By Taylor Owens CONTENT MARKETING LEAD
In the upcoming November elections, Bozeman voters will decide on two critical public safety measures: a construction bond for a fourth fire station, and a mill levy to fund additional first responders. The city has nearly doubled in population since 2007, but staffing levels in both the fire and police departments have remained stagnant, leading to longer response times and a shift from proactive to reactive policing. If approved, the bond and levy will fund 30 new police officers, 22 firefighters, and additional support staff. These improvements aim to reduce emergency response times and enhance community safety.
The new positions in Fire will be used to staff Fire Station 4 and implement a quick-response vehicle program, while the new police positions will allow the department to create a dedicated traffic unit and increase crime prevention.
The second ballot question addresses the need for a fourth fire station. With the current setup of three stations, there is a coverage gap on the city’s west side, leading to slower response times for residents in the southwest area. If voters approve both this bond measure and the mill levy, the City will have the resources to construct, equip and staff the new Fire Station 4.
City staff including City Manager Chuck Winn, Fire Chief Josh Waldo, Police Chief Jim Veltkamp, City Commissioner Terry Cunningham will hold a forum and present information about the proposed bond and levy, how they would address public safety needs, and answer questions from the public at the Bozeman Public Library, in the Community Room, on Monday, Oct. 7 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
