Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 11. GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO SERVICES

Part 10. Special Districts -- Creation and Governance

Combination Of Elections -- Term Of Board Members If Election Combined

7-11-1010. Combination of elections -- term of board members if election combined. (1) (a) If the governing body orders a referendum on the creation of a proposed special district and the special district would be administered by an elected board, the governing body may combine the referendum on the formation of the district with the election of the members of the board so that the qualified electors of the district may vote on these matters on the same date and at the same time.

(b) If the elections are combined, the notice of the election must contain the names of the candidates. Candidates for the board must file a declaration of candidacy with the election administrator within the time period specified in 13-1-502. The election administrator shall endorse on the declaration the date on which it was presented.

(2) If the governing body orders a combined election pursuant to subsection (1) and unless otherwise provided by resolution by the governing body pursuant to 7-1-201:

(a) a board member elected pursuant to this section shall hold office until the election and qualification or the appointment and qualification of the member's successor.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (2)(c), a board member has a term of office of 4 years.

(c) (i) In a special district requiring the election of five directors, three of the initial directors shall serve for a term of 2 years and two of the initial directors shall serve for a term of 4 years.

(ii) In a special district requiring the election of three directors, one initial director shall serve for a term of 2 years and two initial directors shall serve for a term of 4 years.

(iii) At the first meeting following an initial election of board members, the board shall determine by lot who shall serve a 2-year term.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 307, L. 2017.