HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 04.04.2023
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Public Input: Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. The
duration for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the
Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda. If a citizen would like to speak or comment regarding an item
that is on tonight’s agenda, we ask that you wait until the agenda item is presented to the Council by the Mayor and the
public is asked to comment by the Mayor. Once again, each speaker is limited to three minutes.
Be advised, if a discussion item has an upcoming public hearing, we would request members of the public to reserve your
comments until the public hearing. At the public hearing, the City Council will establish an official record that will include
all of your comments, testimony and written evidence. The City Council will base its decision on the record created during
the public hearing. Any comments provided tonight will not be included in the recor d or considered by the City Council.
General Items
Executive Review
1. Resolution - Resolution Adopting Amendments To The Personnel Policy Manual For The City
Of Laurel
2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing Participation In The Montana
Board Of Investments Of Short-Term Investment Pool And Authorizing The Execution And
Delivery Of Documents Related Thereto.
3. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council To Submit The Question To The Electorate
Authorizing The City To Impose A New Mill Levy For The City Of Laurel Emergency
Response Services Of A New 50.06 Mills To Fund Ems Services, Including Staffing, Volunteer
Compensation, Training, And Ancillary Operations
4. Ordinance - An Ordinance Amending Section 2.72.020 (Composition) Of The Laurel
Municipal Code Related To Membership In The Laurel City-County Planning Board.
Council Issues
Other Items
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
Announcements
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a perso n’s ability to
participate in this meeting. Persons needing accommodation must notify the City Clerk’s Office to make needed
arrangements. To make your request known, please call 406 -628-7431, Ext. 2, or write to City Clerk, PO Box 10, Laurel,
MT 59044, or present your request at City Hall, 115 West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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File Attachments for Item:
1. Resolution - Resolution Adopting Amendments To The Personnel Policy Manual For The
City Of Laurel
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R23-____ Approve Amendments to Personnel Policy Manual
RESOLUTION NO. R23-_____
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE PERSONNEL POLICY
MANUAL FOR THE CITY OF LAUREL
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel (hereinafter “the City”) prepared an Amended and
Revised Personnel Policy Manual for City employees, and the Mayor and City Attorney
recommended that the City Council adopt the same;
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2023, the City Council adopted the Amended and Revised
Personnel Policy Manual;
WHEREAS, the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (hereinafter “the MMIA”) is
the City’s insurance carrier, including for Employment Practices Liability Insurance
(hereinafter “EPLI insurance”);
WHEREAS, the MMIA has requested that all Cities in the State of Montana, including
the City of Laurel, make certain changes and amendments to their Personnel Policy Manuals,
in order to secure appropriate insurance coverage, including Workers’ Compensation insurance
and EPLI insurance;
WHEREAS, the City made most of those necessary and required changes in its
previously-approved March 28, 2023 Amended and Revised Personnel Policy Manual;
WHEREAS, since that approval, the MMIA has requested that the City make a few
additional changes, which the City agrees are necessary and appropriate;
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has revised the Personnel Policy Manual, with the
Amendments attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, and the Mayor recommends
to City Council approval of such Amendments; and
WHEREAS, City Council determines that such Amendments are necessary and
appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, that the City Council hereby adopts the Amendments to the City’s Personnel Policy
Manual, attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of April, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
April, 2023.
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R23-____ Approve Amendments to Personnel Policy Manual
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of April, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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AMENDMENTS TO PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL
The City of Laurel’s Personnel Policy Manual is hereby amended, as to the following applicable
Sections, as stated below. Any conflict between these Amendments and the originally-adopted
Personnel Policy Manual should be construed in favor of these Amendments. If any part, term or
provision of these Amendments are held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid,
the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such
determination, and the rights and obligations of the Employer and Personnel shall be construed
and enforced as if the Amendments did not contain the particular part, term or provisions held to
be illegal or invalid.
PROBATIONARY EMPLOYMENT PERIOD
[AMENDMENT NO. 1]
Revised: April 2023
Probationary Employment Period
When the City of Laurel hires a new employee, the first one year of employment is a period called
the Probationary Employment Period. During this time, you are able to learn about your job and
your new surroundings.
During the first one year of employment time period, your job performance, attendance, attitude
and overall interest in your job will be observed by your supervisor. During this period, you may
not be eligible for some benefits. Throughout the Probationary Employment Period, the City will
be assessing your selection as an employee. Employees who fail to demonstrate the commitment,
performance, and attitude expected by the City may be terminated at any time during the
Probationary Employment Period, without any reason given for termination.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)
[AMENDMENT NO. 2]
Revised: April 2023
Status of Compensation and Benefits while on FMLA Leave
Most FMLA leave will be without pay except when an eligible employee uses accrued vacation
time, sick time, or qualifies for STD payments. To the extent FMLA leave also qualifies as a leave
under the City’s parental leave policy (i.e., at the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child),
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the leave will be paid under the terms of the City’s STD policy, or the City will provide employees
with two weeks of paid parental leave.
The City will maintain an employee’s health insurance coverage for the duration of the employee’s
FMLA leave as though the employee were continuously employed. The City will continue to pay
its portion of the employee’s health insurance premiums provided that the employee pays his or
her contributory portion on a timely basis. Employees requesting leave should contact the Clerk-
Treasurer to arrange an acceptable payment schedule.
The City will maintain and pay its portion of the premiums during FMLA leave for life and
disability insurance.
Employees who are taking unpaid leave will not accrue vacation during any periods of FMLA
leave. However, such leave periods will be treated as continued service for the purpose of
calculating pension and retirement plan vesting and eligibility.
Employees who are utilizing any accrued vacation or other time in order to take FMLA leave will
continue to accrue prorated vacation or other time as appropriately calculated. Employees are not
required to utilize vacation or other time in order to take FMLA leave, and they may, instead, take
FMLA leave fully-unpaid.
In the event an employee fails to return to work after an unpaid family or medical leave is
exhausted or expires, the City is entitled to recover health or other insurance premiums paid by the
City during the leave period unless the reason the employee’s failure to return is because of: 1) the
continuation, recurrence, or onset of a serious health condition; or 2) other circumstances beyond
the employee’s control.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY
[AMENDMENT NO. 3]
Revised: April 2023
Grievance Procedure
Please note that, as to any claims of sexual misconduct or discrimination, an employee is not
required to submit their grievance in writing or otherwise to the City. Any employee is entitled to
immediately report a claim of sexual misconduct or discrimination to the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or the Montana Human Rights Bureau (MHRB). Please be
aware that there are strict time-limits for such reporting with the EEOC and the MHRB, and failure
to timely report a claim may bar an employee’s ability to pursue legal remedies with the EEOC
and/or the MHRB.
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Unless otherwise stated herein, employees should use the grievance procedure to address claims
related to violations of City policies and procedures or unlawful harassment.
To address claims of sexual misconduct or discrimination, employees may state their intent to
grieve in writing to the City Attorney within ten (10) working days of the incident. The statement
and accompanying documentation will be examined, and a determination will be made as to
whether the established grievance procedure is appropriate.
Employees who feel that the written conditions of employment or published regulations, policies,
or procedures were inequitably applied in an impending disciplinary action, up to and including
termination, must state their intent to grieve in writing to the City Attorney within ten (10) working
days of receipt of the written notice of disciplinary action or dismissal. The request will be
examined, and a determination will be made as to whether the established grievance procedure is
appropriate.
In the case of a serious violation of conditions of employment or a major infraction of regulations,
policies, or procedures, such as gross misconduct, the action to terminate an employee’s service is
final. The employee can only appeal on the grounds that the gross misconduct did not occur, not
that they were terminated for their actions.
A grievance must be presented within the time frame shown in the first step of this procedure. Any
failure to appropriately and timely submit a grievance may bar an employee’s claims.
Reporting employees must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that their complaint is
not arbitrary or capricious.
The grievance procedure is as follows:
1. Documentation Submitted – Employees should begin the grievance process by
submitting their Grievance to the City Attorney. Unless otherwise stated herein,
employees must provide a specific statement of the grievance and indicate what
solution or remedy they expect. Any documentation that relates to the substance of the
grievance or facilitates its understanding should be attached to the grievance
submission.
2. Grievance Review – The City Attorney will review the documentation and schedule a
meeting with the employee within five (5) working days of receipt. The City Attorney
will also notify the appropriate supervisor of the filed complaint. After a complete and
thorough review, the City Attorney will determine if an investigation is required. An
investigation may require interviewing witnesses; the City Attorney will strive to
complete investigations within thirty (30) working days. The City Attorney will inform
the employee and the appropriate supervisor of the investigation’s outcome and
resolution. If the reporting employee is not satisfied with the resolution proposed, they
must notify the City Attorney in writing within five (5) working days.
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3. Formal Review by Mayor/CAO – The Mayor/CAO will review the grievance
documentation and the City Attorney’s recommendation, conduct additional meetings
with the involved parties (if needed), and consult with the City Attorney. The
Mayor/CAO will inform the reporting employee in writing of the decision within
twenty (20) working days of receipt of the employee’s grievance from the City
Attorney.
WEAPONS
[AMENDMENT NO. 4]
Revised: April 2023
Weapons
Possession of any unauthorized firearms, handguns, or any other dangerous weapons or materials
while performing job duties or while on employer's premises is prohibited unless directed by City,
State, or Federal law. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
[AMENDMENT NO. 5]
Revised: April 2023
Workplace Violence
The City supports a work environment and workplace free of violence. As such, workplace
violence, threats of violence, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior are strictly prohibited at
the City of Laurel.
Workplace violence is defined as any act of creating an environment in which a reasonable
employee is given cause to feel threatened or intimidated.
All employees are responsible for maintaining a workplace free of violence. Any employee who
is concerned about or observes workplace situations that may result in violence should
immediately report the situation to a supervisor or the City Attorney.
The City will take prompt action to investigate any situation alleging an employee engaged in
workplace violence, or who used any obscene, abusive, or threatening language or gestures. Such
action may include disciplinary action, or notifying the police or other law enforcement officers.
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Employees must report any case of workplace violence to their immediate supervisor and the City
Attorney.
This policy also prohibits unauthorized employees from bringing unauthorized firearms or other
weapons onto City premises.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
[AMENDMENT NO. 6]
Revised: April 2023
Insurance/Pension
Specific provisions of a collective bargaining agreement in conflict with this policy may apply,
and where a specific provision of a collective bargaining agreement is applicable, that
provision/those provisions apply, superseding the policies contained in this Section. Additionally,
this policy may not apply to Volunteers, who are governed by separate requirements related to
their Service.
Full-time employees are eligible for certain group health insurance and pension benefits. The City
may contribute toward the premiums for health coverage. Added benefits or insurance coverage
for each employee and/or their dependents may also be available.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
[AMENDMENT NO. 7]
Revised: April 2023
Military Leave
Specific provisions of a collective bargaining agreement in conflict with this policy may apply,
and where a specific provision of a collective bargaining agreement is applicable, that
provision/those provisions apply, superseding the policies contained in this Section. Additionally,
this policy may not apply to Volunteers, who are governed by separate requirements related to
their Service.
An employee who has worked for the City of Laurel for a period of six (6) months, and who is a
member of the organized militia of Montana or the reserve corps or military forces of the United
States is entitled to a leave of absence with pay for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty
(120) hours per year to perform military service. The full one hundred twenty hours (120) hours
of leave will be credited in full to an employee after six (6) months of employment and in each
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successive calendar year. The City will not charge military leave against an employee’s annual
vacation time. Unused military leave may be carried over to the next calendar year, but may not
exceed a total of two hundred forty (240) hours in any calendar year.
Employees employed less than six (6) months are entitled to unpaid leave for the purposes listed
above. “Military service” means both federally funded military duty and state active duty.
Employees must submit a copy of military orders with his or her timesheet to be entitled to the
leave with pay.
These Amendments are subject to change, amendment, alterations, and revisions at the sole
discretion of the City of Laurel.
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File Attachments for Item:
2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing Participation In The Montana
Board Of Investments Of Short-Term Investment Pool And Authorizing The Execution And
Delivery Of Documents Related Thereto.
11
R23-____ Approve STIP Participation
RESOLUTION NO. R23-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN
THE MONTANA BOARD OF INVESTMENTS OF SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
POOL AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF
DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana (hereinafter
“the Governing Body”) as follows:
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS
The following terms will have the meanings indicated below for all purposes of this
Resolution unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Account” means a specific Participant Bank account to be used in conducting STIP
Program transactions.
“Agreement” means the agreements of the Participant contained within this Resolution.
“Authorized Representative” means the officer or official of the Participant designated
and authorized by the Governing Body to act on behalf of Participant in the STIP Program.
“Authorized Delegate” means any officer, official, or employee of the Participant
delegated authority by the Authorized Representative to initiate transactions using the STIP
Program.
“Bank” means a financial institution designated and authorized to send and receive
money on behalf of the Participant for purposes of participation in the STIP Program.
“Board” means the Board of Investments, a state agency organized and existing under
the laws of the State.
“Exhibit A” means the STIP Participation Information Sheet attached to and
incorporated into this Resolution as provided in Article IV, Section 3.01.
“Exhibit B” means the Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Form attached to and
incorporated into this Resolution as provided in Article IV, Section 3.01.
“Governing Body” means the governing body of political subdivision (Participant)
authorized by Montana state law to participate in the STIP Program.
“Participant” means the political subdivision requesting participation in the Board’s
STIP Program.
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R23-____ Approve STIP Participation
“Short-Term Investment Pool” means the Board’s investment program administered
under the direction of the Board of Investments as authorized by the Unified Investment
Program and as more fully defined and described by the Montana Code Annotated and, in the
Board’s, Governing Policies. “Short-Term Investment Pool” is synonymous with “STIP” and
“Program” as used in this Resolution and Exhibits A and B.
ARTICLE I: SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT POOL PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT
Section 1.01 Participation Agreement. The Governing Body requests participation in
the STIP Program and agrees that Participant will comply with and be bound by all laws,
policies, procedures, and participation requirements applicable to the Program, as may be
amended from time to time.
Section 1.02 STIP Program. STIP is available to state and local governments to serve
their short-term cash flow and deposit needs. The Program’s objectives are to preserve capital
and maintain high liquidity. The Program has the following attributes:
1) STIP transactions are fixed at $1 per share;
2) STIP interest on pool assets accrues daily;
3) STIP earnings distribution methods are:
(a) Interest is distributed at the beginning of the month and can be distributed as
cash to the designated Bank; or (b) earnings can be reinvested into STIP;
4) Buying or selling shares in STIP requires one (1) business days’ notice (transactions
for which notice is received after 2:00 p.m. will be processed two (2) business days after receipt
of the original notice);
5) Access to STIP is only through the Board’s electronic web-based portal (no cash,
checks or notifications by fax, phone or email will be accepted);
6) The Board’s STIP web portal provides real-time information on each account
including investment balances, buys, sells, pending transactions, and transaction notes, as
determined by the authorized user; and
7) The Board reports the Short-Term Investment Pool on a Net Asset Value (NAV)
basis on its financial statements. A NAV per share of STIP will be reflected on the Board’s
website for each month-end period.
Section 1.03 Review of Policies, Procedures, and Participation Requirements.
Participant represents that it has reviewed to its satisfaction all Board policies, procedures, and
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R23-____ Approve STIP Participation
participation requirements applicable to the STIP Program. See, Board Governance Policies
40.600, 40.601, and 40.602.
Section 1.04 Authorized Representative: The Governing Body designates Kelly
Strecker, who holds the position of Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Laurel, as the Participant’s
Authorized Representative to execute transactions between STIP and the Bank.
The Governing Body allows the Authorized Representative to appoint and remove
additional Authorized Delegate(s) on behalf of the Participant. The Governing Body agrees
that any addition or removal of an Authorized Delegate requires notice via the submission of a
completed Exhibit A (STIP Participation Information Sheet) to the Board by the Authorized
Representative before transactions will be accepted and processed.
The Governing Body designates and authorizes the Participant’s Bank, (the “Bank”),
identified in Exhibit B, with the Account Number and American Bankers Association (ABA)
Number, for settlement of STIP participant transactions. The account is a Checking Account.
The Governing Body allows the Authorized Representative to change either the Bank
or the Account. The Governing Body agrees that the Board will notify both the office of the
Authorized Representative AND the office of the Governing Body within three (3) business
days that such a change has been made.
The Governing Body allows the Authorized Representative to change the earnings
distribution method.
Section 1.05 Change of Authorized Representative. Any change to the Authorized
Representative requires a new Resolution adopted by the Governing Body. However, the
absence of an Authorized Representative does not nullify the current authority of the
Authorized Delegate(s) to make STIP transactions.
Section 1.06 Annual Confirmation. The Board will annually confirm with the
Governing Body and the Authorized Representative the:
1. Name of the Authorized Representative;
2. Name(s) of any Authorized Delegate(s); and
3. Name of the Bank and the associated Account Numbers (truncated).
Section 1.07 Effective Date. Participant’s Agreement will take effect when the
Resolution Certificate, this Resolution, and completed and executed Exhibits A and B are
received by the Board. The Participant’s Agreement will stay in effect until terminated in
writing by the Governing Body.
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R23-____ Approve STIP Participation
ARTICLE II: MISCELLANEOUS
Section 2.01 No Guaranteed Return. The Governing Body understands and agrees that
there is no minimum or maximum interest rate or any guaranteed rate of return on STIP shares
or funds invested in STIP shares.
Section 2.02 Voluntary Participation. By adopting this Resolution, the Governing Body
acknowledges that it is not compelled to participate in STIP, that its participation in STIP is
voluntary, and agrees to the Board’s administration and governance of the Program according
to the Board’s policies, procedures, and participation requirements.
Section 2.03 Responsibility for Participant Mistakes. The Governing Body and
Participant agree to hold harmless the state of Montana, the Board, and the Board’s members,
officials, and employees for the acts, omissions, mistakes, and negligence of the Participant,
Governing Body, and their members, officials, and employees, including but not limited to an
Authorized Representative or Authorized Delegate who, for any reason, is not qualified or
mistakenly listed with the Board as a permissible representative to authorize transactions using
the STIP Program, incorrect instructions as to amounts or timing of sales or purchases, or
missed deadlines.
Section 2.04 No Warranty. The Governing Body and Participant agree that the Board
makes no warranty that funds will be immediately available in the event of any failure of a third
party, or that Governing Body will not suffer losses due to acts of God, natural disasters,
terrorism or threats of terrorism, civil disorder, medical epidemics or other calamities, or other
market dislocations or interruptions.
Section 2.05 Participation Conditions; STIP Administration. The Governing Body and
Participant acknowledge and agree that the Board will allow participation in STIP by and
conduct STIP business with only those parties it determines are qualified and authorized to
participate in the Program who abide by the Board’s policies, procedures, and participation
requirements. The Governing Body and Participant understand that the Board administers the
STIP Program subject to Montana law and prudent fiduciary practices as required by Montana
law and Board policy and that the Board is legally charged to manage the Unified Investment
Program, which includes STIP, in accordance with the prudent expert rule as set forth in
Montana law.
Section 2.06 STIP Not Insured Against Loss. The Governing Body and Participant
understand and acknowledge that the Board’s STIP Program is NOT FDIC insured or otherwise
insured or guaranteed by the federal government, the state of Montana, the Board, or any other
entity against investment losses.
ARTICLE III: EXHIBITS
Section 3.01 Approval and Adoption of Exhibits A and B. Attached to this Resolution
are Exhibit A, the STIP Participation Information Sheet, and Exhibit B, the Electronic Funds
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R23-____ Approve STIP Participation
Transfer Authorization Form, which together provide the instructions required by the Board to
enable Participant’s participation in the STIP Program. The Governing Body and Participant
represent that Exhibits A and B have been completed and executed by the Participant’s
Authorized Representative and that Exhibits A and B must be complete and accepted by the
Board before participation is allowed in the STIP Program. Exhibits A and B are hereby
incorporated into and made a part of this Resolution and are approved and adopted by the
Governing Body as if set forth fully herein.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of March, 2023,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
March, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of March, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
16
File Attachments for Item:
3. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council To Submit The Question To The Electorate
Authorizing The City To Impose A New Mill Levy For The City Of Laurel Emergency
Response Services Of A New 50.06 Mills To Fund Ems Services, Including Staffing, Volunteer
Compensation, Training, And Ancillary Operations
17
R23-____ Approving an Election on Supplemental Funding for EMS Services
RESOLUTION NO. R23-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT THE QUESTION TO THE
ELECTORATE AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO IMPOSE A NEW MILL LEVY FOR
THE CITY OF LAUREL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES OF A NEW 50.06
MILLS TO FUND EMS SERVICES, INCLUDING STAFFING, VOLUNTEER
COMPENSATION, TRAINING, AND ANCILLARY OPERATIONS
WHEREAS, the City may impose a property tax levy for any public or governmental
purpose not specifically prohibited by law;
WHEREAS, the City is a public body and is authorized pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. §
15-10-425, as amended, to impose a new mill levy or exceed the mill levy limit provided for in
Mont. Code Ann. § 15-10-420, by conducting an election authorizing such new mill levy for
purposes determined by the City and the electors of the City approving any new levy;
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined additional EMS Services, including
specifically related to staffing, volunteer compensation, training, and ancillary operational costs
are needed for the residents of the City;
WHEREAS, the City has decided to pass a Resolution pursuant to, in part, Mont. Code
Ann. § 15-10-425 to submit the question of a new mill levy to the qualified electors of the City
of Laurel;
WHEREAS, the City has determined that there is a need for a permanent levy increase
of 50.06 mills (hereinafter “the EMS Supplemental Levy”) to increase funding for EMS
Services, to be adjusted annually subject to the limits established in Mont. Code Ann. § 15-10-
420(1)(a), for inflationary and new growth allowed in subsequent years; and
WHEREAS, Mont. Code Ann. §§ 15-10-420 and -425 authorize the City to request of
the voters in the City limits, as amended, an increase in mill levies over and above current
limitations;
WHEREAS, the new and separate mill levy will be for a total of 50.06 mills, which has
a current approximate value of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($450,000),
and the duration shall be perpetual;
WHEREAS, the annual supplemental EMS levy will be used to pay the ongoing and
permanent costs associated with delivering additional EMS services (currently anticipated to
be used for the hiring of approximately three (3) to four (4) additional EMS providers, the
increase of wages for EMS providers, additional, fair, and equitable compensation for EMS
Volunteer Personnel, and helping to fund a portion of the costs of training and operational needs
of the EMS Department; and
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R23-____ Approving an Election on Supplemental Funding for EMS Services
WHEREAS, the new mill levy level being requested will have an anticipated impact
upon property taxes for homes valued as follows: 1) for a home valued for property tax
purposes at One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), the additional property taxes that will
be imposed are Five Dollars and Sixty Three Cents ($5.63) per month; and 2) for a home valued
for property tax purposes at Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000), the additional
property taxes that will be imposed are Eleven Dollars and Twenty-Five Cents ($11.25) per
month, adjusted as permissible by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, as follows:
1. Calling of the Election. The City Council hereby calls and directs a mill levy
election for the EMS Supplemental Levy to be held on November 7, 2023 for the purpose of
voting on the following question: “Shall the City of Laurel, Montana, be authorized to
permanently raise approximately 50.06 mills or approximately $450,000 annually for the
purpose of funding additional EMS services, increasing compensation for EMS Personnel,
including Volunteer EMS Personnel, as well as to fund training and operational expenses for
the City of Laurel EMS Department?”. The permanent 50.06 mills will be adjusted annually,
subject to the provisions of Mont. Code Ann. § 15-10-420(1)(a), after the first year, allowing
for inflationary growth and newly taxable growth. The impact of the EMS Supplemental Levy
on a residential home valued at $100,000 is $5.63 per month for the first year, and on a
residential home valued at $200,000, it is $11.25 per month for the first year.
2. Authorization of Election and Ballot. The City Council hereby requests the
Election Administrator to place the issue of whether the City shall be authorized to impose a
new mill levy to cover the costs incurred in providing EMS Services as set forth above during
the election held on November 7, 2023, to the electors of the City of Laurel.
3. Form of Ballot. The Election Administrator is hereby authorized to prepare the
ballot to be submitted to the electors in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL BALLOT
CITY OF LAUREL EMERGENCY SERVICES MILL LEVY ELECTION
Shall the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana be authorized to impose
a new mill levy of 50.06 mills annually to fund emergency services, including
hiring an anticipated 2-3 additional EMS providers, increasing wages for
existing EMS providers, paying EMS Volunteers additional compensation for
their hours of service, and funding training and ancillary operational costs. The
foregoing mill levy is permanent and in addition to any other mill levy
authorized by Charter or law.
The impact of the election on a home valued for property tax purposes at
$100,000 in terms of actual dollars in additional property taxes that would be
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R23-____ Approving an Election on Supplemental Funding for EMS Services
imposed annually is $5.63 per month, and for a home valued at $200,000 per
month is $11.25 per month, adjusted as permissible by law, if the mill levy were
to pass.
___________ YES -- FOR AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LAUREL TO
EXCEED THE STATUTORY MILL LEVY PROVIDED FOR IN MONT.
CODE ANN. § 15-10-420 BY PERMANENTLY AND ANNUALLY
LEVYING UP TO 50.06 MILLS (APPROXIMATE CURRENT VALUE OF
$450,000 FOR CITY OF LAUREL EMERGENCY SERVICES) FOR THE
PURPOSES OF INCREASING EMS STAFFING, INCREASING WAGES
FOR EMS PERSONNEL, INCLUDING VOLUNTEER EMS PROVIDERS,
AND FUNDING TRAINING AND ANCILLARY OPERATIONAL COSTS
IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS
___________ NO – AGAINST AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LAUREL TO
EXCEED THE STATUTORY MILL LEVY PROVIDED FOR IN MONT.
CODE ANN. § 15-10-420 BY PERMANENTLY AND ANNUALLY
LEVYING UP TO 50.06 MILLS (APPROXIMATE CURRENT VALUE OF
$450,000 FOR CITY OF LAUREL EMERGENCY SERVICES) FOR THE
PURPOSES OF INCREASING EMS STAFFING, INCREASING WAGES
FOR EMS PERSONNEL, INCLUDING VOLUNTEER EMS PROVIDERS,
AND FUNDING TRAINING AND ANCILLARY OPERATIONAL COSTS
IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of April, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
April, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of April, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
20
R23-____ Approving an Election on Supplemental Funding for EMS Services
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
21
File Attachments for Item:
4. Ordinance - An Ordinance Amending Section 2.72.020 (Composition) Of The Laurel
Municipal Code Related To Membership In The Laurel City-County Planning Board.
22
Ordinance No. 023-_____ Section 2.72.020 (Composition) of LMC Related to Membership in the Laurel City-
County Planning Board
ORDINANCE NO. 023-_____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.72.020 (COMPOSITION) OF THE
LAUREL MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE LAUREL
CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to keep the Laurel Municipal Code current by
modifying and updating chapters, sections and subsections to address situations and problems
within the City and to remain in accordance with Montana law; and
WHEREAS, City Staff prepared, reviewed, and approved the following amendments to
the existing LMC § 2.72.020 (Composition [of Laurel City-County Planning Board]) as noted
herein and hereby recommends the same to the City Council for their full approval.
2.72.020 Composition.
The Laurel-Yellowstone city-county planning board shall consist of nineeleven
members to be appointed as follows:
A. Two official members who reside outside the city limits, but within the
jurisdictional area of the Board, to be appointed by the Yellowstone County
Bboard of Ccommissioners, who may in the discretion of the Yellowstone
County bBoard of Ccounty commissioners be employed by or hold public office
in the Yellowstone cCounty;
B. Two official members to be appointed by the Laurel cCity cCouncil who
may in the discretion of the Laurel Ccity Ccouncil, be employed by or hold
public office in the Ccity of Laurel;
C. Twohree citizen members who reside within the City of Laurel limits to
be appointed by the Mmayor of the Ccity of Laurel;
D. Twohree citizen members who reside within the jurisdictional area of
the Board to be appointed by the Yellowstone County Bboard of county
cCommissioners; and. Two members shall reside outside the city limits but
within the jurisdictional area of the planning board;
E. The eleventh ninth member shall be selected by the Board of Supervisors
of the Conservation District.t If no member of the Board of Supervisors is able
or willing to serve on the Board, the ninth member will be selected by the eight
officers and citizen members of the Board, subject o the consent and approval
of the Laurel City Council and the Yellowstone County Board of
Commissioners. en official and citizen members hereinabove provided for with
the consent and approval of the board of county commissioners and the city
council;
23
Ordinance No. 023-_____ Section 2.72.020 (Composition) of LMC Related to Membership in the Laurel City-
County Planning Board
F. The terms of the members who are officers of any governmental unit
represented on the Bboard shall be coextensive with their respective terms of
office to which they have been elected or appointed; the terms of the other
members shall be two years, except that the terms of the first members appointed
shall be fixed by agreement and rule of the governing bodies represented on the
Bboard for one or two years in order that a minimum number of terms shall
expire in any year;
G. Vacancies occurring on the board shall be filled by the governing body,
having appointed them for the unexpired term.
(Prior code § 17.04.020)
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after final passage by the City
Council and approved by the Mayor.
Introduced and passed on first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the
_____ day of ______________, 2023, upon Motion by Council Member
_____________________.
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Laurel City Council on second reading on the _____
day of ______________, 2023, upon Motion by Council Member _____________________.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR on the _____ day of ______________, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
24
Ordinance No. 023-_____ Section 2.72.020 (Composition) of LMC Related to Membership in the Laurel City-
County Planning Board
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
25