Bond Proposal
Flathead County Jail Bond Proposal
Flathead County Jail Bond Initiative
The Flathead County Jail Bond Proposal - A long-term solution for financing the construction of the new jail.
Flathead County is committed to transparency and open communication throughout the bond proposal process.
We encourage community members to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our goal is to ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision and understand the full impact of this important initiative.
Flathead County Jail Bond Initiative on November 4 Ballot
Bond Amount: $105,000,000
Repayable over 20 years
The projected taxable values were calculated by D.A. Davidson, a Montana-based public finance underwriting firm. They worked closely with the Montana Department of Revenue to develop accurate estimates of tax impact based on current assessment data and market conditions. D.A. Davidson is the underwriter to structure and market the tax-exempt bonds to investors if the project moves forward.
Bond Proposal Overview
What is a bond initiative?
A bond initiative is a proposal presented to voters in order to approve a large public project, such as a new jail. If the bond initiative is approved, the county would borrow money and repay it over time with interest, usually through an increase in property taxes.
A bond initiative works by allowing a local government to issue bonds. Voters must approve the initiative, which enables the entity to borrow the necessary funds for the project. Repayment is usually done through increased property taxes, paid annually over several years.
A bond initiative is often expressed in mils, which is a method of calculating property tax. One mil is equal to $1 in taxes per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Bond FAQ
A bond initiative is a proposal presented to voters in order to approve a large public project, such as a new jail. If the bond initiative is approved, the county would borrow money and repay it over time with interest, usually through an increase in property taxes.
A bond initiative works by allowing a local government to issue bonds. Voters must approve the initiative, which enables the entity to borrow the necessary funds for the project. Repayment is usually done through increased property taxes, paid annually over several years.
A bond initiative is often expressed in mils, which is a method of calculating property tax. One mil is equal to $1 in taxes per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Funds will be allocated to cover the following:
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Construction costs of the new Jail, including labor, materials, and equipment
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Equipping the new jail, including:
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Detention Grade necessities, which are held to a higher standard and are significantly more expensive than non-Detention items. For example, a regular door may be $1,000, but a jail door for security reasons is more than $10,000.
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Security and surveillance system enhancements.
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Special housing for Mental Health inmates, sick inmates and extremely violent inmates.
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Yes, this bond will also provide new offices for the following departments: Sheriff, Emergency Services (OES), Detectives, support staff, and Sex Crimes. OES is the department responsible for coordinating emergency response and preparedness. This is the umbrella organization for Emergency Management, and Fire Service Area.
An alternative is to continue using the current county jail and facilities, using taxpayer dollars to make critical repairs, or not executing the proper sentencing due to lack of housing availability.
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Continuing with an outdated jail poses serious safety, legal, and financial risks. The current facility is at maximum operational capacity, aging, and is not compliant with current jail standards. This increases the likelihood of lawsuits and forced early releases that could undermine public safety. The outdated jail is an unsafe work environment for Officers.
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Making incremental repairs is a short-term fix that does not address structural limitations, overcrowding, or security deficiencies. It often ends up costing more in the long run without solving the root problem. The County Maintenance spends significant time and money fixing things in the jail.
This bond provides an intentional long-term solution that enhances safety, saves money over time, and supports a growing community.
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Funds for the new public safety facility will be carefully managed with transparency and accountability. Much thought has gone into the design and cost-efficiency of the project, with input from local officials, justice system professionals, and a seasoned architect experienced in public safety infrastructure. The county has already demonstrated fiscal responsibility by securing the property in advance, reducing future land acquisition costs. Ongoing oversight will include regular financial reporting, public updates, and close coordination with project managers to ensure taxpayer dollars are wisely and efficiently used.
**Taxes for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 are expected to decrease in part due to changes in Montana’s property tax laws, enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor. These changes include a reduction in the residential property tax rate, which directly impacts the calculation of taxable value across the state.
The projected taxable values were calculated by D.A. Davidson, a Montana-based public finance underwriting firm. They worked closely with the Montana Department of Revenue to develop accurate estimates of tax impact based on current assessment data and market conditions. D.A. Davidson is the underwriter to structure and market the tax-exempt bonds to investors if the project moves forward.
The projected taxable values were calculated by D.A. Davidson, a financial advisory and underwriting firm. They worked closely with the Montana Department of Revenue to develop accurate estimates based on current property assessments and market conditions. If the project moves forward, D.A. Davidson will serve as the underwriter, structuring and marketing the bonds to investors.
The 911 bond, which supported previous emergency communications improvements, is scheduled to be fully paid off in July 2029.
If voters approve the bond in November 2025, taxpayers can expect to see the bond’s impact beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/2027, which aligns with the next property tax cycle.