Will Miller Creek Support New Development Charges?

After years of discussing the issue of how new development should be paying for city services, Missoula leaders are ready to roll out a new approach as they dive into a project for the rapidly growing Miller Creek neighborhood, which could cost nearly $ 6 million.

After years of trying to figure out how to pay for the upgrade of Lower Miller Creek Road, the city is pressing ahead with a combination of funding from developers, but also the imposition of a new "Special Improvement District", where new homeowners will be paying more, above taxes, to fund plans to widen the road, add sidewalks for safety, landscaping, and stormwater collection.

The public works project covers the stretch between Linda Vista Boulevard and Jack Drive, as well as adjacent Bigfork Road near Maloney Ranch Park and Jeannette Rankin Elementary.

The SID comes from a study into city costs

City Transportation Engineer Ryan Guelff says using the SID is a way to make sure costs are being covered.

"That study formed the basis for how costs are split fairly between new development and existing residents," Guelff explains. "So in addition to those special impact fees, we're looking at a special improvement district that will be essentially a new tax levy on existing residents to pay that remaining 49%."

We're very aware, like, you know, the cost of everything is increasing and it's expensive to live here," says Gwen Landquist, Communications Specialist for Public Works & Mobility. "And so there's how can we cover costs and provide service, but also make sure that it's affordable."

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Paying over a wider area

The SID isn't just along Lower Miller Creek, but includes a large surrounding area up to a mile away.

Residents can find out more about the funding and the project during an open house tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 at Jeanette Rankin Elementary School, with a final decision up to the city council.