HomeMy WebLinkAboutForm Comment from Rodgers, Steve - 3/18/2026 - Concerns Regarding Proposed State Mental Health Prison A�RaPublic Comment
This form is used to electronically submit your public comment to be read into the record at the next City Council
meeting during the Public Comment section. Please note: If you are submitting a public comment for a posted public
IV T Nlo� hearing,your comments will be held until the public hearing,at which time they will be read into the record.
First Name* Last Name*
Rodgers
Physical Address*
Street Address
626 W 13th Street
Address Line 2
City State/Province/Region
Laurel Montana
Postal/Zip Code
59044-9612
E-mail*
mrswrodgers@gmail.com
Subject
What is the topic of your comment.
Concerns Regarding Proposed State Mental Health Prison
Public Comment*
Please enter your public comment below.Your comment will be read into the record exactly as submitted.
Mayor and Council Members,
I am a resident of Laurel who cares deeply about the long term health,stability,and prosperity of our community.I appreciate the opportunity
to voice my opinion.
I support mental health treatment and the need for expanded services in Montana.However,the location,financial impact,and long-term
obligations associated with this proposal raise significant concerns that must be fully considered.
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1.Permanent Loss of Tax Revenue
Because the state does not pay property taxes,annexing this land for a state run facility would permanently eliminate:
• Future residential tax revenue
Future commercial tax revenue
• Long term development potential on one of Laurel's most valuable remaining growth areas
This represents millions of dollars in lost future revenue—funds that would otherwise support streets,sidewalks,parks,police,and essential city
services.
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2.The Location Benefits the State,Not Laurel
It is clear why the state selected this site:
• Easy extension of sewer and water
• Immediate access to 190
• Proximity to Billings for staffing
These factors make the project convenient for the state,but convenience for Helena does not equal prosperity for Laurel.The city should not
sacrifice its best growth corridor simply because it is the easiest option for the state.The citizens of Laurel have clearly voiced concerns as to the
proximity of this Mental Prison to Laurel Elementary School.
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3.Laurel's Growth and Identity Are at Stake
I think of Laurel as a bedroom community.Our economic health depends on:
New housing
New families
New businesses
A growing tax base
Giving up this land for a non taxable state facility blocks Laurel's most logical direction for future expansion.Meanwhile,our streets and
sidewalks are already deteriorating(by the way,throwing a shovel of asphalt into a hole and patting it down with a shovel is not fixing our
streets).Without new tax revenue,Laurel will struggle to maintain basic infrastructure,and the appearance of our town will continue to decline.
The condition of our community directly affects the families and businesses we attract.
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4.The Jobs Argument Does Not Hold Up
The mayor has stated that he had interest in the project because of potential job creation.However:
Laurel does not have enough housing for 90-100 new employees and their families
• We are giving up the very land that could have supported that housing
• Most workers will live in Billings or between Laurel and Billings
Laurel would carry the burden while other communities receive the economic benefit.
5.Aging Infrastructure and Long Term Liability
Laurel's water,sewer,and road systems are already aging and strained.If the city annexes this land to a non-tax paying entity:
• Laurel becomes responsible for providing services to the facility
When infrastructure fails,the state will not pay to repair or upgrade it
Laurel taxpayers will bear the cost
This is a long term financial liability that the city must not take on without full understanding and safeguards.
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6.The City Should Negotiate Compensation
If the state insists on this location,insists on annexation and shoves this facility down our throats(there is a chance that could happen),then
City of Laurel should negotiate a one time Payment in Lieu of Taxes(PILOT)of at least$5-10 million to offset:
• Permanent loss of taxable land
• Increased demand on city services
• Longterm infrastructure costs
PILOT agreements are common nationwide and provide fair compensation when governments remove land from the tax base.
7.Need for Transparency and Public Involvement
This proposal has advanced with limited public communication and zero input from the citizens of Laurel.A decision of this magnitude requires:
Afull public impact study
Additional open forums
• Clear disclosure of funding,ownership,and operational plans
The residents of Laurel deserve transparency and a complete understanding of the long term consequences.
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Conclusion
I respectfully urge the Council to gather complete information,prioritize the long term interests of Laurel residents,and slow this process down
or stop it all together.I am not opposed to mental health services.I am opposed to annexation and long term financial burdens being placed on
our city without transparency,planning,or compensation.Help Laurel grow the right way;this Mental Health Prison will turn Laurel into a trash
town.
Make Laurel Great Again!
Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.
Kind Regards,
Steve
Laurel,Montana
Signature*
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