Local Politics

Engen, Carey Stress City-County Cooperation in State of Missoula Address

By Brianna Randall, 1-17-06

Levity was one ingredient at today's State of Missoula address given by Bill Carey, Missoula County Commissioner, and John Engen, Missoula's new Mayor. Another was pride in the growing inter-jurisdictional coordination between the county and the city.

Engen and Carey each spoke for about 25 minutes at the Chamber of Commerce-hosted luncheon at the Doubletree Inn downtown, after an exuberant welcome by Missoula Chamber President, Monte Turner. The two politicians informed the several hundred people in attendance of the current condition of the Missoula area, including everything from the lack of Medicare funding for dental health to the state of transportation plans and emergency services.

John Engen, on his 16th day as Mayor, joked that he would spare listeners his background -- considering he had just finished a nine-month campaign introducing himself to Missoulians. He also began by citing a few differences between himself and his "chart-loving" predecessor, Mike Kadas, and humbly announced how honored he was to hold the mayoral office.

Engen announced several key objectives for the upcoming year, including incorporating the community's vision into a comprehensive plan for West Broadway, supporting the construction of new swimming pools, and maintaining the current zoning for the downtown district to encourage sharing of both working and living space. He recognized the improved traffic at the newly remodeled "Malfunction Junction," and the associated rise in economic development in this district.

The Mayor also introduced the need for revising land use regulations, and for building new offices for certain services downtown, such as the Police Department.

"Currently, suspects and victims pass each other in our narrow hallways," Engen said.

Engen also mentioned his desire to change the structure of both City Council and the mayor's office.

"We need to work on fortifying communication efforts to provide a forum for citizens to talk," he said.

Commissioner Carey, who is beginning his second six-year term in office, listed reports from each arm of the county government. For instance, the Office of Planning and Grants reported that land in rural areas is being developed four times faster than in the in urban districts.

"We expect a 30 percent population growth within the next 20 years," said Carey.

Carey lauded the hard work of the many departments involved in approving the Wye Mullan Plan, which could see up to 10,000 new housing units in the near future. He also discussed the benefits the soon-to-be-built Direct TV call center, which will employ up to 900 people, and the success of the Milltown Dam removal agreement signed in late summer.

The county's budget of $78.5 million includes 700 employees. Over 50 percent of the County's annual revenue originates from property taxes, and Carey cautioned that although we have a healthy rate of new construction, the current growth is only providing enough money to maintain County services, not add new ones.

"If the construction boom slows or stops, then services will have to be cut," said Carey. "Currently, there are very few options available for the County to raise funds."

During the question and answer session following the two addresses, both politicians were asked what their top three interests were for the future of the Missoula area. Carey talked about the need for a more inclusive, logical transportation system that was less dependent on automotive power.

Engen answered that his main concerns were maintaining open space and the need for more affordable housing.

"There's a real supply and demand problem here," Engen said. "At this rate, our children will have to use all of our retirement money to buy a home."

Both Engen and Carey discussed the value of open lands to the character of the community. Carey revealed the results of a poll conducted in partnership with the County, Five Valleys Land Trust, and the Open Lands Working Group, which is comprised of rural landowners from the nine county planning regions.

"Sixty-seven percent of residents polled would support a $20 million bond to protect open lands in the County," Carey said. "Every member of the Working Group voted that they would recommend such a bond measure to the County Commissioners."

A $20 million general obligation bond would cost taxpayers about $40 per year for 20 years for the average-priced home in the county.

Engen mentioned in his address that the 1995 Missoula City Open Space Bond was a "terrific investment with tangible results." However, he reiterated the need to continue to preserve and protect the city's quality of life for future generations.

When asked how the two jurisdictions would share an open lands bond, Engen replied that he would ensure the city had equity in any land acquisitions, and reminded listeners of the matching funds made available for the initial city bond.

"This county-wide bond would create energies and opportunities for even more partnerships," said Engen.

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