City Commissioners are set to vote on Tuesday to set a public hearing for Sept. 4 on the new park district assessment.

Voters approved the creation of the district in May but to levy the assessment, the city must conduct a public hearing.

Commission approves resolution establishing Great Falls park district

Under state law, the city must annually prepare a work plan, budget and estimated expenses for the services to be performed in the district. The commission must specify the method of assessment.

First Great Falls park district approved, assessment will appear on fall tax bills

The city has opted to use the taxable value method and for the first three years, plans to assess $1.5 million annually. The estimated annual assessment on a $100,000 property is $22.92.

The park district funds, according to the city, will be used for:

• maintenance, repair, replacement, upkeep, installation, improvements, operation enhancement, construction, acquisition of land;
• implementation of measures required to maintain public health and safety or meet legal or regulatory requirements;
• purchase, replace and/or maintain equipment, tools or vehicles used to carry out the functions described herein; and/or
• other functions, labor, supplies and/or materials necessary for management and maintenance of city-owned facilities, lands, and equipment under the responsibility and care of the City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Department including but not limited to:
  • public parks and park areas (as described in the City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Master Plan), recreation facilities, trails, open space, urban forest, medians, boulevards, pathways, sidewalks, public easements, and other facilities which are located in the city limits and/or are owned by the City.

The park district’s revenue may not be used for programming.