The City Commission of Livingston, Montana, convened to finalize Resolution 5144, which levies a 100% cost for street maintenance and improvement for fiscal year 2024-2025, amounting to $1,390,903. The resolution assesses all properties within the designated district, with average residential assessments projected at approximately $368.36 and commercial assessments at about $646.95. This marks a slight increase of 2.43% from the previous fiscal year, translating to an additional $4.68 for households valued at $300,000.

During the meeting, public comments highlighted concerns from local business owners regarding the financial burden of increased taxes. One commercial property owner expressed frustration over the cumulative taxes and fees, arguing that the city’s strategic planning has overlooked the economic health of local businesses. She emphasized the challenges faced by commercial establishments, particularly in light of recent infrastructure projects that have added to their financial strain.

Commissioners acknowledged the public's concerns while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining infrastructure to avoid larger costs in the future. They noted that deferring maintenance could lead to significant expenses down the line, which would be more challenging for the community to manage.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the resolution, reflecting a commitment to ongoing infrastructure maintenance despite the financial implications for property owners.