HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-24 Public Comment - M. Pearson - City of Bozeman Commission June 25, 2024 MeetingFrom:Mark Pearson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City of Bozeman Commission June 25, 2024 Meeting
Date:Saturday, June 15, 2024 6:26:24 PM
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DATE: June 15, 2024
TO: City of Bozeman Commission
FROM: Mark Pearson
2942 Lily Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
SUBJECT: Commission June 25, 2024Meeting
Voting on new two-year budget
Esteemed Commissioners,
Today I have read the June 15, 2024 Bozeman Chronicle opinion regarding the increases in water
and sewer rates, increases in police and fire personnel, new fire department, and 74 miles of
street maintenance. These items were reported to be in the new two-year budget that you will
decide upon on June 25th. The opinion stated that the growth rate of Bozeman is not 5.23% per year
but according to the US Census Dept. is/was 1.2% per year.
The Chronicle opinion offered several questions for City Commissioners regarding consideration of
the new two-year budget and I agree that these questions should be answered prior to approval of
the budget. Bozeman residents (including my wife and I) are fatigued financially by Bozeman’s
growth. To which we ask one of those Chronicle opinion questions: Why aren’t impact fees covering
the cost of new infrastructure, water and sewer, police and fire personnel? Will city residents in
established neighborhoods with completed infrastructure be required to “pick up the difference”
between impact fees paid and the cost of the new subdivision infrastructure? What percentage of
the true, long-term cost of new development is being covered by impact fees? What is the true,
most up-to-date growth rate of Bozeman?
I agree that adequate water supply and sewer infrastructure, police and fire personnel, and street
maintenance are important in any growing community. But I must ask: What can be done to lessen
the fiscal burden on residents who are already living here? And who live in
subdivisions/neighborhoods with completed infrastructure, within city limits?
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my opinion.
Sincerely,
Mark Pearson