Helena officials consider asking taxpayers to fund additional emergency services

The Helena City Commission is considering whether to ask voters to approve added taxes to pay for a new fire station and additional police officers and firefighters.  The heads of the local police and fire departments recently told commissioners that more staffing, a new fire station and a training facility are necessary to adequately protect Helena’s growing population. The city’s current funding for emergency services is not sufficient, the commission was told.   During a city commission administrative meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17, city staff and the fire and police departments prese