Wednesday Wrap: May 14
This week’s wrap up of local news from the last week.
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City considering utility rate hikes in effort to build infrastructure for development: City Commissioners are considering a substantial increase to water, sewer and stormwater fees for the upcoming budget year. Commissioners have set a public hearing for June 3 on the proposed rates that, if approved, would be effective July 1.
City, county discussing plans for opioid settlement funds: Cascade County and City of Great Falls officials are discussing how to use funds they’re receiving in opioid lawsuit settlements. Both local governments pursued legal action related to opioids and now have a say in how the settlement funds are used.
City approves Mansfield Theater ceiling repair project, also with a shortfall: City Commissioners unanimously approved a $445,000 contract for the Mansfield Theater ceiling repair project during their May 6 meeting. The city received a Montana Historic Preservation Grant toward the project, but like the theater seating replacement, the ceiling repair is also short funding.
Residential rehab facility planned for Jasper Road: Healing the Circle Lodge has submitted a special use permit application to establish and drug and alcohol rehab facility at 2601 Jasper Road. The property is located in Cascade County and the company is working with the county planning office through the land use process. A public hearing on the permit application is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 15.
GFPS adopts new elementary math materials: The Great Falls Public Schools board adopted new math curriculum materials for grades K-6 during their May 12 meeting. Rachel Cutler, elementary curriculum coordinator, told the board during their April 28 meeting that Amplify Desmos was the top scored resource through the selection process with the district’s math committee. She said during that meeting that the estimated cost was $950,000 for a five-year purchase that included digital access for teachers and students, blended with some written work materials. The materials also include hard copy teacher manuals, daily presentation guides, kits, online formative and summative assessments.
