Sidney, MT

City Council

The Sidney City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY26-27 budget and then vote on a series of resolutions to adopt the preliminary budget and set various assessments, including garbage, street lighting, sweeping, mowing, and other fees. The meeting is a regular session with public comment and a public hearing on the budget.

• Public hearing on FY26-27 budget
• Resolution 3971-FY26-27 Preliminary Budget
• Resolution 3972-FY26-27 Garbage Assessment
• Resolution 3973-FY26-27 Residential Street Lighting Assessment
• Resolution 3984-FY26-27 Mill Levies

Zoning/Board of Adjustments

The Sidney, MT Zoning/Board of Adjustments will hold a public meeting on September 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The sole item on the agenda is a new business request for a variance by Continental Resources Inc. The agenda contains no other specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances.

• Variance Request - Continental Resources Inc.

City Council

Budget and Finance Committee

Public Works Committee

City Council

Nuisance Committee

Public Safety Committee

Zoning/Board of Adjustments

Nuisance Committee

The Sidney Nuisance Committee will meet to approve July minutes, hear public comment on uncontrolled weeds, and review one new property complaint. It will also receive updates on several properties in the court process and a compliance officer report.

• Public comment by Lee Harris on uncontrolled weeds and lawn grass
• New property: Iszler, 505 Lincoln Avenue South
• Properties in process: Coon (410 4th St NE), Bargain Garage (1440 South Central Ave), Crowe (709 5th St SE), Giddens (411 6th St SE)
• Compliance Officer August 2026 report and update

General

The Sidney Public Safety Committee is meeting to review monthly reports from the police, fire, and compliance departments, and to discuss new business including a proposed 2026 memorandum of understanding with the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force. The committee will also revisit unfinished business on the Emergency Operations Plan. Public comment is invited on items not on the agenda.

• July 2026 Police Department Report
• July 2026 Fire Run Report
• August 2026 Compliance Officer Report
• Eastern Montana Drug Task Force MOU 2026
• Emergency Operations Plan

City Council

The Sidney City Council's Public Works Committee will meet to discuss storm sewer improvements at Gem City, the 100 Block of East Main Alley, and Rail Road, as well as an increased garbage services plan for 2026. The committee will also receive the July 2026 Public Works Report and consider training on CivicPlus Meetings.

• Storm sewer improvements: Gem City, 100 Block of East Main Alley, Rail Road
• Increased Garbage Services Plan 2026
• July 2026 Public Works Report
• CivicPlus Meetings Training

The Public Works Committee recommended prioritizing the Gem City sewer replacement at up to $150,000, postponing the Mitchelletto and M3 Meats alley projects, and including engineering costs for the East Main/Cadillac Alley sewer and railroad right-of-way stormwater projects in the FY2026-2027 budget. The committee also discussed establishing a separate Stormwater Utility Fund and gathering more data before changing garbage services or rates. Minutes from July 15, 2026, were approved with a correction.

• Approved July 15, 2026 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Recommended prioritizing Gem City sewer replacement at up to $150,000 (unanimous)
• Recommended including engineering costs for East Main/Cadillac Alley sewer and railroad stormwater projects in FY2026-2027 budget (unanimous)
• Postponed Mitchelletto and M3 Meats alley projects
• Supported continuing development of separate Stormwater Utility Fund
• Agreed to gather more data before considering garbage service or rate changes

Zoning/Board of Adjustments

The Zoning/Board of Adjustments recommended approval of two variance requests: one for a taller side fence and one for a garage exceeding house height. Both recommendations will go to the City Council for final decision on September 8, 2026.

• Recommended approval of 36-inch side-fence height variance for 1313 South Central Avenue (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of garage height variance for 215 3rd Street Northwest (unanimous)

City Council

The Sidney City Council will hold a regular meeting with a public hearing on the August 31 special budget meeting, plus committee reports and a preliminary budget presentation. New business includes a resolution to place a local government review question on the November 2026 ballot, first readings of ordinances updating solicitor's license and alcohol-in-public-places codes, a secure warrant contract, two lot aggregations in Fischer Estates, a $887,666 draw for the NPWTR project, and approval of a special event street closure for the Chamber Fall Festival. The consent agenda includes claims totaling $266,419.78 and three building permits.

• Resolution No. 3985: calling for a local government review ballot item in November 2026 election
• Ordinance No. 606: updating solicitor's license code (first reading)
• Ordinance No. 607: updating alcohol in public places code (first reading)
• NPWTR SRF Draw #5 for $887,666.00
• Claims to be approved: $266,419.78

The Sidney City Council approved new water and sewer connection and impact fees, an engineering task order for a tourism grant, and several ordinances on first reading. They also reviewed the preliminary FY2026-2027 budget, which projects a property tax increase, and approved the Chamber's Fall Festival with street closures and alcohol allowance. No final budget action was taken; it is scheduled for a special meeting on August 31.

• Approved water/sewer connection and impact fee updates (unanimous)
• Approved engineering task order for Montana Tourism Development Grant (unanimous, Buxbaum abstained)
• Approved Resolution 3985 for Local Government Review ballot item (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 606 updating solicitor's license code, first reading (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 607 updating alcohol in public places code, first reading (unanimous)
• Approved Secure Warrant contract (unanimous)
• Approved Kohl lot aggregation and boundary line adjustment (unanimous, Kauffman abstained)
• Approved NPWTR SRF Draw #5 for $887,666 (unanimous, Buxbaum abstained)

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters including the July 2026 Treasurer's Report, a mineral rights leasing offer from LOCAL LLC, and updates on the TBID. They will also consider unfinished business such as water and sewer impact and hookup fees, a City Detect for the Compliance Department, and the preliminary FY 2026-27 budget. A task order for the Montana Tourism Development Grant is also on the agenda.

• July 2026 Treasurer's Report
• LOCAL LLC Mineral Right's Leasing Offer
• Impact and Hookup Fees for Water and Sewer
• FY 2026-27 Preliminary Budget
• Interstate Engineering Task Order 2-MT Tourism Development Grant

City Council

The Sidney City Council approved several contracts and requests, including a $55,680 work order for electronic gates at the City shop and a $595,388 draw for the North Park Elevated Water Tank Replacement Project. They also approved two lot aggregations, a street closure for the Summer Shoppin event, and the consent agenda with claims totaling $78,874.38. No public hearings were held, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved B&B Maintenance Work Order #13 for City shop gates at $55,680 (unanimous)
• Approved NPEWTR Draw #4 for $595,388 (unanimous)
• Approved JD Jensen lot aggregation (Kauffman abstained)
• Approved Sean Riordan lot aggregation (unanimous)
• Approved street closure for Summer Shoppin on Aug 21, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with claims of $78,874.38 and USPS intermediary claim of $1,225.95 (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review the draft Emergency Operations Plan and receive monthly reports from the police and fire departments. They will also discuss updates to the Solicitors License Code and a rewrite of the Alcohol in Public Places ordinance.

• Draft Emergency Operations Plan
• June 2026 Police Department Report
• June 2026 Fire Run Report
• July 2026 Compliance Report
• Solicitors License Code Update and Alcohol in Public Places Rewrite

The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved amendments to the Solicitor's License ordinance, establishing a single $50 background check fee for all applicants and adding objective disqualification standards. They also unanimously recommended approval of a rewritten Alcohol in Public Places ordinance that creates separate approval processes for private and commercial events. Both items are subject to final legal review by City Attorney Kalil. No action was taken on the draft Emergency Operations Plan, which will be brought back for further consideration.

• Approved Solicitor's License ordinance amendments with $50 background check fee for all applicants (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rewritten Alcohol in Public Places ordinance with $100 permit fee for commercial events (unanimous)
• Approved June 23, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled draft Emergency Operations Plan for further review

Nuisance Committee

The Sidney Nuisance Committee is meeting to discuss nuisance properties, including new properties, those in process, and one abated property. They will also hear a compliance officer update and consider minutes from the previous meeting.

• Properties in process: Coon-410 4th St NE; Bargain Garage: 1440 South Central Avenue (in court); Crowe: 709 5th Street SE (in court); Giddens: 411 6th Street SE
• Abated property: Wilson: 710 3rd Street SE
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda
• Approval of June 23, 2026 minutes
• Compliance Officer July 2026 report

The Nuisance Committee approved the June 23 minutes and set firm compliance deadlines for the Coon property at 410 4th St NE: cleanup by August 25, 2026, and demolition by November 1, 2026. No new properties were presented, and no public comment was made. The Wilson property at 710 3rd St SE was reported as successfully abated after years of enforcement.

• Approved June 23, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Set cleanup deadline of August 25, 2026 for Coon property (unanimous)
• Set demolition deadline of November 1, 2026 for Coon property (unanimous)

Local Government Review Board

The Local Government Review Board is meeting to consider adopting its final report and to discuss an education/public outreach report and ballot item. The agenda also includes approval of the July 2nd meeting minutes and public comment. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Adoption of final report
• Education/public outreach report and ballot item
• Approval of July 2nd, 2026 meeting minutes

The Local Government Review Board approved the Final Report on the ballot item regarding general versus self-governing powers. The board also agreed to proceed with the Educational Outreach Timeline and decided not to meet again at this time.

• Approved the Local Government Review Final Report
• Agreed to proceed with the Educational Outreach Timeline
• Decided not to meet again at this time

City Council

The Sidney City Council is holding its regular meeting with several action items, including a variance request from Cotter, a potential objection to MorningStar's SWD request at an August 12 hearing, and approval of audit contracts for fiscal years 2026-2028. The agenda also includes committee reports, a special event and street closure policy, an American Tower lease, and a consent agenda with claims totaling $563,351.37 and building permits.

• Cotter Variance
• MorningStar SWD-Request for Objection at August 12th Hearing
• Nexus FY26, 27, 28 Audit Contracts
• Claims to be Approved: $563,351.37
• Building Permits: City of Sidney 2027-003 through 2027-007

The City Council voted unanimously to file a formal objection to Morningstar's revised Saltwater Disposal Well application and to have city representatives attend the August 12, 2026 hearing. The council also adopted a new Special Events and Street Closure Policy, declined American Tower's lease buyout proposal, approved three-year audit contracts with Nexus, and approved the Cotter fence variance. A request to close East Main Street for a community event was tabled until the August meeting.

• Filed formal objection to Morningstar's revised Saltwater Disposal Well application (unanimous)
• Adopted Special Events and Street Closure Policy and application (unanimous)
• Declined American Tower lease buyout, retained existing lease (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026-2028 audit services agreements with Nexus (unanimous)
• Approved Cotter fence variance as recommended by Zoning/Board of Adjustment (unanimous)
• Tabled East Main Street closure request for August 21 event until August meeting (unanimous)
• Approved claims of $560,351.37 and building permits 2027-003 through 2027-007 (unanimous)

Public Works Committee

The Sidney Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a special event and street closure policy and application, and an American Tower proposal. They will also receive the June 2026 Public Works Report and consider approval of the June 30th meeting minutes. The Chamber Sewer item remains tabled until the August 19th meeting.

• Special Event and Street Closure Policy and Application
• American Tower Proposal
• June 2026 Public Works Report
• Approval of June 30th, 2026 meeting minutes
• Chamber Sewer (tabled until 8-19-26)

The Public Works Committee recommended City Council approval of a new Special Events and Street Closure Policy and application, which formalizes the process for temporary road closures and includes safety requirements. The committee also unanimously recommended declining American Tower's $85,000 one-time payment offer to retain the existing lease and recurring revenue. No other substantive decisions were made; the Chamber sewer item remains tabled.

• Recommended approval of Special Events and Street Closure Policy and application (unanimous)
• Recommended declining American Tower's $85,000 buyout offer and retaining existing lease (unanimous)
• Tabled Chamber sewer connection request until further information is gathered

Zoning/Board of Adjustments

The Sidney Zoning/Board of Adjustment will hold a public meeting on July 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The only listed item is a variance request from Cotter under new business. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom/phone.

• Cotter variance request (new business)

Budget and Finance Committee

The Sidney Budget and Finance Committee will review the July 2026 Treasurer's Report. New business includes an impact fee study for water, sewer, streets, and parks, along with the FY2026-27 preliminary budget review and calendar. The meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

• Impact Fee Study for Water, Sewer, Streets and Parks
• FY2026-27 Preliminary Budget Review
• FY2026-27 Preliminary Budget Calendar
• July 2026 Treasurer's Report

City Council

City Council

The Sidney City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings, committee reports, and new business items. Key actions include approving a $25,000 amendment to an Interstate Engineering task order, setting fees for water PER, and approving claims totaling over $1 million. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, building permits, and committee updates.

• Interstate Engineering Amendment 1 to TO 10 - Increase $25,000
• Interstate Engineering Amendment 1 to TO 9 - Setting fees and schedule for Water PER
• Claims to be approved: $1,031,466.54 (including B&B Builders $34,758.00 and USPS $1,145.20)
• Building permits: County RC2026-44 through RC2026-47; City 2026-63 through 2026-65 and 2027-1
• Flag Football sponsorship signs at flag football

The Sidney City Council approved the revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, two amendments to Interstate Engineering task orders for water department support and the Water Preliminary Engineering Report fee schedule, and the consent agenda including $1,031,466.54 in claims. The council also approved temporary sponsor banners at Moose Park for flag football. No rate increases were recommended by the Public Works Committee for the upcoming budget, and a stormwater utility fund is under consideration.

• Approved Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (6-0)
• Approved Amendment 1 to Task Order 10 with Interstate Engineering, increasing amount to $25,000 (6-0)
• Approved fee schedule and project schedule for Task Order 9 Water Preliminary Engineering Report (6-0)
• Approved temporary sponsor banners at Moose Park for flag football season (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda with claims totaling $1,031,466.54 (6-0)

Local Government Review Board

The Local Government Review Board voted to amend its tentative report to recommend that the only question on the November 2026 ballot be whether Sidney should adopt self-governing powers, removing any recommendations for changes to the city's form of government or method of council election. The board also added a recommendation that, if self-governing powers pass, the City Council should investigate an election-at-large process. The board will meet again on July 27, 2026, to adopt the amended report.

• Approved June 18, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Amended tentative report to recommend only self-governing question on November 2026 ballot (3-0)
• Added recommendation to investigate election-at-large process if self-governing powers pass (3-0)

Public Works Committee

The Sidney Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss new business including mosquito control, the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget expenditures, and a streets assessment. They will also consider approval of the May 20, 2026 meeting minutes and receive monthly reports. The Chamber Sewer item is tabled until the August meeting.

• Mosquito control discussion
• FY 2026-2027 proposed budget expenditures
• Streets assessment
• Approval of May 20, 2026 minutes
• Chamber Sewer tabled until August

The Public Works Committee recommended approval of the proposed FY2026-2027 Public Works budget to the Budget and Finance Committee, with no water, sewer, or solid waste rate increases. The committee also tabled mosquito control discussions until August and tabled the Chamber of Commerce sewer connection request until August.

• Recommended FY2026-2027 Public Works budget to Budget and Finance Committee (unanimous)
• Tabled mosquito control program discussion until August meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled Chamber of Commerce sewer connection request until August meeting (unanimous)

Nuisance Committee

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget expenditures and consider updates to city codes on solicitor's license fees and alcohol permits in parks. They will also receive monthly reports from the compliance officer, police, and fire departments. Public comment is invited on non-agenda items.

• FY 2026-2027 proposed budget expenditures
• Review/update City Code 5-6-3: Solicitor's License Fees
• Review/update City Code 6-10-4: Alcohol Permits in Park
• May-June Compliance Officer Report
• May 2026 Police Department Report and Fire Run Report

The Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the proposed FY 2026-2027 public safety budget expenditures to the Budget and Finance Committee. The committee also tabled revisions to the solicitor license fee ordinance and the alcohol permit ordinance for further review. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended FY 2026-2027 public safety budget expenditures (3-0)
• Tabled solicitor license fee revisions (3-0)
• Tabled alcohol permit ordinance review (3-0)

Local Government Review Board

The Local Government Review Board will hold a public hearing on its tentative report and then discuss and approve the final report. The meeting also includes approval of the May 28, 2026 minutes. No specific policy changes, contracts, or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Public hearing on the tentative report
• Discussion and approval of the final report
• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2026

The Local Government Review Board held a public hearing on its tentative report, which considered placing Self-Governing Powers and an at-large council structure on the ballot. Public testimony was mixed: some supported Self-Governing Powers, but most opposed the at-large structure, favoring the current ward system. The board tabled action on the final report to allow further review of the representation proposal.

• Approved minutes from May 28, 2026 (3-0)
• Held public hearing on tentative report; no vote taken
• Tabled action on final report until next meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Sidney City Council will vote on a $183,597.88 draw from the SLIPA fund and waive $22,556.81 in building and plan review fees for the Savage Fire Hall. The meeting includes a public hearing on the Local Government Review Board's tentative report and a final reading of an update to the garbage code. Additionally, the council will approve the FY2026-27 payroll, which includes a 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment for exempt superintendent positions.

• Waive Building Permit Fee of $16,708.75 and Plan Review Fee of $5,848.06 for Savage Fire Hall
• SLIPA Draw #3 for $183,597.88
• Resolution 3970-FY2026-27 Payroll (2.9% COLA, No Merit Increase)
• Ordinance 605-Update to Garbage Code (Final Reading)
• MichelettoLarson Variance Request and Skin Satin MD, LLC Conditional Use Request

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is meeting to review monthly financial reports, discuss budget transfers and budget vs. actual expenditures and revenues, and consider a tourism development grant. They will also take up unfinished business including updates to the employee handbook, evaluation, drug/alcohol testing, and conflict of interest policies, plus FY26-27 payroll decisions.

• FY25-26 Budgeted Transfers
• FY25-26 Budget vs Actual Expenditures and Revenue
• MT Tourism Development Grant
• 2026 Employee Handbook Update
• FY26-27 Payroll: Superintendent positions exempt, 2.9% COLA, no merit increase, no Drug Task Force Officer position

The Budget and Finance Committee approved the FY26-27 payroll budget, which includes a 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment, no merit increase, conversion of superintendent positions to exempt status, and elimination of the Drug Task Force Officer position. The committee also approved the FY25-26 budgeted transfers, the 2026 Employee Handbook, the Employee Evaluation Policy, and the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved FY25-26 budgeted transfers (3-0)
• Approved 2026 Employee Handbook update (3-0)
• Approved Employee Evaluation Policy 2026 (3-0)
• Approved Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 2026 (3-0)
• Approved FY26-27 payroll with 2.9% COLA, no merit increase, superintendent positions exempt, Drug Task Force Officer position eliminated (3-0)

Zoning/Board of Adjustments

The Sidney, MT Zoning/Board of Adjustment will meet on June 3, 2026, to consider two new business items. The agenda lists a variance request from Micheletto & Larson and a conditional use request from Skin Satin MD, LLC. No other specific decisions, dollar amounts, or procedural details are provided in the document.

• Variance Request - Micheletto & Larson
• Conditional Use Request - Skin Satin MD, LLC

City Council

The Sidney City Council will hold a regular meeting with public comment, committee reports, and several new business items. Key actions include approving a $1,077,563 draw for the NPWTR project, updating traffic control signs at specific intersections, and a first reading of Ordinance 605 to update the garbage code. The agenda also includes consent items for claims and building permits.

• NPWTR Draw #3 for $1,077,563.00
• Update to Traffic Control Signs: 5th St SW & 14th Ave SW, 10th Ave SW & 4th St SW, 10th Ave SW & West Main
• Ordinance 605 - Update to Garbage Code (1st Reading)
• Meadows Drainage Improvement Project Pay Application #3 for $120,381.05
• Waive BP Fee for Veteran's Memorial Pillars of $818.75 and Plan Review of $286.57

The City Council approved a $1,077,563 draw for the North Park Water Tower Replacement Project, traffic control sign updates at three intersections, and several event permits including street closures for sidewalk sales, a swim meet, car show, and pie social. They also authorized relocation of the Governor Nutter statue, established a $40 senior swim pass, waived fees for the Veterans Memorial Pillars Project, and adopted the first reading of Ordinance 605 updating the garbage code. All votes were unanimous except the traffic sign update, which passed 5-1, and two items with abstentions.

• Approved $1,077,563 draw for North Park Water Tower Replacement (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved traffic control sign updates at 5th St SW & 14th Ave SW, 10th Ave SW & 4th St SW, 10th Ave SW & West Main (5-1)
• Approved street closures for sidewalk sales on June 19 and July 21, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Tiger Sharks swim meet use of pool and facilities June 20-21, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Sportsman Club car show moved to July 25, 2026 (unanimous)
• Authorized relocation of Governor Nutter statue in Veterans Memorial Park (unanimous)
• Established Senior Swim Pass at $40 for residents 55+ (unanimous)
• Adopted first reading of Ordinance 605 updating garbage code (unanimous)

Local Government Review Board

The Local Government Review Board is meeting to review and potentially approve a tentative report, and to plan public outreach and an open house for June 18, 2026. The agenda includes approving the May 7th meeting minutes and hearing public comments.

• Review and approve tentative report
• Public outreach/social media plan for tentative report
• Open house planning for June 18, 2026
• Approve May 7th, 2026 meeting minutes

The Local Government Review Board approved the tentative report with no further changes and approved the May 7 meeting minutes. They also agreed to a social media outreach plan and to serve pizza and breadsticks at the June 18 open house and public hearing.

• Approved May 7, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved tentative report with no further changes (3-0)
• Agreed to move forward with social media outreach plan as presented
• Agreed to order 5 pizzas and breadsticks for the June 18 open house

Parking Commission

The Sidney Parking Commission is meeting to discuss general parking issues and a proposal for angled parking in the downtown district. The agenda contains only these two discussion items, with no decisions or votes listed.

• Discussion of general parking issues
• Discussion of angled parking in the downtown district

The Parking Commission reached consensus that Public Works may continue routine curb painting and parking markings under existing City Code without needing Commission approval for each instance, with unusual situations brought to the Commission. They also discussed angled parking on Third Street/Third Avenue, agreeing to first pursue a cooperative approach with business owners before any formal restrictions. No formal votes were taken; all actions were consensus-based.

• Consensus: Public Works may paint curbs and mark parking under existing code without Commission approval
• Consensus: Unusual or unique parking situations will be brought to the Commission for review
• Discussed angled parking on Third Street/Third Avenue; agreed to meet informally with business owners before formal changes