Missoula County budget includes 1 additional mill to replace failing detention-facility plumbing

Missoula County staff told commissioners that the detention facility — roughly 28 years old — has failing copper plumbing that has produced recurring leaks and that commissioners were asked to add 1 mill to fund debt service for a complete replacement. "The request was for the commissioners to add 1 additional mill of funding to fund debt service to allow us to completely replace the hot and cold as well as recirculating water lines inside the detention facility to prevent future leaks," said Chris Lonsbury, the county's chief administrative officer.

Staff said the work would be contracted through a bid process and completed over approximately an 18-month period after construction begins. The budget presented to the board reflects that added debt service in final FY2027 numbers.