Government-Politics
The Town of Clyde Park would like to provide clarification regarding the ongoing discussion about the potential acquisition of the Methodist Church property. The purpose of this statement is to present factual information, clarify the current status of the discussion, and address rumors that have circulated within the community.
First and most importantly, no decision has been made regarding the acquisition of the Methodist Church property. This matter remains under discussion and review by the Town Council, and no vote regarding the acquisition of the property will occur at the March Council meeting or until the Council has completed its review and public discussion process.
The Methodist Church building is an important part of Clyde Park’s history. The land where the church stands was originally donated to the town by the Uhl family, and the church itself was built through donations and the labor of members of the Clyde Park community in 1904, opening for use in 1905. At a later time, the property was transferred to the Methodist Conference. For generations, the building has remained a recognizable historic landmark within the town.
The current discussion did not begin because the Town was actively searching for a new Town Hall, nor because the Town was seeking a project related to the church building. The discussion began when it became known that the church property may be sold and that potential buyers could choose to remove the historic structure. At that time, the possibility was raised that the Town could consider acquiring the property in order to preserve the historic building while adapting it for municipal use.
The discussion surrounding this property is also part of a broader conversation about the long-term future of municipal space in Clyde Park. The church building itself is only one aspect of the property. Some community and council members have discussed the possibility that, over time, the location could evolve into a community hub that serves residents in multiple ways.
Ideas mentioned in conversation have included space for community services such as a library area, food bank, meeting space, or other shared uses, as well as the potential for leased space that could generate revenue to help offset operational costs. Communities in Montana, such as Winnett, have created a similar municipal complex that combines public services with revenue-producing spaces. At this stage, these ideas are simply part of a broader conversation about what is possible in the future if the Town were to secure a suitable location to build upon.
The Methodist Church has provided the Town of Clyde Park first priority to purchase the property. This opportunity will not remain open indefinitely. It is a one-time opportunity for the Town to have the first option to acquire the property before it is offered for sale to other interested buyers.
Some community members have asked whether the Methodist Church might consider donating the property to the Town of Clyde Park due to its historic connection to the community and original donation. This is an option that has been discussed as part of the broader conversation.
At the same time, there has also been interest expressed in purchasing the current Town Hall property. If sold, that property could potentially be converted into a private business, which would contribute to the Town’s general taxable business base and local economic activity.
A recent professional appraisal was completed to help inform the Town regarding the value of its existing municipal property. The combined estimated market value of the Town Hall parcels is approximately $635,000. The Methodist Church property has been discussed at an approximate asking value of $420,000, which includes the church building and the former parsonage structure.
One concept that has been discussed by the Town Council would involve selling the current Town Hall properties in order to acquire the Methodist Church property. Under that concept, the proceeds from the sale of the Town Hall property could be used to fund the acquisition of the church property, with any remaining funds potentially used for repairs or improvements to the church buildings where necessary.
The intention of this approach would be to avoid taking on additional debt while allowing the community to preserve and adapt the historic church building for municipal use.
It is also important to note that both the current Town Hall building, and the Methodist Church buildings have structural issues that would require repairs or improvements. A structural assessment conducted in January 2026 identified concerns in both properties that would require further evaluation and potential repair.
There have also been concerns expressed regarding potential tax increases. The Town would like to clarify that this discussion does not involve the creation of any new taxing districts, nor has there been any proposal that would increase property taxes for current residents. The potential acquisition and sale of properties being discussed would not raise taxes for existing taxpayers in Clyde Park.
Council members are committed to hearing and considering the comments and concerns shared by the community as this discussion continues. No decisions will be made until that process has been carefully carried out.
The Council welcomes input from all members of the community and encourages residents to share their perspectives so that additional viewpoints can be heard and included in the ongoing community conversation. Residents may share their thoughts by emailing clerktreasurer@clydeparkmt.net, submitting written comments, placing letters in the Town Hall drop box, or attending a Town Council meeting held on the second Wednesday of each month.
Clyde Park is a small community with a deep sense of history and shared responsibility. As discussions continue, the Town Council’s goal is to carefully evaluate all information and perspectives in order to make a thoughtful decision that reflects the best long-term interests of the community.