GREAT FALLS — Cascade County Commissioners say residents won't see any large-scale projects like replacing grandstands or a courthouse roof in the next fiscal year.
The board approved the county's 2020 budget on Tuesday.
Commissioner Jane Weber says the proposed budget was approved at just over $63 million - a 17% decrease from last year.
She says protested taxes, PILT (payment-in-lieu of taxes) repayments, and lack of taxable business development were contributing factors.
Commissioners are still planning to finish improvements on the Paddock Club at the Montana ExpoPark, and add two classrooms to the Juvenile Detention Center in 2020.
Renovation work on the old Tribune building downtown was not included in this year's budget due to a shortage of funds.
"Our department heads really did a fabulous job bc they knew we had to tighten our belts they did a great job at looking at where could they reduce within their own individual department budgets and I'm grateful for that,” she said.
Other changes this year include an increased public safety budget.
The new amount includes funding for the Cascade County Sheriff's Office to hire an evidence technician, additional deputies, and training, along with helping to fund a second canine program.
