Belgrade Mayor

Russ Nelson

-Current Belgrade Mayor

-Senior Vice President at First Security Bank Montana

What would your top priorities be as Mayor of Belgrade?

1. Get the new $46mm wastewater treatment plant project complete.  It is 50% complete.  With the growth of Belgrade, we needed to change from a Lagoon system to a Mechanical treatment.
2. Belgrade has formed an Urban Renewal District (TIF) for the core business area and the surrounding area of downtown. Taxes on commercial real estate in the district are frozen and any increase from appreciation in value goes to the TIF. This will give us money to make improvements to the downtown area. I look forward to developing and implementing a plan as there will be enough money in the fund to start the next few years.
3. There are discussions about a regional water and wastewater system to be in Belgrade that would serve Bozeman and Manhattan and possibly more.

Why should MSU students vote for you?

I am an MSU Grad “81”. I have 18 years’ experience to help two new council members and a new city manager.

What issue should young Montanans be most concerned about?

1. The high cost of housing in Gallatin County. Rents and home purchase costs are very high and unreachable for many.
2. The Delta Variant on how it can affect your schooling and life.

Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Belgrade?

August 2003 I was sitting in my office at First Security Bank when I received a call from the Belgrade Chamber Director asking if I volunteered, I answered yes. She said “Mayor Stephens is sick and leaving his post as Mayor. The City Council would like to appoint you as Interim Mayor.” I said, “I do not like politics.” She said “Can you run a meeting? Can you kiss babies?” I said “Yes”. She said “You can be Mayor! I decided to give it a chance. I have been Mayor for 18 years.

What are some steps you would take to help mitigate effects of the quickly increasing population of Gallatin County?

COVID has caused a migration of people from cities to rural America all over the country.  What will and what has slowed the migration is the lack of affordable housing and housing. Most employers are not able to find enough employees. This is an affordable housing issue.

What plans and policy ideas do you have to help the Belgrade economy recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The Belgrade City Council helped to educate business about SBA PPP and EIDL loans. The City also offered grants to business that were very adversely affected by the effects of COVID.

What are your favorite things about living/working in Belgrade?

I love Belgrade for his friendliness and small-town feel. I feel we have an excellent school system. We are close to the airport.

How do you plan to tackle the water crisis and the potential water shortage that may occur in the region in the next 15 years?

Belgrade has 7 wells and 2 water tanks. We have just clarified 1900-acre feet of water. We are in very good shape for water. We are also in discussions with local water rights holders for access to more water for up to the next 50 years.

As mayor, how would you collaborate with MSU?

I am an MSU Grad. I would be happy to meet with or speak with students concerning city government or banking.

Roberta Fog in the Morning

-Member of the Crow Tribe

As of press time, Roberta Fog in the Morning had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be updated here.