HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-26 Supplemental Materials for Continuation of 05-20-26 Study Commission Meeting
FOR THE CITY OF BOZEMAN
AMENDED CHARTER 2026
PREAMBLE
We, the people of the City of Bozeman, under the constitution and laws of the State of Montana,
in order to secure the benefits of local self‑government and to provide for an honest and
accountable commission‑manager government, do hereby adopt this charter and confer upon the
city the following powers, subject to the following restrictions, and prescribed by the following
procedures and governmental structure. By this action, we secure the benefits of self-governance
and affirm the values of representative democracy, professional management, strong political
leadership, public engagement, and regional cooperation.
ARTICLE I
POWERS OF THE CITY
Section 1.01. Powers of the City.
The City of Bozeman shall have all powers possible for a city with self-governing powers to
have under the constitution and laws of the State of Montana as fully and completely as though
they were specifically enumerated in this charter. The city exercises legislative, executive and
judicial powers.
Section 1.02. Construction.
(a) Powers. The powers of the city under this charter shall be construed liberally
in favor of the city, and the specific mention of particular powers in the charter shall
not be construed as limiting in any way the general power granted in this article.
(b) Priority Construction. As provided by Article XI, Section 5, of the Constitution of
Montana, provisions herein establishing executive, legislative, and administrative
structure and organization are superior to statutory provisions.
Section 1.03. Intergovernmental Relations.
The City of Bozeman shall participate by contract or otherwise with any governmental entity of
the State of Montana or any other state or states or the United States in the performance of any
activity which one or more of such entities has the authority to undertake.
ARTICLE II
CITY COMMISSION
Section 2.01. General Powers and Duties.
All powers of the city shall be vested in the city commission, except as otherwise provided by law
or this charter, and the commission shall provide for the exercise thereof and for the performance
of all duties and obligations imposed on the city by law.
Section 2.02. Eligibility, Terms, and Composition.
(a) Eligibility. Only registered voters of the City of Bozeman, pursuant to Article IV,
Section 2, of the Montana Constitution, shall be eligible to hold the office of commission
member or mayor.
(b) Terms. The term of office of elected officials shall be four years elected in accordance
with Article VII.
(c) Composition. The commission shall be composed of 4 members elected by the voters
of the city at large in accordance with provisions of Article VII and the mayor. The mayor
shall be elected as provided in §2.03(b). Commissioners shall be elected in accordance
with provisions of Article VII.
Section 2.03. Mayor
(a) Powers and Duties. The mayor shall be a voting member of the city commission and
shall attend and preside at meetings of the commission; represent the city in
intergovernmental relationships; present an annual state of the city message; add an item
to the commission agenda prepared by the city manager; assign, subject to the consent
of commission, agenda items to sub-committees of the commission; and perform other
duties specified by the commission. The mayor shall be recognized as head of the city
government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law
but shall have no administrative duties and shall not interfere with the administration of the
city as provided in §2.05(c), below. The mayor shall not have any appointment power to
city boards except where required by state law.
(b) Mayor Elected At Large. At a regular city election, the voters of the city shall
elect a mayor at large for a term of four years.
(c) Appointing a Vice Mayor. In January following each regular city election, the
commission shall appoint a vice mayor from among its members who shall serve
and function as mayor during the absence of the mayor. The vice mayor shall serve
two years until the next January following a regular city election.
Section 2.04. Compensation; Expenses.
The city commission shall appoint a new city board - the city compensation board - to
determine the annual salaries of the mayor and commissioners. The compensation board
shall include two commissioners, the city’s chief financial officer and four residents who
are registered voters and live full-time in the city. Compensation for commissioners and
the mayor shall be determined based on an appropriate percentage of the Gallatin County
Area Median Income for a family of four.
For each fiscal year, the compensation board shall determine the number of hours per
week each commissioner and the mayor is expected to work in order to calculate the
specific annual compensation amount.
The city commission may determine the annual salary of the mayor and commission members by
ordinance, but no ordinance to increase such salary shall become effective until the date of
commencement of the terms of commission members elected at the next regular election. The
mayor and commission members shall receive their actual ordinary and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties of office.
Section 2.05. Prohibitions.
(a) Holding Other Office. Except where authorized by law, no commission
member shall hold any other elected public office during the term for which the
member was elected to the commission. No commission member shall hold any
other city office or city employment during the term for which the member was
elected to the commission. No former commission member shall hold any
compensated appointive office or employment with the city until one year after the
expiration of the term for which the member was elected to the commission, unless
granted a waiver by the board of ethics. Nothing in this section shall be construed
to prohibit the commission from selecting any current or former commission
member to represent the city on the governing board of any regional or other
intergovernmental agency, or any city board.
(b) Appointments and Removals. Neither the city commission nor any of its
members shall in any manner control or demand the appointment or removal of
any city administrative officer or employee whom the city manager or any
subordinate of the city manager is empowered to appoint, but the commission may
express its views and fully and freely discuss with the city manager anything
pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees.
(c) Interference with Administration. Except for the purpose of inquiries, and
investigations under §2.09, the commission or its members shall communicate with city
officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city
manager solely through the city manager, and neither the commission nor its members
shall give orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately.
Section 2.06. Vacancies; Forfeiture of Office; Filling of Vacancies.
Commented [1]: Reads funny I think
Commented [2]: I think you are correct. Can we make this change?
(a) Vacancies. The office of a commission member or mayor shall become vacant
upon the officeholder’s death, resignation, or removal from office or forfeiture of
office in any manner authorized by law. If the mayor is incapacitated, dies, resigns
from office, or is removed from office, the vice mayor shall succeed as mayor
during said time for the balance of the mayor’s term, as appropriate; and the
commission vacancy created therein shall be filled pursuant to this section.
(b) Forfeiture of Office. The mayor or a commissioner shall forfeit that office if the mayor
or commissioner:
(1) Fails to meet the eligibility requirements,
(2) Violates any express prohibition of this charter,
(3) Is convicted of a felony, or
(4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the
commission without being excused by the commission.
(c) Filling of Vacancies. A vacancy in the city commission or the office of the
mayor shall be filled within 60 days of the occurrence of the vacancy by vote of the
existing city commissioners. Commissioners must hold a public forum with
applicants for the vacant commission or mayor position. This appointment will be
in place until the next municipal election. The vacancy shall otherwise be filled,
pursuant to state law.
Section 2.07. Judge of Qualifications.
The city commission shall be the judge of the grounds for forfeiture of a member's office, pursuant
to §2.06.b. In order to exercise these powers, the commission shall have power to subpoena
witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of evidence. A member charged with
conduct constituting grounds for forfeiture of office shall be entitled to a public hearing on demand
and notice of such hearing shall be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation
in the city pursuant to state law.
Section 2.08. City Clerk.
The city commission or the city manager, as designated by ordinance, shall appoint an officer of
the city who shall have the title of city clerk. The city clerk shall give notice of commission meetings
to its members and the public, keep the journal of its proceedings and perform such other duties
as are assigned by this charter, by the commission or by state law.
Section 2.09. Investigations.
The city commission may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any
city department, office, or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer
oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence. Failure or refusal to obey a lawful
order issued in the exercise of these powers by the commission shall be a misdemeanor
punishable pursuant to state law.
Section 2.10. Procedure.
The city commission shall, by ordinance, establish its rules of procedure and time and place of
meetings, in accordance with state law.
Section 2.11. Action Requiring an Ordinance.
In addition to other acts required by law or by specific provision of this charter to be done by
ordinance, those acts of the city commission shall be by ordinance which:
(1) Adopt or amend an administrative code or establish, alter, or abolish any city
department, office, or agency;
(2) Provide for a fine or other penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation
of which a fine or other penalty is imposed;
(3) Levy a new tax;
(4) Grant, renew, or extend a franchise;
(5) Convey or lease or authorize the conveyance or lease of any lands of the city;
(6) Regulate land use and development;
(7) Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted; or
(8) Adopt, with or without amendment, ordinances proposed under the initiative
power.
Acts other than those referred to in the preceding sentence may be done either by ordinance or
by resolution.
Section 2.12. Ordinances in General.
Ordinances, regular, emergency, and technical regulations, will be proposed, published, and
approved in accordance with state law. In addition to the requirements of state law, ordinances,
administrative regulations, resolutions, and the Bozeman Municipal Code will be published
electronically.
ARTICLE III
CITY MANAGER
Section 3.01. Appointment; Qualifications; Compensation.
The city commission, by a majority vote of its total membership, shall appoint a city manager for
an indefinite term and fix the manager's compensation. The city manager shall be appointed solely
based on education and experience in the accepted competencies and practices of local
government management. The manager need not be a resident of the city or state at the time of
appointment but may reside outside the city while in office only with the approval of the
commission. The commission must conduct an annual comprehensive performance evaluation of
the city manager.
Section 3.02. Removal.
If the city manager declines to resign at the request of the city commission, the city commission
may suspend the manager by a resolution approved by the majority of the total membership of
the city commission. Such resolution shall set forth the reasons for suspension and proposed
removal. A copy of such resolution shall be served immediately upon the city manager. The city
manager shall have fifteen days in which to reply thereto in writing and, upon request, shall be
offered a public hearing, which shall occur not earlier than ten days nor later than fifteen days
after such hearing is requested. After the public hearing, if one is requested, and after full
consideration, the city commission, by a majority vote of its total membership, may adopt a final
resolution of removal. The city manager shall continue to receive full salary until the effective date
of the final resolution of removal.
Section 3.03. Acting City Manager.
By administrative order filed with the city clerk, the city manager shall designate a city officer or
employee to exercise the powers and perform the duties of city manager during the manager's
temporary absence or disability. The city commission may revoke such designation at any time
and appoint another officer of the city to serve until the city manager returns.
Section 3.04. Powers and Duties of the City Manager.
The city manager shall be the chief executive officer of the city, responsible to the commission for
the management of all city affairs placed in the manager's charge by or under this charter. The
city manager shall:
(1) Appoint and suspend or remove all city employees and appointive
administrative officers provided for by or under this charter, except as otherwise
provided by law, this charter, or personnel rules adopted pursuant to this charter.
The city manager may authorize any administrative officer subject to the manager's
direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in
that officer's department, office or agency;
(2) Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and
agencies of the city, except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law;
(3) Attend all city commission meetings unless excused. The city manager shall
have the right to take part in discussion but shall not vote;
(4) See that all laws, provisions of this charter, and acts of the city commission
subject to enforcement by the city manager or by officers subject to the manager's
direction and supervision are faithfully executed;
(5) Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the city
commission, and implement the final budget approved by commission to achieve
the goals of the city;
(6) Submit to the city commission and make available to the public a complete
report on the finances and administrative activities of the city as of the end of each
fiscal year;
(7) Make such other reports as the city commission may require concerning
operations;
(8) Keep the city commission fully advised as to the financial condition and future
needs of the city;
(9) Make recommendations to the city commission concerning the affairs of the
city and facilitate the work of the city commission in developing policy;
(10) Provide staff support services for the mayor and commission members subject
to the provisions regarding the city clerk under §2.08;
(11) Assist the commission in developing long term goals for the city and strategies
to implement these goals;
(12) Encourage and provide staff support for regional and intergovernmental
cooperation;
(13) Promote partnerships among commission, staff, and citizens in developing
public policy and building a sense of community;
(14) Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or may be required
by the city commission;
(15) Prepare the commission agenda; and
(16) Appoint members of temporary advisory committees established by the city
manager or the city commission.
ARTICLE IV
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Section 4.01. General Provisions.
Pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of Montana, the Municipal Court exercises judicial
authority on behalf of the City. The Court serves as the judicial branch of the city government.
ARTICLE V
DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
Section 5.01. General Provisions.
(a) Creation of Departments. The city commission may establish city
departments, offices, or agencies in addition to those created by this charter and
may prescribe the functions of all departments, offices, and agencies. No function
assigned by this charter to a particular department, office, or agency may be
discontinued or, unless this charter specifically so provides, assigned to any other.
(b) Direction by City Manager. All departments, offices, and agencies under the
direction and supervision of the city manager shall be administered by an officer
appointed by and subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager. With
the consent of commission, the city manager may serve as the head of one or
more such departments, offices, or agencies or may appoint one person as the
head of two or more of them.
Section 5.02. Personnel System.
Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, all appointments and promotions of
city officers and employees shall be made solely based on merit and qualifications
demonstrated by a valid and reliable examination or other evidence of competence.
Section 5.03. Legal Officer.
(a) Appointment. There shall be a legal officer of the city appointed by the city
manager subject to confirmation by the city commission.
(b) Role. The legal officer shall serve as chief legal adviser to the commission, the
manager and all city departments, offices and agencies, shall represent the city in
all legal proceedings, and shall perform any other duties prescribed by state law,
by this charter, or by ordinance.
Section 5.04. Land Use, Development, and Environmental Planning.
Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws with respect to land use, development, and
environmental planning, the city commission shall:
(1) Designate an agency or agencies to carry out the planning function and such
decision‑making responsibilities as may be specified by ordinance;
(2) Adopt a comprehensive plan and determine to what extent zoning and other
land use control ordinances must be consistent with the plan;
(3) Determine to what extent the comprehensive plan and zoning and other land
use ordinances must be consistent with regional plan(s); and
(4) Adopt development regulations, to be specified by ordinance, to implement the
plan.
The designated agency, the city manager, and the mayor and commission shall seek to act in
cooperation with other jurisdictions and organizations, including affected neighborhood
associations, in their region to promote integrated approaches to regional issues.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Section 6.01. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the city shall begin and end as provided by state law.
Section 6.02. Submission of Budgets and Budget Message.
The city manager shall submit to the city commission a preliminary budget for the ensuing fiscal
year and an accompanying message and a final budget, both in a timely manner. The publication
requirements must conform to the provisions of state law for a municipality and be available
electronically.
Section 6.03. Budget Message.
The city manager shall submit a budget message with the recommended budget. The budget
shall provide an overview of the recommended budget and explain its relationship to the city’s
strategic priorities, organizational goals, service objectives, and fiscal sustainability. The budget
message shall identify significant operational, financial, and policy issues addressed in the
recommended budget and explain material changes from the prior year. The message may also
discuss economic, demographic, legislative, organizational, or other factors affecting the city’s
financial condition, operations, or service delivery.
The budget message shall be prepared in accordance with applicable law and informed by
generally recognized principles of government budgeting, financial management, and fiscal
transparency, including guidance published by the Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA).
Section 6.04. Budget.
(a) Statutory Provisions. The preliminary annual operating budget, the final
budget, and amended budgets must be prepared in accordance with state laws
governing municipal budgets as then in effect.
(b) Unreserved Fund Balance. A minimum level of budgeted general fund
unreserved fund balance shall be established by ordinance and shall be in
accordance with the GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association)
recommended practice on appropriate levels of unreserved fund balance in the
general fund. This provision does not limit appropriations in case of emergency
pursuant to state law.
Section 6.05. Adjusting Appropriations.
(a) Reduction of Appropriations. In addition to the requirements of state law, if
at any time during the fiscal year it appears probable to the city manager that the
revenues or fund balances available will be insufficient to finance the expenditures
for which appropriations have been authorized, the manager shall report to the city
commission without delay, indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any
remedial action taken by the manager, and recommendations as to any other steps
to be taken. The commission shall then take such further action as it deems
necessary to prevent or reduce any deficit and, for that purpose, it may by
ordinance reduce or eliminate one or more appropriations.
(b) Transfer of Appropriations. In addition to the requirements of state law, at
any time during or before the fiscal year, the city commission may by resolution
transfer part or all of the unencumbered appropriation balance from one
department, fund, service, or organizational unit to the appropriation for other
departments or organizational units or a new appropriation as provided by state
law. The city manager may transfer funds among programs within a department,
fund, service, or organizational unit and shall report such transfers to the
commission in writing in a timely manner.
(c) Limitation; Effective Date. In addition to the requirements of state law, no
appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred, except to the extent
that the debt is refinanced and less debt service is required, and no appropriation
may be reduced below any amount required by law to be appropriated or by more
than the amount of the unencumbered balance thereof. The supplemental and
emergency appropriations and reduction or transfer of appropriations authorized
by this section may be made effective immediately upon adoption.
Section 6.06. Administration and Fiduciary Oversight of the Budget.
The city commission shall provide by ordinance the procedures for administration and fiduciary
oversight of the budget.
Section 6.07. Capital Program.
(a) Submission to City Commission. The city manager shall prepare and submit
to the city commission a multi‑year capital program in alignment with the budget
process and at least biennially.
(b) Contents. The capital program shall include:
(1) A clear general summary of its contents;
(2) Identification of the long‑term goals of the community;
(3) A list of all capital improvements and other capital expenditures
which are proposed to be undertaken during the fiscal years next
ensuing, with appropriate supporting information as to the necessity
for each;
(4) Cost estimates and recommended time schedules for each
improvement or other capital expenditure;
(5) Method of financing upon which each capital expenditure is to
be reliant;
(6) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the
facilities to be constructed or acquired;
(7) A commentary on how the plan addresses the sustainability of
the community and the region of which it is a part; and
(8) Methods to measure outcomes and performance of the capital
plan related to the long‑term goals of the community.
The above shall be revised and extended each year regarding capital improvements still pending
or in process of construction or acquisition.
Section 6.08. City Commission Action on Capital Program.
(a) Notice and Hearing. The city commission shall publish the general summary
of the capital program and a notice of public hearing consistent with the
requirements of state law.
(b) Adoption. The city commission by resolution shall adopt the capital program
for the ensuing fiscal year, with or without amendment after the public hearing.
Section 6.09 Independent Audit.
The city commission shall provide for an independent annual audit of all city accounts in
accordance with state law and may provide for more frequent audits as it deems necessary. Such
audits should be performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
and Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards (GAGAS). No accountant or firm may
provide any other services to the city during the time it is retained to provide independent audits
to the city. However, the city commission may waive this requirement by a majority vote at a public
meeting.
ARTICLE VII
ELECTIONS
Section 7.01. City Elections.
(a) Regular Elections. Regular city elections shall be held and administered in
odd numbered years, pursuant to state law. Candidates shall run for office without
party designation.
(b) Beginning of term. The terms of new commission members shall start at the
beginning of the first regularly scheduled meeting in January after their election.
Section 7.02. Methods of Electing Commission Members.
At the first election under this charter, commission members shall be elected at large for four‑year
terms. The mayor shall be elected pursuant to §2.03(b).
Section 7.03. Initiative; Citizen Referendum, and Recall.
The powers of initiative, citizen referendum, and recall are hereby reserved to the electors of the
city as provided by state law. In verifying petitions for initiatives and referendums, the percentage
of signatures required under state law shall be reduced in proportion to the number of inactive
registered voters as most recently certified by the county election administrator pursuant to state
law.
ARTICLE VIII
ROLE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE
Section 8.01. Public engagement as an essential part of civic infrastructure.
The active, informed, broad-based engagement of community members, both individually and
collectively, is an essential element of healthy civic life and a thriving local democracy.
The city shall ensure public engagement is an integral part of effective and trusted governance.
The city shall ensure engagement includes a variety of formats such as face-to-face meetings,
virtual interactions, and online communications. Public engagement shall ensure two-way
communication between the city and the community. The city shall encourage collaboration in
public engagement efforts with other government jurisdictions and authorities, neighborhood
associations, city boards, community-based organizations, civic groups, and residents.
Section 8.02. Governmental structures to support and coordinate engagement.
The city shall formally recognize neighborhood associations, the Inter Neighborhood Council and
city boards as essential partners in municipal decision-making. The city shall adapt existing
governmental structures, establish new governmental structures, or both, to oversee, support,
coordinate, track, and measure public engagement.
These governmental structures may include:
(1) Neighborhood Associations;
(2) City boards, commissions, and ad hoc committees;
(3) Departments or administrative positions; and
(4) Participatory budgeting processes.
Section 8.03. Principles of public engagement.
To ensure public engagement centers on the needs and goals of community members, the city
shall uphold the following principles:
a) Public Participation. The city shall ensure engagement provides opportunities for all
residents to participate. The city shall be proactive in outreach to bring in diverse voices,
partner groups, and ideas by using a variety of engagement techniques to make
participation accessible.
b) Transparency. The city shall communicate clearly to ensure community members can
engage effectively. The city shall share results and explain how public input affects
decisions.
c) Accountability. The city shall provide opportunities for residents to influence decisions.
The city shall be clear about the purpose, scope, and how input will be used, while allowing
flexibility as conditions change.
d) Collaboration. The city shall encourage constructive communication between residents
and city officials to support informed public participation and effective local governance.
Section 8.04 Neighborhood Associations
(a) Purpose. The city values the contribution neighborhoods make to the
governance of the city. The city seeks to strengthen neighborhood participation
where it exists and encourage participation city-wide. The city shall support
neighborhood associations as advisory bodies that promote two-way
communication, public involvement in planning and policy, neighborhood
leadership development, and enhance transparency and trust. Neighborhood
Associations will speak to the needs of their neighborhoods to inform city decision
making.
(b) Recognition of Neighborhood Associations. The city shall support the
creation and maintenance of resident-led neighborhood associations. The city
commission shall establish by ordinance minimum recognition requirements for
neighborhood associations that support participation, deliberation, and
communication with residents and the city. These requirements shall include, but
not be limited to:
(1) clear geographic boundaries developed in partnership with the
neighborhood and the Inter-Neighborhood Council
(2) membership of a neighborhood association is open to all residents,
property owners, business owners, and organizations located
within a neighborhood association’s boundary;
(3) adherence to established by-laws that ensure democratic, voting
procedures, continuity of governance, and provide the ability for a
neighborhood association’s selected representative to vote on INC
recommendations.
(4) copy of the by-laws and all amendments filed with the city;
(5) periodic meetings, including an annual meeting;
(6) demonstrating it has a means of regular, accessible, and two-way
communication with all residents in the neighborhood.
(7) capacity to develop and transmit advisory input on neighborhood
and citywide issues.
A neighborhood association shall maintain compliance with the minimum
standards established by ordinance to continue to be recognized by the city and
to be eligible to elect members to the Inter-Neighborhood Council.
(c) City Liaison. The City shall designate a full-time staff member to serve as a
liaison to the Inter-Neighborhood Council and neighborhood associations. The
staff liaison shall support coordination, leadership development, training,
communication, and assist in facilitating participatory planning, budgeting, and
policy engagement processes.
(d) Inter-Neighborhood Council. There is hereby established an Inter-
Neighborhood Council (INC) to be composed of representatives selected by each
formally recognized neighborhood association.
(1) Purpose and Role. The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall provide a
forum for neighborhood associations to come together, deliberate,
share information, and develop recommendations to the city
commission, city manager, on neighborhood and city-wide issues.
A neighborhood association may make a recommendation directly
to the city commission or city manager.
(2) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall adopt by-laws governing the
conduct of business emphasizing deliberation, transparency and
participation. Such by-laws shall be approved by the city
commission, or as designated by ordinance.
(3) A vacancy for the Inter-Neighborhood Council shall be filled only by
the affected neighborhood association. The city shall appoint a city
commissioner as a non-voting liaison of the Inter-Neighborhood
Council.
(4) The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall meet on a regular basis to
foster dialogue between neighborhoods and the city commission
and city manager.
(5) When practicable, the INC shall be consulted during the formative
stages of citywide planning efforts, policy initiatives, and budget
discussions that affect neighborhood associations.
(6) When INC develops recommendations, there shall be an
opportunity to present its recommendation during a city commission
meeting as part of the relevant agenda item.
(7) As applicable, the city commission, or city manager shall provide
timely responses to recommendations submitted by the Inter-
Neighborhood Council, including an explanation of how such input
was considered and the reasons for any divergence.
(8) The City of Bozeman Neighborhood Liaison shall work with the
Inter-Neighborhood Council to expand the neighborhood program
and develop boundaries to include all residents in a Neighborhood
Association.
Section 8.04. City Boards.
The city commission may create boards, commissions, agencies or committees (“City Boards”)
as are required by state law or as desired by the city commission.
(a) Purpose. City boards assist the city by providing guidance, representing community
perspectives, increasing transparency, and reviewing policies or proposals. City boards
serve as valuable platforms for early public engagement on issues and decisions. By
providing opportunities for resident engagement, city boards strengthen decision-making
and public trust. City boards provide advice and recommendations to the city commission;
encourage public participation in civic affairs; and assist in public education on matters
within their purview.
(b) Powers. City boards shall be advisory only. They shall have no administrative authority
unless specifically required by federal or state law, or interlocal agreement.
1. City boards shall be established by resolution which includes the purpose of each
board and the number, desired skills and necessary experience for its members.
The board, in collaboration with city staff and commission liaison, shall establish
annual priorities and public engagement processes.
2. Formal recommendations to the city commission shall reflect the majority position
of the city board. When appropriate, minority perspectives may be submitted as
part of the public record.
(c) Appointments, Compensation, Terms and Qualifications.
1. All city boards will be established by the city commission, and members will be
appointed by the commission or the mayor when required by law, following public
solicitation advertised not less than twice annually.
2. To ensure city boards represent the community, the city shall encourage
participation from residents with relevant expertise, knowledge, experience and
perspective.
3. Appointments may be made to fill unexpected vacancies or vacancies not filled
through the last round of advertisements from those applications on file as of the
date of appointment.
4. Subcommittees of existing boards, commissions, or committees may be appointed
by the city commission without the necessity of public solicitation.
5. The city commission may authorize the city manager to establish special ad hoc
commissions for specific purposes without public advertisement.
6. Except where prohibited by law, the terms on all boards shall be staggered.
7. Board, commission or committee members shall serve without compensation.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 9.01. Conflicts of Interest; Board of Ethics.
(a) Conflicts of Interest. The use of public office for private gain is prohibited.
The city commission shall implement this prohibition by ordinance, the terms
of which shall include, but not be limited to: acting in an official capacity on
matters in which the official has a private financial interest clearly separate from
that of the general public, the acceptance of gifts and other things of value,
acting in a private capacity on matters dealt with as a public official, the use of
confidential information, and appearances by city officials before other city
agencies on behalf of private interests. This ordinance shall include a
statement of purpose and shall provide for reasonable public disclosure of
finances by officials with major decision‑making authority over monetary
expenditures and contractual and regulatory matters and, insofar as
permissible under state law, shall provide for fines and imprisonment for
violations.
(b) Board of Ethics. The city commission shall, by ordinance, establish an
independent board of ethics pursuant to state law. The city commission shall
appropriate sufficient funds to the city manager to provide annual training and
education of city officials, city boards, and employees, including candidates for
public office, regarding the state and city ethics codes. City officials, board
members, and employees shall take an oath to uphold the state and city ethics
codes.
Section 9.02. Campaign Finance.
In order to combat the potential for, and appearance of, corruption and to preserve the ability of
all qualified citizens to run for public office, the city shall, insofar as is permitted by state and
federal law, have the authority to enact ordinances designed to limit contributions and
expenditures by candidates for locally elected office. Ordinances pursuant to this section may
include but are not limited to: limitations on candidate and candidate committees that affect the
amount, time, place, and source of financial and in‑kind contributions; and voluntary limitations
on candidate and candidate committee expenditures tied to financial or non‑financial incentives.
ARTICLE X
CHARTER AMENDMENT
Section 10.01 Proposal of Amendment.
Amendments to this charter may be framed and proposed:
(1) In the manner provided by state law, or
(2) By ordinance of the commission containing the full text of the proposed
amendment, or
(3) By report of a study commission created pursuant to state law, or
(4) By the voters of the city. Proposal of an amendment by the voters of the city
shall be by petition containing the full text of the proposed amendment and shall
be governed by the same procedures and requirements prescribed in Article V for
initiative petitions until such time as a final determination as to the sufficiency of
the petition is made, except that there shall be no limitation as to subject matter
and that the petition must be signed by registered voters of the city equal to that
required by state law. In verifying petitions, the percentage under state law shall
be applied to only active voters as certified by the county election administrator.
Section 10.02. Election.
Upon delivery to the election authorities of the report of a charter commission or delivery by the
city clerk of an adopted ordinance or a petition finally determined sufficient, proposing an
amendment pursuant to §10.01, or as otherwise provided by state law, the election authorities
shall submit the proposed amendment to the voters of the city at an election, pursuant to state
law.
Section 10.03. Adoption of Amendment.
If a majority of those voting upon a proposed charter amendment vote in favor of it, the
amendment shall become effective at the time fixed in the amendment or, if no time is therein
fixed, 30 days after its adoption by the voters.
ARTICLE XI
TRANSITION AND SEVERABILITY
Section 11.01. Officers, Employees and Elected Officials.
(a) Rights and Privileges Preserved. Nothing in this charter except as otherwise
specifically provided, shall affect or impair the rights or privileges of persons who
are city officers or employees at the time of its adoption.
(b) Continuance of Office or Employment. Except as specifically provided by
this charter if, at the time this charter takes full effect, a city administrative officer
or employee holds any office or position which is or can be abolished by or under
this charter, he or she shall continue in such office or position until the taking effect
of some specific provision under this charter directing that he or she vacate the
office or position. Elected officials serving at the time this charter is approved by
the voters shall continue in office for the balance of their term.
(c) Personnel System. An employee holding a city position at the time this charter
takes full effect, who was serving in that same or a comparable position at the time
of its adoption, shall not be subject to competitive tests as a condition of
continuance in the same position but in all other respects shall be subject to the
personnel system provided for in §5.02.
Section 11.02. Pending Matters.
All rights, claims, actions, orders, contracts, and legal administrative proceedings shall continue
except as modified pursuant to the provisions of this charter and in each case shall be maintained,
carried on, or dealt with by the city department, office, or agency appropriate under this charter.
Section 11.03. State and Municipal Laws.
All city ordinances, resolutions, orders, and regulations in force when this charter becomes fully
effective shall be updated to conform with this charter pursuant to state law. Any ordinance or
resolution required to be established pursuant to this charter shall be completed as required by
state law.
Section 11.04. Schedule.
(a) Mayor Election. Section 2.03(b) shall take effect with the 2029 city election, with said
mayor being seated at the beginning of the first commission meeting in January 2030.
(b) Sub-options. Should there be a change in how city commissioners are elected due to
the vote on sub-options listed on the ballot, this shall take effect with the 2029 city
election.
(c) Time of Taking Full Effect. The charter shall be in full effect for all purposes pursuant
to the schedule established by state law.
Section 11.05. Severability.
If any provision of this charter is held invalid, the other provisions of the charter shall not be
affected. If the application of the charter or any of its provisions to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the application of the charter and its provisions to other persons or circumstances
shall not be affected.
We, the Study Commissioners of the City of
Bozeman, do hereby certify that this is the
proposed plan of government approved by the
Bozeman Local Government Review Study
Commission.
In testimony whereof, we set our hands.
Done at Bozeman, Montana this ___ day of
_______, 2026.
Respectfully submitted,
City of Bozeman Local Government Study
Commission
_______________________________________
Carson Taylor, Chair
________________________________________
Deanna Campbell
________________________________________
Barb Cestero
________________________________________
Becky Franks, Vice Chair
_________________________________________
Jan Strout
Article II With Suboptions Edits: following direction of the majority vote for the Bozeman Study Commission on May 20March 5, 2026
ARTICLE II
CITY COMMISSION
Section 2.01. General Powers and Duties.
All powers of the city shall be vested in the city commission; except as otherwise provided by law or this charter, and the commission shall provide for the exercise thereof and for the performance
of all duties and obligations imposed on the city by law.
Section 2.02. Eligibility, Terms, and Composition. (a) Eligibility. Only registered voters of the City of Bozeman, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2, of the Montana Constitution, shall be eligible to hold the office of commission member or mayor. (b) Terms. The term of office of elected officials shall be four years elected in accordance with Article VI.
For convenience of the voters, the sub-optional choices for selection of the Commission are included below. The method of selection approved by the voters at the time of the adoption of the charter shall remain in the charter. All other language shall be deleted following the election.
(c) Composition. The commission shall be composed of [4 or 6] members
elected by the voters of the city at large in accordance with provisions of Article VI and the mayor. The mayor shall be elected as provided in §2.03(b). OR (c) Composition. The commission shall be composed of [4 or 6] members and the mayor. Commissioners shall be elected from [four or six (4 or 6)] wards, by
the voters who reside in each ward. They shall serve four year terms. Commissioners shall reside within the ward from which they are nominated and elected and shall be qualified voters of the city. The mayor shall be elected pursuant to §2.03(b).
OR (c) Composition. The commission shall be composed of [4 or 6] members and the mayor. Commissioners must reside in one of the [four or six (4 or 6)] wards and shall be elected at-large for four year terms. The mayor shall be elected
pursuant to §2.03(b).
Section 2.03. Mayor
(a) Powers and Duties. The mayor shall be a voting member of the city commission and shall attend and preside at meetings of the commission; represent the city in
intergovernmental relationships; present an annual state of the city message; add an item to the commission agenda prepared by the city manager; assign, subject to the consent of commission, agenda items to sub-committees of the commission; and perform other
duties specified by the commission. The mayor shall be recognized as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law but shall have no administrative duties and shall not interfere with the administration of the city as provided in §2.05(c), below. The mayor shall not have any appointment power to city boards except where required by state law.
(b) Mayor Elected At Large. At every a regular city election, the voters of the city shall elect a mayor at large for a term of four years. The person so elected shall serve as deputy mayor and a commissioner for the first two years of his or her term, and mayor for the balance of his or her term of office.
(c) Appointing a Vice Mayor. In the month of January following each regular city election, the Commission shall elect a Vice Mayor from among its members who shall serve and function as mayor during the absence of the Mayor. This appointment shall occur in the month of January following each regular city election, and the Vice Mayor shall serve two years until the next January following a regular city election.
Section 2.04. Compensation; Expenses. The city commission may determine the annual salary of the mayor and commission members by ordinance, but no ordinance increasing such salary shall become effective until the date of commencement of the terms of commission members elected at the next regular election. The mayor and commission members shall receive their actual ordinary and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties of office. Section 2.05. Prohibitions. (a) Holding Other Office. Except where authorized by law, no commission member shall hold any other elected public office during the term for which the member was elected to the commission. No commission member shall hold any
other city office or employment during the term for which the member was elected to the commission. No former commission member shall hold any compensated appointive office or employment with the city until one year after the expiration of the term for which the member was elected to the commission, unless granted a waiver by the board of ethics. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the commission from selecting any current or former commission member to represent the city on the governing board of any regional or other intergovernmental agency, or any city board. (b) Appointments and Removals. Neither the city commission nor any of its members shall in any manner control or demand the appointment or removal of any city administrative officer or employee whom the city manager or any subordinate of the city manager is empowered to appoint, but the commission may express its views and fully and freely discuss with the city manager anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees.
(c) Interference with Administration. Except for the purpose of inquiries, and investigations under §2.09, the commission or its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager, and neither the commission nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately.
Section 2.06. Vacancies; Forfeiture of Office; Filling of Vacancies.
(a) Vacancies. The office of a commission member or Mayor shall become vacant upon the officeholder's death, resignation, or removal from office or forfeiture of office in any manner authorized by law. If the mayor is absent, incapacitated, dies,
resigns from office, or is removed from office, the Vice Mayor deputy mayor shall succeed as mayor during said time or absence or incapacity or for the balance of the mayor’s term, as appropriate; and the commission vacancy created therein
shall be filled pursuant to this section.
(b) Forfeiture of Office. A commission member or Mayor shall forfeit that office if the officeholder commission member:
(1) Fails to meet the residency requirements, (2) Violates any express prohibition of this charter, (3) Is convicted of a felony, or (4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Commission without being excused by the Commission. (c) Filling of Vacancies. A vacancy in the city commission or the office of the mayor shall be filled within 60 days of the occurrence of said vacancy by vote of the existing City Commissioners. Commissioners must hold a public forum with
potential applicants for the vacant commission or mayor position. Said vacancy shall otherwise be filled, pursuant to state law. This appointment will be in place until the next scheduled election pursuant to state law. General Municipal Election. Recommendation: The City Commission should adopt a standard process and criteria for appointments to fill a Commission or Mayor vacancy. Section 2.07. Judge of Qualifications.
The city commission shall be the judge of the grounds for forfeiture of a member's office, pursuant to §2.06.b. In order to exercise these powers, the commission shall have power to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of evidence. A member charged with
conduct constituting grounds for forfeiture of office shall be entitled to a public hearing on demand, and notice of such hearing shall be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the city pursuant to state law. Section 2.08. City Clerk. The city commission or the city manager, as designated by ordinance, shall appoint an officer of
the city who shall have the title of city clerk. The city clerk shall give notice of commission meetings
to its members and the public, keep the journal of its proceedings and perform such other duties as are assigned by this charter, by the commission or by state law. Section 2.09. Investigations.
The city commission may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any
city department, office, or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence. Failure or refusal to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the commission shall be a misdemeanor punishable pursuant to state law.
Section 2.10. Procedure. The city commission shall, by ordinance, establish its rules of procedure and time and place of meetings, in accordance with state law. Section 2.11. Action Requiring an Ordinance.
In addition to other acts required by law or by specific provision of this charter to be done by
ordinance, those acts of the city commission shall be by ordinance which: (1) Adopt or amend an administrative code or establish, alter, or abolish any city department, office, or agency; (2) Provide for a fine or other penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation of which a fine or other penalty is imposed;
(3) Levy a new tax; (4) Grant, renew, or extend a franchise; (5) Convey or lease or authorize the conveyance or lease of any lands of the city; (6) Regulate land use and development; (7) Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted; or (8) Adopt, with or without amendment, ordinances proposed under the initiative
power.
Acts other than those referred to in the preceding sentence may be done either by ordinance or
by resolution. Section 2.12. Ordinances in General. Ordinances, regular, emergency, and technical regulations, will be proposed, published, and approved in accordance with state law. In addition to the requirements of state law, ordinances, administrative regulations, resolutions, and the Bozeman Municipal Code will be published electronically.
Section 9.04. Schedule.
(a) Mayor Election. Section 2.03(b) shall take effect with the 2029 2007 city election, with said mayor being seated after serving as deputy mayor at the beginning of the first commission meeting in January 2030 2010.
Recommendation: By resolution, the City of Bozeman should develop a document
describing the roles, responsibilities, obligations and expectations for the Mayor and
Commissioner position and that it be reviewed every 5 years.
From:Barb Cestero
To:Mike Maas
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fwd: Clean copy of charter draft
Date:Sunday, May 24, 2026 2:27:16 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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I realized I probably needed to send you the below email correspondence with Deanna from
today since there are three of us on this thread. I hit reply all by accident.b
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Barb Cestero <barbcestero@gmail.com>Date: Sun, May 24, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: Clean copy of charter draftTo: Deanna Campbell <campbell4citystudy@gmail.com>
Cc: Becky Franks <beckyfranks2414@gmail.com>
Hi Deanna,
I have made a few changes to the clean copy of the amended charter based on the direction ofthe commission at the last meeting, but only the few things we agreed upon. These changes
will be in "track changes," and I will get Mike the new amended charter tomorrow. That said, Ithink everyone should be working with the clean copy from the last meeting.
Here are the changes I have made, only one of which is substantive:
* I've added the compensation committee language brought forward by Carson & Jan tosection 2.04 and changed the sentence that we all found confusing.
* I fixed the typo in article 8 that several people pointed out (canager instead of manager)* I added the word city to the sentence in section 2.05(a) that you were concerned prohibited
commissioners from having any kind of other employment since it seemed we all agreed itdidn't read the way it was intended. So now that sentence says: No commission member shall
hold any other city office or city employment during the term for which the member was
elected to the commission. * After discussing with Becky, I've edited 2.02 (c) to address the confusing wording regardingcomposition of the city commission since a couple of people (including you, I think) raised
what appears like an unneeded "and the mayor" phrase. We'll explain why we made thechange we did on Wednesday.
There may be other typos that I fix before tomorrow but nothing substantive. I am also
working on a worksheet for the ward options we are putting on the ballot but I don't think thatshould go in the amended charter until we discuss it on Wednesday.
Hope that helps.
b
On Sun, May 24, 2026 at 1:45 PM Deanna Campbell <campbell4citystudy@gmail.com>
wrote:
Hello Becky and Barb,I am working with the clean copy of the draft charter attached to our last agenda and want to
know if you will have made any changes to this for our next meeting. I am presuming thatsince Wednesday is a continuation, the documents remain the same. Please confirm.
Thanks,Deanna
-- Barb Cestero
611 N. Bozeman AveBozeman, MT 59715
406-579-0713
-- Barb Cestero
611 N. Bozeman AveBozeman, MT 59715
406-579-0713
ARTICLE VII
ELECTIONS
Section 7.01. City Elections.
(a) Regular Elections. Regular city elections shall be held and administered in odd numbered years, pursuant to state law. Candidates shall run for office without
party designation. (b) Beginning of term. The terms of new commission members shall start at the beginning of the first regularly scheduled meeting in January after their election.
Section 7.02. Methods of Electing Commission Members.
For convenience of the voters, the sub-option choices for selection of the Commission are included below. The method of selection approved by the voters at the time of the adoption of the charter shall remain in the charter. All other language shall be deleted following the election.
Option A: Existing Charter Language:
At the first election under this charter, commission members shall be elected at large for four-year terms. The mayor shall be elected pursuant to §2.03(b).
Option B: (language suggested by Dan Clark, mostly)
Commissioners must reside in one of the [four or six] wards and shall be elected at-large for
four year terms. At the first election under this charter, commission members shall be elected at large for four-year terms. The mayor shall be elected pursuant to §2.03(b).
Following each federal decennial census, the city commission shall divide the city into [four or six] wards, ensuring that the wards are compact and as equal in population and geographic area as practicable. Re-apportionment may occur at any other time for the purpose of equalizing population and area among commissioner wards. However a ward may not be changed in a way
that affects the term of office of any city commissioner who has been elected. Additionally, changes to the boundaries of any ward may not be made between the date that is six months prior to a city commissioner primary election and the date of the general election.
Commissioners must reside in the ward for which they are seeking election, and forfeit their position, subject to the provisions of this section, if their principal residence changes to a location outside of the ward from which they were elected.
Option C: (modeled on 1996 study commission charter/report that was defeated)
Commissioners shall be elected from [four or six (4 or 6)] wards. Only the residents living within a specific ward may vote for that ward’s commissioner. Commissioners shall serve four year terms, and shall reside within the ward from which they are nominated and elected and shall be qualified voters of the city. The mayor shall be elected pursuant to §2.03(b).
Following each federal decennial census, the city commission shall divide the city into four or six wards, ensuring that the wards are compact and as equal in population and geographic area as
practicable. Re-apportionment may occur at any other time for the purpose of equalizing population and area among commissioner wards. However a ward may not be changed in a way that affects the term of office of any city commissioner who has been elected. Additionally,
changes to the boundaries of any ward may not be made between the date that is six months prior to a city commissioner primary election and the date of the general election.
Commissioners must reside in the ward seat for which they are seeking election, and forfeit their position, subject to the provisions of this section, if their principal residence changes to a location outside of the Commissioner Ward.
Section 7.03. Initiative; Citizen Referendum, and Recall.
The powers of initiative, citizen referendum, and recall are hereby reserved to the electors of the city as provided by state law. In verifying petitions for initiatives and referendums, the percentage of signatures required under state law shall be reduced in proportion to the number of inactive registered voters as most recently certified by the county election administrator pursuant to state law.
Proposed Amendments to Amended Charter 2026
1.
Section 2.02 (a) Eligibility. Only registered voters whose principal residence is in the City of
Bozeman shall be eligible to hold the office of commission member or mayor.
Pursuant to suggestion of Brian Close---this prevents people who live elsewhere from claiming
residence in Bozeman. See his comments at our May 20 meeting.
2.
Section 2.05 (c) delete the word “solely”
This allows a discussion and agreement between Commission members and a City Manager as to
the communication allowed between Commissioner members and employees---per our
Recommendation. Otherwise the word “solely” implies a process that cannot be negotiated.
3.
Section 4.01 General Provisions Pursuant to the Constitution and laws of Montana, the Court
exercises judicial authority on behalf of the City. The Court shall operate independently and
separately from the legislative and executive branches branches of City government.
This establishes the independence and separateness of the Court’s actions in trying and ruling on
cases. Otherwise there is an implicit conflict in the Court being a “Department” of the City. I
also do not object to the “operate” being replaced by the word “act”.
4.
Add the following to the Section about Wards--- is any Ward version passes
Following each decennial census, the City Commission shall redivide, if necessary, the City into
four/six Commissioner wards, ensuring that the wards are as compact, equal in population and
geographic size as practicable.
Re-apportionment may also occur at anytime for the purposes of equalizing population among
wards after a significant annexation or addition to the City. However, a Commissioner ward may
not be changed in a way that affects the term of office of any City Commissioner, who has been
elected. Additionally, changes to the boundaries of any Commissioner Ward may not be made
six months or less prior to a City general election.
Commissioners must reside in the ward seat for which they are seeking election, and forfeit their
position, subject to the provisions of this section, if their principal residence changes to a
location outside of the Commissioner Ward.
A method for drawing the boundaries and adjusting them should be in the Charter, if
there is a vote in favor of either Ward option.
5.
Section 8.01 Public Engagement…In the second Paragraph change “Public engagement shall
ensure two-way communication….” To “Public engagement is intended to ensure two-way
communication…”
The use of the word “shall” is inappropriate as a requirement for what may or may not
result in “two-way communication”. It could lead to demands that are impossible to enforce.
From:Jan Strout
To:Mike Maas
Cc:Carson Taylor; Jan Strout
Subject:[EXTERNAL]SC Amendment #2 - 2 proposals: Article VIII 8.04 Neighborhood Assns Purpose + CommunityImpact Statements for Neighborhood Associations
Date:Friday, May 22, 2026 12:27:58 PM
Attachments:Scan_20260520.pngScan_20260520 (2).pngScan_20260520_2.png
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I move to amend Title VIII Public Engagement
Section 8.04 Neighborhood Associations - 2 proposed amendments:
#1 -
I move to amend Section 8.04 (b) Recognition of Neighborhood Associations
(2) add the word non-partisan before "organizations" to read:
2) membership in neighborhood associations is open to all residents, property
owners, business owners,
non-partisan organizations, located within a neighborhood association's boundary;
Rationale:
Ensuring participating membership organizations are non-partisan (free from Party
bias, affiliation or designation) NONPARTISAN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
This can help facilitate constructive, trusted neighborly relationships as part of a
community-building role of NA's as described in (7) of Neighborhood Associations
Recognition.
#2 -
Section 8.04 (b) Recognition of Neighborhood Associations
(7) to increase capacity to develop and transmit advisory input on neighborhood and
city-wide issues
TO ADD as a Recommendation below this section, not as an Amendment:
"City of Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council (INC) and Neighborhood Associations
can work with the City's Department of Community engagement to co-create and
develop Neighborhood Impact Statement forms and process (NIS). This option can
be used to enhance communication of specific proposals initiated by the individual
Neighborhood Association and/or INC for the City Commission using the model of
Los Angeles City Department of Community Empowerment's Your Community
Impact Statement (CIS)
See example attached below from LA Harbor City Neighborhood Council.
Submitted by Jan Strout and Carson Taylor
From:Jan Strout
To:Mike Maas
Cc:Carson Taylor; Jan Strout
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UPDATED: SC Amendment #1`for Preamble - Human Rights
Date:Friday, May 22, 2026 12:45:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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I needed to change Title VIII to Title VII Elections below and see the revised updated lastparagraph below.
Thanks, Jan
On Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:32:35 AM MDT, Jan Strout <janchangethatworks@yahoo.com> wrote:
Amendment to Charter
Article I - Preamble
I move the addition of the words human rights to follow "democratic representation"
in the last sentence of the Preamble.
To read:
By this action, we secure the rights to self-governance and affirm the values of
democratic representation, human rights, professional management, strong political
leadership, public engagement and regional cooperation.
Human Rights are the fundamental framework of our Montana Constitution and
State Laws - the backbone of City of Bozeman's Charter document contained in the
1st sentence of our Preamble. That's why the State of Montana has a Human Rights
Bureau responsible for enforcing the Montana Human Rights Act (Title 49, MCA).
Montana's human rights are also referenced in the Charter Articles II, III, IV and VII,
among others, as rights to democratic representation and strong political leadership
through the election of a Mayor, City Commissioners and Judges of the Municipal
Court. These are some of our fundamental political human rights to vote and elect the
positions of Mayor, City Commissioners and Judges of the Municipal Court. And to
hold them accountable.
Submitted by Jan Strout and Carson Taylor