The June 4 primary election results are in, and the initial vote count shows that the Fire Levy passed with 63 percent of voters in support. Mayor Andrea Davis and the Missoula Fire Department thanked residents for their support. This levy will provide critical funding to hire 20 additional firefighters, provide sustainable funding for our Mobile Support Team, and ensure that our firefighters have the resources needed to protect our community effectively. With this support, we can continue to uphold the highest standards of service and safety for all Missoula residents.

"On behalf of our entire department, we are grateful to the voters for their overwhelming support," said Gordy Hughes, Fire Chief of the City of Missoula Fire Department. "This levy will enable us to maintain and improve our capabilities, ensuring that we are always ready to respond efficiently and effectively to emergencies. The community's trust and investment in their department is invaluable, and we are committed to serving with the dedication and professionalism that Missoula deserves."

“Our firefighters are deeply conscientious and take their jobs very seriously,” Davis said. “They want to do the best job possible, and that means showing up as quickly as they can. Every day, they are called to help with medical emergencies, fires in homes and businesses and mental health crises, where the need for help is immediate. That’s why they say, ‘Response times save lives.’ “

“City of Missoula leadership and staff understand the stress of rising property taxes; we pay them too,” she said. “The fact that Missoula stepped up to help in this tax climate means so much. We will continue to work with our state legislators in the coming session to find solutions for our residential taxpayers.”

Note: election results are not official until the canvass on June 18.