Regional Parks, Trails and Recreation District and Aquatic Center FAQs

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Belgrade Parks, Trails, and Recreation District Levy


• What is the Belgrade Parks, Trails, and Recreation District?

The proposed district would create parks, trails, programs, recreational facilities and provide adequate staffing to maintain and manage facilities within the boundaries of Belgrade High School District #44. Establishing the district would be approved by and paid for by taxpayers who live within the district.

• Who will benefit?

The district will be beneficial to all who live in the surrounding area; however, those living within the district boundaries will receive discounted rates at recreational facilities as well as improved parks and trails close to home.

• If the district passes, what benefits will it bring to Belgrade and the Gallatin Valley?

Upon voter approval, the district will begin assessing the need for maintenance and improvement to undeveloped and underdeveloped dedicated parks within the district. The district plans to upgrade and expand the trail system and move forward with plans for a recreational facility which includes an Aquatic Center.

• Does the City of Belgrade currently have a parks assessment/levy?

No, the City of Belgrade does not currently and has never assessed a levy dedicated to parks. The City does not currently have a parks or recreation department. The parks within the City of Belgrade are funded by the General Fund and maintained by our Street Crews.

• Who will oversee the district?

A Governing Board consisting of representatives from both residents within the City of Belgrade and the district boundaries outside of city limits will oversee the district. Each year's budget will also require approval from the Belgrade City Council and the Gallatin County Commission.

• I live outside the City of Belgrade and pay HOA fees to support our parks. Will this replace that fee and will the district be taking over the HOA parks?

The District, if passed, will not take over any HOA parks (I.E. River Rock, and Landmark) and any fees collected by an HOA for parks and trails they maintain will continue at the discretion of each HOA.

• How much will the establishment of the new district cost the tax payers?

The cost for each taxpayer to establish and fund a new Parks, Trails and Recreation district will be based on the assessed market value of their property. The current average household cost will increase by approximately $27 annually for every $100,000 of assessed market value.


Aquatics and Recreation Center Bond


• What is the Aquatics and Recreation Center Bond for?

The bond would pay for land and construction of the Belgrade Aquatic and Recreation Center which will house aquatic and recreational facilities accessible to the public.

• Where would the Aquatic Center be located?

The City is considering an 80+ acre parcel of land at the intersection of Penwell Bridge Rd. and Dry Creek Rd.

• How much will the Aquatics and Recreation center cost the tax payers?

The cost for each taxpayer to establish a Aquatics and Recreation Center will be based on the assessed market value of their property. The current average household will increase by approximately $70.39 annually for every $100,000 of assessed market value. Operation costs of the facilities would be split between taxpayers and user fees.

• Has the Aquatic Center been designed yet; what preliminary plans have been completed?

The Aquatic Center designs have not been completed yet but the City has contracted with Councilman Hunsaker, an Aquatic Design Consultant, to come up with preliminary design options and the associated costs with each.

• If the Aquatics Center is passed will the district need to ask for an operational levy in a future election?

No, the initial calculations of the District special assessment will cover the projected need for operational costs of the facility along with the revenue the facility is projected to generate (I.E. tournament fees).


General Q & A


• If the aquatics center passes, but the district fails will we still get the pool?

No, the District must pass in order to procure the Aquatic and Recreation Bond

• Where can I find the assessed market value of my property?

This information is available on the annual tax bill mailed by the county. It can also be found here on the county website. The taxable value is different (typically lower) than the market value of a property.

• When is the election and how do I vote?

The election is on May 2, 2023. You can register to vote by going to the Elections Department at the Gallatin County Courthouse at 311 W Main Street in Bozeman, or go to their website for more information. Ballots will be mailed out on April 14th and may be returned by mail or dropped off at Belgrade City Hall (91 E Central Ave) or other approved drop-off sites in the county.