The Nov. 4 ballot will include a $1.28 million public-safety mill levy to add additional funding to the Helena fire and police departments’ coffers.

City commissioners on Monday said despite a crowded ballot, now is the time to find out if Helenans will consider expanding two of the city’s most basic services.

“What better time to give Helena a chance to stand in support of a mill levy that’s the essential question of quality of life in Helena?” Commissioner Sandy Oitzinger asked, noting the potential for blockbuster voter turnout this fall.

Oitzinger had earlier been hesitant about putting the levy on the ballot, fearing voters might decline to support it in a time of rising costs of living, but said she was swayed by contemplating the needs of the two departments.

The levy would raise about $968,000 annually for the fire department, providing funds for nine new firefighters and a new fire inspector; money to remodel the city’s aging eastside station; and funding about half of the department’s long-term equipment-replacement needs.

The federal government restricts the fire department from sending personnel into burning structures unless at least four firefighters are at the scene — two to go into the building and two to remain outside and respond if something goes wrong. Exceptions to the rule are made if people are known to be inside the building.

But the fire department’s current staffing levels in each of its two stations don’t allow it to immediately begin internal offensives on fires without violating the so-called “two in, two out” rule. Firefighters must wait until comrades arrive from the other station or are called in on their time off.

“Without proper staffing, at what risk do we put our firefighting force?” Oitzinger asked.

The measure also would provide about $311,000 annually to the police department for two new patrol officers and about half of the department’s ongoing equipment-replacement needs.

Commissioner Alan Peura said the additional road officers would allow the department to better deal with traffic enforcement and complaints. He said he often hears complaints from residents about traffic problems. He also noted that if the levy passes, the city will still fall in the middle of the road in terms of mills assessed to landowners. The city would still assess fewer mills than Bozeman, Kalispell and Missoula.

If the levy is approved, it would cost about $50.13 annually per $100,000 in assessed property value.

Tax levies are based on the state Department of Revenue’s property valuations, which often differ from market values. Property owners who wish to learn how the levy would affect them should check their most recent tax bill to determine the DOR’s value for their property.

Commissioners agreed to define the proposed tax levy in mills rather than dollars, meaning the levy would raise more money in the future as property values rise and the city grows. The commission put 25.13 mills on the ballot, which would raise about $1.28 million the first year.

Mayor Jim Smith cast the lone opposing vote Monday night.

“I’m comfortable with the level of service we have now at the police and fire departments, within the funding constraints that we operate,” he said.

He railed against Montana’s tax laws and said he thinks property taxpayers are being asked to shoulder an unfairly large burden.

The city, Smith noted, is constrained by state tax laws in funding its basic services. The city is limited to annual tax increases of half the three-year average rate of inflation. Those taxes go to the city’s general fund, which pays for the fire, police and parks departments.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com