A 2020 statewide survey found over half of Montana’s schools had unsafe lead levels in drinking water. As the project enters its fifth year progress varies with 20% of schools yet to submit test results. Lead sources vary from solder joints to faucets. Simple filters may suffice but extensive work is sometimes needed. Increased funding was intended to boost efforts initially providing about $1,200 per school but now schools can receive up to $100,000.
It’s looking like things are still really challenging for potential homeowners in Montana. According to Zillow California and Hawaii are the only two states where it is harder to buy a house than in the Treasure State. Montana has had low wages historically and lower than much of the country and home prices have been consistently high since the pandemic. Montana is still ahead of New York and Colorado.
The Montana Election Observation Initiative has shared its preliminary statement on key Election Day findings from this year’s general election after it deployed 118 observers to 76 unique voting locations across 16 of the state’s counties. Key takeaways reported include high voter turnout and public engagement. Officials say the initiative’s main takeaway is the level of transparency demonstrated by election administrators to welcome observations throughout the election process.
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Montana rose to 1,138 in the week ending November 9th compared with 989 the week before. U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 217,000 down 4,000 claims from 221,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Alaska saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims jumping by 56.0% while Michigan saw the largest percentage drop of 34.9%.
The Montana Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office has announced a new round of grants aiming to support preservation projects across Montana. Between $20,000 and $100,000 per award will come from the state accommodations tax. All work being done must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Properties and funding will be awarded to help with physical repairs and improvements to properties listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Whitefish City Council will look at hiring a lobbyist ahead of the Montana Legislative session next year when it meets this evening in City Hall. Four firms applied for the job and the city ratings panel has recommended Communications Management Services. which provides a variety of services including governmental affairs. The contract is anticipated to be up to $25,000 which is within the amount budgeted by the city for lobbying services.
Calumet Montana in Great Falls will conduct a test of its new emergency notification system Tuesday that will involve a series of tones that will last approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The test is designed to ensure the system’s functionality and emergency preparedness and help maintain the system’s ongoing effectiveness and performance.
St. Peter’s Health in Helena has joined the Zero Suicide Institute funded by a five-year 1.9-million-dollar grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Joining the institute will bring increased awareness and screening enhanced mental health services and improved support systems for those at risk.
Starting Friday permits will be required in Bozeman for urban camping for $25 a month but the city can deny permits criminally enforce violations and close “high-conflict areas” to camping. In October 2025 camping in the public right-of-way will be banned in Bozeman entirely. Officials have processed 26 so far approving 20 and denying six.
Montana property tax payments are due twice a year in May and November. Beginning in the 2025 property tax payment period though they can be paid in a series of seven monthly installments rather than paying the standard twice yearly lump-sum payments. The new program was made possible through House Bill 830 passed in 2023.
