The creation of a Rural Improvement District is regulated by both Montana State Statute (Title 7, Chapter 12, Part 21) and guided by County Rural Improvement District Policy and Procedures (established in 1996), as a mechanism to help property owners self-fund various projects provided for in the statute.

The Special Districts Coordinator will assist residents in creating Rural Improvement Districts:  Creating Petitions, Resolutions, Notices, Cost Estimates, Informational Meetings, and Coordinating County Departments

The Board of County Commissioners has statutory authority to create a District using the statutes set forth in Montana Code Annotated.

County Policy requires the proponents of the district to circulate a petition and acquire signatures representing 20% of the lots, tracts or parcels to be included within the proposed district.

Petition must include:

• Desired level of service to be performed by the District
  • County Public Works will assist with cost estimates
• Properties benefiting from improvements/maintenance (to be included within the boundaries of the proposed District)
• Estimated cost of improvement/maintenance for each lot, tract or parcel

 After the Petition is submitted:

• Special Districts Coordinator will verify the petition for accuracy and content
• A Resolution of Intention (unless all property owners sign petition) will be submitted to the Commission for consideration
• If the Commission declares their intent to create the district, a protest period is held for a period of not less than 30 days
• Protest may be submitted according to statute 7-12-2109

Action after Insufficient Protest to bar Proceedings:

• Public Hearing before Board of County Commissioners
• Resolution of Creation is presented to the Commission for their consideration

If Commission Creates District:

• A Public Hearing is held on the proposed Levying and Assessing of properties within the District
• A Resolution to Levy and Assess is presented and considered by the Commission