Missoula Faces Fiscal Uncertainty Over Plastic Ban Initiative
Missoula, MT - The City of Missoula is grappling with financial uncertainties as it prepares for a potential ballot initiative to ban certain plastics this November. Eric Hallstrom, the city's Central Services director, has requested $32,000 in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to cover the costs associated with placing the initiative on the ballot. However, complications arise as the Secretary of State has yet to certify the signature-gathering process, a crucial step before the initiative can be officially included.
"We estimated the cost based on previous government studies in November," Hallstrom explained. "The actual ballot space needed remains uncertain until certification, which affects our financial planning."
In May, the advocacy group Families for a Livable Climate Beyond Plastics submitted a petition to the Missoula County Elections office. Their initiative aims to prohibit single-use plastics within city limits, pending validation of over 9,000 signatures. Simultaneously, another group, Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, seeks statewide support for an abortion protection measure.
The Secretary of State must decide by August 22 whether these initiatives qualify for the ballot. However, Missoula's budget adoption deadline is August 19, potentially leaving the city in a bind.
"We're facing a timing challenge," remarked City Council member Stacie Anderson. "Including the $32,000 now is a risk if the plastic ban doesn't proceed."
Hallstrom remains cautiously optimistic about timely confirmation. "There's a narrow window for certainty," he noted.
If enacted, the Missoula plastics ordinance would prohibit single-use plastic bags and polystyrene items in city facilities and local businesses. Meanwhile, the proposed abortion measure aims to establish constitutional protections for reproductive rights in Montana.
As Missoula navigates this fiscal uncertainty, stakeholders await the Secretary of State's decision, which will significantly impact the city's financial planning for the coming year.
