Missoula, MT – The City of Missoula is making significant strides in maintaining budget efficiency across various departments, with several key sectors on track to stay within their allocated funds for the current fiscal year. During a recent meeting of the City Council Budget and Finance Committee, updates from the central services department, the city attorney’s office, human resources, and the police and fire departments showcased progress and future plans.
The central services department, tasked with managing the logistics of the city’s operations, is projecting a potential savings of $330,000. With an $8.7 million budget, the department is on course to optimize its spending while maintaining critical city functions. The department’s focus remains on increasing efficiency and improving overall service delivery across city operations.
The City Attorney’s Office reported a heavy caseload, with 15,890 active cases and 11,883 hearings held over the past year. Despite the significant workload, the office is on track to remain within its budget of approximately $2 million. The department continues to manage its resources effectively to handle the large volume of legal proceedings while staying fiscally responsible.
Human Resources has seen an influx of new hires, with 279 employees joining the city workforce in the past eight months. The department is also projected to remain under its $1.2 million budget, with some potential for savings. This achievement is a testament to the department’s ability to manage staffing levels efficiently while contributing to the city’s growth and development.
The Missoula Police Department, with a budget of $25.3 million, is focusing on public safety and technological advancements. Notably, the department reported that 99.6% of use-of-force incidents were captured on body cameras and in-car video from July to December 2024. The use of this technology is seen as a significant step in enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The department is also preparing to release its 2024 annual report on April 30th, which will provide further insights into its activities and performance.
Similarly, the Missoula Fire Department is expected to stay within its $25 million budget for the year. The department is looking forward to the construction of a new fire station, which is currently in the planning stages. In addition, the department continues to support the mobile support team, a vital resource for responding to emergencies and enhancing community safety.
Looking ahead, the City of Missoula is gearing up for budget discussions for the 2026 fiscal year. These conversations will be crucial in determining how to allocate resources to meet the growing needs of the city while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As departments continue to demonstrate effective budget management, the city appears poised for continued growth and improvement.
Stay tuned for further updates on the 2026 budget discussions as they unfold.
