Pondera commissioners send 10‑mill public safety levy (8‑year term) to June ballot after initial motion fails

Pondera County commissioners discussed a proposal to place a 10‑mill levy on the June 4 primary ballot to fund county public safety needs, including recruitment and retention, school safety and general public‑safety operations.

An initial motion to adopt a permanent 10‑mill levy (Resolution #25) failed for lack of a second. Commissioners expressed concern that a permanent levy would remove future opportunities for voters to reconsider the funding level, and they discussed whether a set term would be more acceptable to voters.

The board subsequently approved Resolution #26 placing a 10‑mill levy on the June 4, 2024 ballot for a term of eight years. The resolution estimates the levy would generate approximately $200,000 annually and lists homeowner impacts (an estimated $13.50 per year for a $100,000 market‑value home). The motion to adopt Resolution #26 was moved by Commissioner Zane Drishinski, seconded by Commissioner Thomas A. Kuka, and passed 3-0.

The minutes record the debate and both recorded motions; the adopted resolution will be submitted to the county election administrator subject to review by the Clerk & Recorder and County Attorney and must meet the March 1 deadline for ballot language submission.