Helena threatens closure of Laborers’ training center

Something we’ve proudly done in Montana for decades. Workers trained on this site are working every day to keep our economy moving, are helping to build critical infrastructure projects across the state, and deserve to be supported.

Unfortunately, the City of Helena has determined that properties within the city limits, non-profit or not, need to pay “special assessments” which have almost independently put the Laborers under immense financial strain and will potentially force the Laborers to shut down and cease the essential training that is currently provided.

Currently, the Street Maintenance No. 1 assessment is a relatively minimal flat rate for vacant, residential, manufactured, or mobile home dwellings, along with commercial lots less than 6,000 sq. ft. (ranging from $82.46 to $360.00 per year). However, the assessments for commercial properties that are over 6,000 square feet is not a flat rate; it is $0.06000 per square foot. This adds up quickly, especially as the Laborers AGC sits on 20 acres of property, much of which is considered wetlands and is unusable.

Based on the city’s current methodology, large commercial property owners are required to pay $2,613.60 per acre per year.

In tax year 2023, the Laborers were required to pay a total of $62,027.43 for the various “special assessments” instituted by the City of Helena — as a not-for-profit training center, this has put desperately needed workers in an untenable financial situation.

The Laborers’ property is located at 3100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., just next to the fairgrounds. There is no snow removal provided by the city as you approach the property, and the numerous potholes have been there so long they could be considered historical landmarks.

Regardless of the number of times the Laborers have contacted the city regarding maintenance issues, it has all fallen on deaf ears. The only option for similarly situated property owners was to file suit against the city, which the Laborers have since joined. However, as with any litigation, the process is long and arduous, and the Laborers may simply not be able to outlast the city.

Does the city require funds to provide street maintenance for the benefit of all citizens? Yes.

However, the methodology the city is using to calculate the Street Maintenance No. 1 special assessment is entirely unjustified. It’s time for the City of Helena to support our training center and the workers who are building Montana.