Libby council approves preliminary budget, clears event street closures and transfers banner stewardship to Rotary

Libby’s City Council voted to approve its preliminary budget and took a string of routine approvals for community events and administrative items at the council meeting.

Finance presenter Le reviewed revenue and expenditure highlights for the preliminary budget. The council was told an updated state revenue figure raised the city's estimate slightly (from about $20,000 to $21,600), the first quarterly disbursement of the new 3% cannabis tax was $4,200, and HB24 funding was referenced as part of state receipts. The council approved the preliminary budget and scheduled a public hearing and the final budget adoption for Aug. 19.

On events, the council approved a street-closure request for the annual Chainsaw Carving event (Sept. 4–9) and granted a limited open-container variance for the event with the mayor reminding organizers to follow ordinance restrictions designed to keep alcohol away from minors. The council separately approved a street-closure request from Glacier Bank for the Painted Pink run/walk on Sept. 28 and agreed to provide barriers on request.

In new-business discussion, Janelle Kimberland (Department of Labor and Industry) asked the council to allow the Rotary to assume stewardship of downtown street banners installed under a previous grant. Kimberland said the city had been the grant 'champion' but lacks the manpower to maintain the banners. Council members expressed support for Rotary management but requested a formal process so the city retains review of banner content; councilors asked staff to draft an agreement or policy before fully divesting city oversight.

The council also approved claims received to date and a slate of business licenses (Byron O Bren Construction; Heritage Drywall; Intercept KY man service; Libby Locksmith). Several items (claims, licenses and the preliminary budget) were moved, seconded and carried during the meeting.

Votes at a glance:
- Chainsaw Carving street closure and open-container variance (motion approved).
- Painted Pink run/walk street closure (motion approved).
- Preliminary budget (motion approved; public hearing and final adoption scheduled for Aug. 19).
- Claims and business licenses (motions approved).

Next steps: The council directed staff to prepare or finalize a banner stewardship agreement with Rotary and confirmed the timeline for the budget public hearing. Organizers of approved events were reminded to comply with ordinance conditions tied to open-container permissions.