Good morning, it’s JoVonne Wagner here with something a little different for you. Welcome to our revamped version of Helena This Week. It’s the same focus on Helena issues, events, politics and culture, but with a different format and broader range of content that we hope will better ser ve you — the Helenans we’re writing for. We are also asking for your feedback. Have a news tip, a burning question about the community or a cool photo you’d like to share? We want to hear about it — keep reading for more ways to get involved. Leading off this week’s edition: Helena city leaders have recently announced their strong interest in asking residents to fund more public safety services, but they are not sure exactly when to put a levy before voters. But first, here’s a look at this week’s weather ⛅ Helenans can expect a cool Monday, but temperatures will gradually warm throughout the week, reaching around 73 degrees by Wednesday. That’s according to National Weather Service meteorologist Austin McDowell on Friday. Overnight lows will linger in the low to mid-40s. So — how could Helena pass another levy? The Helena City Commission is considering putting a public safety funding request to an election. If voters approve the suggested mill levy, it will fund additional police and firefighters. It kind of feels like déjà vu, right? Well, as most of us may recall, we’ve been here before. The last time the city went out for a public safety levy was in 2024, with the hope of addressing the same problem: Helena’s growth is outpacing its safety service response capacity, and the city needs more funding to pay for more responders. But that attempt failed, with voters approving only a bond for a third fire station. This go-around, commissioners and city staff are trying to figure out the best ways to educate voters on why the additional funding is needed. And there are many components to consider, including whether the levy should go on this November’s ballot, which will be shared with federal elections, or be pushed to a special election next March. “I’d like to have a discussion around what would it look like to spend from now until December planning the whole thing out, being ready to roll and putting [the levy request] on the ballot in March,” Mayor Emily Dean said during a meeting last Wednesday. “The need is now, but the biggest concern is I want this to pass. This needs to pass for the good of the future of our community.” Helena Mayor Emily Dean listens to public comment at a Jan. 2026 hearing at the City-County Building.  If the levy went to voters in November, Dean said she fears that any efforts to educate the public about the need for the additional funding will get lost in the whirlwind of political campaigning. The March date would also mean the city won’t be competing with a school district levy request as it did last time, Commissioner Julia Gustafson said, adding that the district will most likely seek funding support from residents during an election next May. But city staff aren’t as convinced that pushing back the election is the best option as the public needs rise and city services stagger. “If we had multiple significant incidents, we’re in a position where we could not respond, and what I think about is people’s lives on the line,” City Manager Alana Lake said. “That’s why, from a staff perspective, we’ve advocated for this [November] timeline.” After some discussion, the commission decided to continue the timeline conversation until July 15, with a tentative plan to set the election date at a July 20 meeting. The commission will also have to choose among three staffing options for both the fire and police departments to determine the cost of the levy they wish to pursue. If the commission chooses to fund the highest staffing levels for both departments, it would result in a $6.2 million request. Taxpayers with homes valued at $300,000 would see their taxes rise about $156 each year. Properties valued at $600,000 would see an annual tax increase of about $360. Queen City Views 📸 Montana Free Press reporter and Helena resident Zeke Lloyd strolled up Reeders Alley and down South Benton Avenue to watch the sun set over Helena the evening of June 24, 2026. Want to submit a photo for the newsletter? Send them to [email protected]. Public Notice 🧐 City offices closed for Independence Day🗓️ Closures will occur Friday, July 3📍 Impacted locations include the city administrative offices, the civic center, municipal court, Capital Transit and the transfer station offices. The city’s next community listening session🗓️ Friday, July 17⏰ 3 p.m.📍 Helena Civic Center ballroomℹ️ This session’s discussion will be about public safety.🔁 The listening sessions will occur monthly, and you can find the schedule here. Weigh in on Helena’s parks and recreation master plan🗓️ The survey closes Saturday, July 25ℹ️ City staff are asking the public for their input on the city’s recreation facilities, parks, urban pathways and other programs. Feedback will be used to update the department’s master plan, which will act as a 10-year roadmap for future city improvements. Visit the Be Hear Helena website for additional details.🔗 Take the survey Glad You Asked 💬 We want to hear your questions and curiosities about the Queen City. Wondering about that vacant building? Or why Helena restaurants are never open on Mondays? Our crew put together a dedicated place for you to submit your queries. I’ll do my best to answer them in upcoming Helena This Week newsletters. About Town 🚶 Arts Culture: Want a chill night with friends and hobbies? Myna Loy’s KnitFlix night is back on Tuesday, June 30, with a feel-good movie in a half-lit theater. Patrons are encouraged to bring their knitting, crochet or drawing supplies and enjoy an evening at the movies. This week’s film is “A League of Their Own,” which starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Holiday Specials: America is turning 250, and Helena will join in with the Capital City Fourth of July Celebration Saturday. The event at Centennial Park will include hot dogs, rootbeer floats, bouncy houses and live music, all free for the family. The party is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food scene: Head over to East Helena for its food truck festival Thursday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festival will be at Main Street Park and will feature the area’s favorite mobile eats and treats along with live music and local vendors. Programming note: Helena This Week will not publish Monday, July 6, to accommodate Montana Free Press’ summer break. We will return to our regular publication schedule July 13. The post ✨(Re)introducing Helena This Week ✨ appeared first on Montana Free Press. ...read more read less