the regulations around them can be found at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/community-development/planning/short-term-rentals.
 

THREE FORKS – A small portion of the Jefferson River is closed to all recreation.

The closure extends from Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site to the bridge on Meridian Road. High river flows coupled with ongoing repairs to Meridian Bridge have created a hazardous obstruction for people floating on the river.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice. For updated information on restrictions and closures of lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and waterbodies, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. 

On May 30, 2023, at 3:57 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a phone call from a stranded hiker at the Ross Pass Junction. The hiker started their expedition at Fairy Lake and planned on traversing the Bridger Ridge. The hiker encountered deep snow, was not equipped for the conditions, and was becoming hypothermic.  The hiker had a charged cell phone and was able to send rescuers an exact location.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) members responded to the scene utilizing four-wheelers and utility vehicles. The GCSSAR Heli Team was also deployed due to patient conditions and terrain.  Using these resources volunteers were able to successfully transport the hiker down the trail.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind the public this time of year can be challenging to anticipate changing backcountry weather conditions. Packing appropriate clothing and gear for the worst conditions one may encounter is a good practice for staying warm and dry.

Using credit cards responsibly is an essential skill that reaps numerous benefits, especially if you've had difficulties in the past. With the right approach, strategies, and mindset, you can regain control over your finances and avoid falling back into a vicious cycle of debt.

12 Ways to Use Your Credit Cards Responsibly

Building new financial habits isn’t easy, especially if you previously had difficulties with using credit cards responsibly. However, these 12 strategies will help you appropriately use credit.

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
When using credit cards, it's crucial to establish a monthly budget and be disciplined enough to adhere to it. By knowing your limits, you can avoid overspending and accumulating more debt, especially if you have experienced difficulties with managing finances in the past.

2. Limit the Number of Cards
If you've had financial struggles before, consider limiting yourself to just one or two credit cards. This way, you can better monitor your expenses and reduce the risks associated with having multiple accounts with varying interest rates, such as overspending and regularly high payments.

3. Pay Your Balance in Full Each Month
To avoid paying interest on your credit card purchases, aim to settle all outstanding charges before the end of your billing cycle. This approach helps you maintain good credit usage habits while steering clear of growing debt. It also ensures you only spend what you can afford.

4. Consolidate High-Interest Credit Card Debts
If you’re dealing with high-interest debt from multiple sources, using balance transfers or seeking a credit card debt consolidation loan may help reduce the overall cost and ultimately achieve quicker repayment success. After all, interest rates are typically lower for these types of loans.

5. Use the Card for Essential Purchases Only
Try to only use your credit card for essential purchases, like groceries and bills. Avoid impulse buys which can contribute negatively to your overall financial situation. Or, if you’re looking to build credit, only charge low-cost items (i.e., coffee) and pay them off as soon as possible.

6. Utilize Autopay or Set Calendar Reminders for Payment Due Dates
By automating payments or creating calendar reminders when your payments are due, you diminish the chance of incurring late fees resulting from missed deadlines. If you’re forgetful and you have enough funds to pay off your credit card immediately, don’t wait. Pay it off right away.

7. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep a close watch over your accounts via online banking services, apps, or even old-fashioned paper statements so that discrepancies like unauthorized charges are noted promptly. In most cases, your credit card company will refund any unauthorized credit card transactions.

8. Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Rate
A lower utilization rate tells credit card companies that you use your credit card responsibly, so try not to exceed 30% usage at any given time. Additionally, keeping a low utilization rate will positively impact your FICO score, as credit utilization coincidently makes up 30% of it.

9. Keep Track of Spending by Category
Monitor how much is spent on various categories, such as entertainment and essential expenses, in order to gain insights needed for future budget prioritization and adjustments where required. With this strategy, you’ll have an easier time saving for an auto purchase or a home.

10. Do Not Apply for Too Many Cards in a Short Period
A sudden flurry of credit card applications might come across as desperate to creditors, potentially lowering your credit score. Take a measured approach and apply only when you genuinely need new credit. As a rule, you should apply for a new card every 6 months to a year.

11. Seek Professional Advice if Needed
Don't hesitate to reach out to financial experts if you’re experiencing difficulties managing your credit cards. These experts could provide invaluable guidance and create strategies that work best for your needs. You can hire a financial advisor privately or via a bank or another lender. 

12. Reward Yourself for Good Habits
Lastly, once your goals are met, and you’ve stayed consistent, reward yourself with something that may or may not cost money. Doing so will help your brain connect your actions to a positive response, which makes it more likely you’ll manage your finances successfully in the future.

In Conclusion… 

In summary, responsible credit card usage is a skill that goes hand-in-hand with financial independence and stability. By applying the 12 strategies we discussed in this article, you can break free from past mistakes and take charge of your financial future as soon as possible.

WHITEHALL – Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on signs that were stolen from two FWP sites near Whitehall.

Between December and April, signs were stolen from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and Limespur Fishing Access Site. Some were general traffic signs, and others displayed information specific to the sites.

Anyone with possible information about these thefts is encouraged to visit myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont to provide details or call the FWP violation reporting hot line at 1-800-TIP-MONT. They can also contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 406-225-4075. Informants may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000

Gallatin County is seeking applicants for open positions on numerous citizen boards. 

These volunteer boards work on topics like growth and land-use planning, strengthening our community’s mental health system, promoting historic preservation, preventing DUIs on our roads, and much more! The county’s citizen boards provide a great way for residents to get involved in local government. 

“When you serve on an advisory board, you serve the community in a meaningful way, providing support and direction on services and the future of our community,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “The experience provides insight into the operations of local government and decision-making. It is not surprising that some of our most informed citizens are board members. Bringing your knowledge and passion to a board is one of the most generous ways you can serve our community. We are so grateful for people’s time, knowledge, and dedication.”

To apply to any of these boards, fill out this application form. Completed forms can either be emailed to commission@gallatin.mt.gov or mailed to Commissioners’ Office at 311 W. Main St., room 306, Bozeman, MT 59715.

The Gallatin County Commission reviews applications and makes appointments at their regularly scheduled public meetings. 

For more information, please call 406-582-3000.

Belgrade City/County Planning Board

The Belgrade City-County Planning Board’s mission is to provide growth policy recommendations to the Belgrade City Council and the Gallatin County Commission that ensure development is done properly in appropriate areas, that mitigate negative impacts, and provide positive benefits for the residents of the City of Belgrade, Belgrade City-County Planning Jurisdiction, and Gallatin County.

The board is seeking a county rep to serve a term through March 2025.

Consolidated Board of Adjustment

The Consolidated Board of Adjustments makes decisions on zoning and development applications in “Part 2” zoning districts – Four Corners, Gallatin County/Bozeman Area “Donut”, Middle Cottonwood, North Gallatin Canyon, Reese Creek, and South Cottonwood Canyon. 

There are currently two vacancies on the board. Members must reside and own land in the Consolidated Board of Adjustments jurisdictional area within Gallatin County. No prior experience is needed. However, members must be able to work well with others and possess a general interest in the growth of Gallatin County.

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 4 PM in the Gallatin County Courthouse.

DUI Task Force

The Gallatin County DUI Task Force is a citizens group appointed by the County Commissioners to develop and/or fund public education, awareness, and enforcement projects to reduce the number of alcohol and/or drug-related crashes and deaths in Gallatin County.

The task force meets on the third Wednesday of odd numbered months at 5:30 PM.

Gallatin Drive Mosquito Control District

This board develops and administers a program for the abatement and alleviation of mosquito pest conditions within the district. There is one vacancy. 

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board promotes the preservation of historic and prehistoric sites, structures, objects, building and historic districts by addressing historic preservation issues at the county level and integrates historic preservation into local, state, and federal planning and decision-making processes, as well as identifies, evaluates and protects historic resources in Gallatin County. 

There are three vacancies. The board meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Gallatin County Courthouse.

Mental Health Local Advisory Council

The local advisory council is a coalition of community members interested in assessing, planning, and strengthening public mental health services in our community. 

The council currently has two vacancies for members who are consumers or family members of consumers. The council meets on the second Monday of each month at the Gallatin County Courthouse. 

There are three vacancies.

Tax Appeal Board

The Gallatin County Tax Appeal Board hears taxpayers’ appeals from the Montana Department of Revenue’s property tax assessments, as well as attends meetings called by the Montana Tax Appeal Board. 

The board consists of up to seven members, however only three sit at each hearing. There is currently one vacancy. 

Three Forks City Zoning and Planning Board

The purpose of the Three Forks Zoning and Planning Board is to advise and assist the Three Forks City Council in promoting the orderly development of the city, and in improving the health, safety, convenience and welfare of the residents living within its jurisdictional area, to include the City of Three Forks and other districts as may be established from time to time.

This is a seven-member board, each serving staggered three-year terms, with representation from both city limits and those who live within the one-mile zoning jurisdiction outside of city limits.

There are currently two vacancies for members who live in the one-mile jurisdiction – one with a term ending Dec. 31, 2023 and one with a term ending on March 24, 2024.

Three Rivers Mosquito Control District

This board was created to develop and administer a program for the abatement and alleviation of mosquito pest conditions within the district.Term memberships are for three years. Anyone interested in serving on this board need only reside within the district.

There is one vacancy.

West Yellowstone TV District

This board of trustees does work in the West Yellowstone TV District that includes maintaining equipment such as transistors, amplifiers and antennas to produce stronger TV signals to the area.

There is one vacancy.

West Yellowstone/Hebgen Basin Refuse District #2

The area of the West Yellowstone/Hebgen Basin Solid Waste Management District includes the corporate limits of West Yellowstone and all of the area within the boundaries of the West Yellowstone School District.

There are currently two vacancies: one for a Town of West Yellowstone representative with a term ending January 2024, and one for a district resident with a term ending October 2024.

Bozeman — Come make memories that will last a lifetime at The Big Sky Country State Fair where memories are made! The Big Sky Country State Fair is July 19th-23rd and tickers are on sale now! The Big Sky Country State Fair is offering seven amazing ticket packages to choose from. Don’t forget to buy early for HUGE savings! All pricing increases at midnight on Tuesday, July 18th and all other ticket packages are no longer available. The ticket packages include Online Fair Admission, Advance Weekly Pass, Date Pack, MyKiss Pack, Carnival Wrist Bands, Bozeman Ranch Rodeo Roundup (Grandstand seating only) and Hero’s Day.

Online Gate Admission prices are discounted to $7 senior (62+), $10 Adult, and $4 Youth (6-12), Children five an under are free.

Advance Weekly Pass includes a package of five tickets- one admission for each day of Fair, day specific.

Date Pack includes two, one-day-use carnival wristbands and two, one-day-use adult Fair admission. This may be used any day and save 25% off of on-site price.

MyKiss Pack includes one carnival wristband for Wednesday, July 19 ONLY from 1-6 pm and one, one-day-use adult Fair admission. Save 45% off of on-site price.

Carnival Wristband one-day-use either Wednesday-Saturday 1-11 pm and 1-6 pm Sunday. Save 20% off of on-site price.

Hero’s Day is FREE one-day-use adult Fair admission for all first responders, veterans, and military personnel with valid ID. Hero’s Day is Sunday, July 23rd only.

Bozeman Ranch Rodeo Roundup is a reserved grandstand ticket but does NOT include your gate admission. Standing room only is still available around the arena and is free with gate admission.

With a record amount of free stage entertainment, the fair will have multiple activities for family members to enjoy or participate in. Families can enter the Competitive Exhibits Competition, Arena Cross Racing, and the Barnyard Brawl! A few of the free stage entertainment includes the all-new Barnyard with the Petting Zoo, Barnyard Races and Agriculture Educational displays, Sea Lion Splash, Flores Thrill Show, Canine Stars, Ladybug and Butterfly Encounter, Chicago Dancing Honey Bears, John Cassidy Magic Show, an Escape Artist, and Hypnotist. Make sure you also enjoy the carnival, our brand-new food vendors, Monster Truck show, and three nights of concerts! Concerts include Flo Rida with DJ Kronick on July 19th, Gary Allan on July 20th, and Billy Currington with Matt Stell on July 21st.

All tickets are available to purchase at 406statefair.com

The Depot's 2023 special exhibit “Crossing Borders” chronicles Highway 89 from Canada to Mexico through drawings, photographs, and film. The artist, Caroline Lavoie, is a professor in Land, Architecture and Environmental Planning at Utah State University. “Crossing Borders: The Landscapes & Communities of Highway 89,” provides a contemporary context for the traveler’s experience as Highway 89 links seven national parks across the Mountain West, and is sometimes called the National Park Highway. 

To celebrate our community, and our section of the 1800-mile-long highway in Park County, the Depot will offer Roadside Bites: A culinary journey of the chefs and restaurants along Highway 89 from Wilsall to Gardiner during the artist reception on Friday, June 9th at 6 p.m.

Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The popular ongoing main exhibit “Rails Across the Rockies: A Century of People and Places” introduces visitors to the rich history of railroading in Montana. It gives special attention to the Northern Pacific and its central role in the opening of Yellowstone, America’s first national park, through Livingston beginning in the 1880s. 

In addition to its main and special exhibit, the museum also presents “Remarkable Migrations,” an adaptation of the groundbreaking exhibit by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. The exhibit uses art, science, and multimedia to delve into the challenges and triumphs of herds as they cross geographic, cultural, ecological, and political boundaries. 

Operated by the Livingston Depot Foundation and located at 200 West Park, the Depot is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a nominal admission, and group visits are also welcome by special arrangements. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.livingstondepot.org.  

HELENA – On Wednesday, May 18, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the last of nine Montana Chamber of Commerce proposed bills into law. These bills, largely centered around tort reform, were championed by the Montana Chamber throughout the 68th Legislative Session. Working to improve the state’s business climate, policy priorities for the Chamber included modernizing ballot initiatives and reforming different elements of litigation including insurance claims, third-party litigation financing, and product liability.

“The Chamber shared a number of priorities with Governor Gianforte, especially around tax reform,” said Todd O’Hair, President/CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce. “We are especially proud of the passage of HB212, which raised the business equipment tax exemption to $1 million, taking thousands of small businesses, farms, and ranches off the tax rolls.”

David Bell, President & CEO of ALPS Insurance, said, “We could not be more pleased with the leadership of the Montana Chamber of Commerce on tort reform this session. From helping lower insurance premiums through claims cooperation reform to protecting consumers from predatory litigation financers, they are working in the best interest of Montana businesses, and we were happy to collaborate with them throughout the process.”

The Montana Chamber is the only organization representing the general interests of virtually all industries and served as a powerful voice to help defeat legislation that would have undermined tax increment financing districts used to improve communities; made it difficult for banks to do business; and destabilized Montana’s worker’s compensation system.

Courtney Kibblewhite, the current Chair of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board, appreciates that this organization can act as a sword and shield in the legislature. “Our staff led the way on extensive tort reform to lower the cost of doing business, encouraged entrepreneurship and workforce development, and defeated bills that would discourage business in Montana. Like most small business owners, I’m busy with the day-to-day operations of running a business. I’m grateful for the Montana Chamber of Commerce for watching out for our interests as a family-owned small business.”

The Montana Chamber also weighed in on more than 100 other pieces of legislation in accordance with the four pillars of their ten-year strategic plan, Envision2026.
Addressing workforce development was a key priority and took a variety of approaches. These included advocating for childcare programs, supporting additional funding for career and technical education (CTE), and allocating funding for innovative affordable housing solutions. The Chamber also supported other successful bills that funded infrastructure and encourage entrepreneurship in Montana.

A detailed list of the bills the Montana Chamber proposed, supported, and opposed this session can be found here.

Montana Chamber priority bills passed that lower the cost of doing business in Montana:
· SB 93 (Sen. Mike Cuffe – Eureka) strengthens transparency and reporting requirements for the ballot initiative process to maintain trust in the process and ensure legitimacy of proposals.
· SB 216 (Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick – Great Falls) institutes common sense product liability reforms to protect manufacturers and Montana businesses from frivolous lawsuits.
· SB 269 (Sen. Greg Hertz – Polson) sheds light on the shadowy industry of third-party litigation financing to protect consumers and encourage transparency.
· SB 165 (Sen. Barry Usher – Billings) requires claimants to cooperate with insurers who are investigating and adjusting claims to expedite reasonable claim adjustment.
· SB 236 (Sen. Greg Hertz – Polson) creates standards for time-limited demand letters to reduce unreasonable settlement demands.
· SB 260 (Sen. Dan Salomon – Ronan) ensures that captive insurers or self-insured companies are not subject to a bad faith claim merely for defending themselves in a case.
· SB 279 (Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick – Great Falls) raises the fair offer-of-settlement threshold to $3 million, incentivizing parties in more cases to settle at reasonable amounts, rather than pursuing expensive trials.
· HB 410 (Rep. Brandon Ler – Savage) reduces the time for service of process (the amount of time to serve a case after the case has been filed) down to two years, better allowing businesses to gather evidence and defend themselves in a lawsuit.
· HB 971 (Rep. Josh Kassmier – Fort Benton) explicitly states that the inclusion of a greenhouse gas and climate analysis in a Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review is not required.