Government-Politics
By Grant Gager
Wellness Center Update
The Wellness Center continues to take shape at the corner of Gallatin and North M Streets!
Last week, the pool specialists poured cement for the second pool at the Wellness Center (the lap pool was formed in March). This pool will have a maximum water depth of four and a half feet and will include a walk-in entry area with a small slide for children, a moving water channel for physical therapy (and play) as well as a small rectangular swimming area with seating.
On Monday July 14th, the wall panels arrived on-site and the building began to rise! Over the next several weeks the exterior walls will be constructed before attention turns to the roof.
We are about 18 months from opening to the public and crews are hard at work keeping the project on-time and on-budget.
City Manager’s Recommended Budget
Big Plans, Smart Spending
The City Manager’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 has been presented to the City Commission. The proposal focuses on implementing Livingston’s adopted Growth Policy and master plans while making meaningful operational improvements that benefit residents and visitors alike.
Highlights of the proposed budget include:
- New food waste composting options to reduce landfill use
- Online permitting to streamline building and planning processes
- Expanded fire and EMS staffing for more reliable emergency response
- Capital investments like unpaved road treatment, new park equipment, and safer pedestrian crossings on Park Street
- Continued funding for warming shelter operations, expanding the urban forest and the Mobile Crisis Response Team
To view the full proposed budget and explore what’s planned for the coming year, go to https://www.livingstonmontana.org/finance/page/budget-documents.
Downtown Utility Work Continues
The City's 2025 Downtown Improvement Project will resume work this week. As construction continues, residents and businesses in the area will notice temporary access adjustments. We thank you for your patience as we work to modernize old and under-sized pipes to ensure that downtown Livingston is ready for the future!
The full construction schedule can be viewed at https://www.livingstonmontana.org/publicworks/page/downtown-alley-improvement-project.
Happening Around Town...
Question: I got a text saying I owe parking fines and my car will be towed. What’s going on?
Answer: It’s a scam. Several residents have reported receiving texts, emails, or robocalls demanding immediate payment for supposed unpaid parking fines. That is not how the City of Livingston handles citations. If you receive a legitimate parking citation, it will be placed directly on your vehicle in a pink envelope, which includes instructions for paying or contesting the citation. The City does not send texts, emails, or make automated calls about parking enforcement. Any official communication will come through the U.S. mail.
Have questions you'd like us to answer? Send them our way, and we'll include them in the next newsletter available on our website at livingstonmontana.org!