Helena in early discussions for a new mill levy to staff new fire station

HELENA, Mont. - Whether you’re driving or walking along Custer Avenue, you might notice the sign for the Helena Fire Department's third fire station.

And you might be wondering, what’s new with this project? Well, plans for the new facility continue to move forward, with a $7 million project that’s been a known need for decades in the Capital City.

Right now, ground is broken, walls are going up, and earlier this month the city of Helena transferred the property to the fire department to keep construction underway.

As for what's next, the city and the fire department are in preliminary talks to have another levy go before voters to consider to help staff this new facility.

“Ultimately, the city commission is going to have to make some determinations about the scope and extent that the mill levy can include all the public safety needs for the city. so we’ll see how things develop,” Helena Fire Chief Jon Campbell said.

A mill levy was posted on the same ballot as the $7 million bond was in 2024 where voters denied the mill levy.

Campbell said the city and fire department are looking at ways to reengage the public and provide another mill levy option so the agency can get the staffing that they need for the new facility.