FAQs
How and why was the District formed?
For years within the City of Belgrade, maintenance and capital improvements for public parks and recreation were made possible through revenue from the City's general fund. Park facilities were managed by the Public Works Department, where capacity and budgets were minimal. With the rapid development of residential homes in both the City and surrounding County area, park spaces began to receive increased usage and wear. The Belgrade community has indicated the need for park and recreation improvements in recent public surveys.
To generate funds for existing and future parks and recreation, the formation of a District was recommended in the 2020 Belgrade Parks and Recreation Master Plan. On May 2, 2023 voters passed the District, and the City of Belgrade and Gallatin County signed an interlocal agreement to officially establish the District, which became effective on July 10, 2023. Taxpayers in the District will pay approximately $27 annually for every $100,000 of assessed market value of their property, generating approximately $1,500,000 in revenue for the District.
The City of Belgrade is required to manage all services and improvements in the District. The newly formed District has a broad responsibility of providing parks and recreation services and amenities, including maintenance and replacement, improvements and new development, acquisition of land, staffing and supplies, and general management of operations. A Board of Directors was appointed to oversee the District.
Will the District fund the Aquatic Center?
On May 2, 2023, voters approved the formation of the District, but rejected the bond for the Aquatic and Recreation Center. The $49 million cost of the Aquatic and Recreation Center by far exceeds the $1.5 million annual revenue of the District. If funds can be generated in the future for the purchase of land and building construction, the District could potentially take on the management of the facility. Continued public outreach and funding strategies are recommended for the Aquatic and Recreation Center.
Who oversees the District?
A Board of Directors for the District has been appointed, consisting of 3 representatives who reside in the City of Belgrade, 3 representatives who reside in Gallatin County within the District boundary, and 1 member of Belgrade City Council. See the current Board of Directors on the City of Belgrade website. The City of Belgrade formed a Parks and Recreation Department to house staff that are responsible for day-to-day services and improvements for the District. Currently the Parks and Recreation Department is led by Director Steve Klotz. The Board meetings are typically held the first Thursday of the month at 6:30pm at 91 E Central Ave, Belgrade, MT 59714 and are open to the public.
Each year Belgrade City Staff presents the budget to the Board of Directors for approval, followed by the Belgrade City Council and the Gallatin County Commission. The fiscal year for the District runs from July to June.
Where did the trail concepts come from?
Community input to date indicates a desire for more trail connectivity within Belgrade, more trails connecting to natural resources such as waterways and the Bridger Mountains, trails connecting to isolated county subdivisions and adjacent municipalities, and for the District to acquire property and create easements for trail development.
How would potential trails effect my private property and rights?
The District does not intend to build any trails on private property without the owner’s consent. The conceptual trail map is an effort to provide a vision for that desired connectivity, and trail development would be contingent on the property acquisition, future subdivided property, or through the property owner’s voluntary creation of an easement.
There would many steps to take, including a robust community input process, before settling any official design options for the District.