Myth Busters!

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The Missoula County Attorney's office represents Missoula County government, including it's departments, boards and officials, in legal matters. It does not serve as legal counsel for private residents or businesses.

The County Attorney's office is tasked with prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal guidance to county entities and handling certain civil matters such as child protection cases or involuntary commitments. However, it cannot provide personal legal advice or representation to individuals.

If you need legal advice, you should contact a private attorney or seek assistance through legal aid organizations, such as the Montana Legal Services Association or State Bar of Montana's Lawyer Referral Program.

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It’s the law. No excuses—dog licensing has been legally required since 1896, and Missoula City-County residents voted to enforce it. Failing to license your dog could result in a citation, so staying compliant isn’t just smart—it’s legally required.

Dog licensing is essential for you, your pet and your community. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on their collar is the fastest and easiest way to get them back home. Unlike microchips, which require a special scanner, a license tag is visible to anyone who finds your pet—no technology needed.

Licensing requires proof of rabies vaccination, protecting your pet and the community from this deadly disease. Without a license, there’s no easy way for others to know your dog is safe. By licensing your pet, you’re helping to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Licensing fees are a crucial source of funding for Missoula Animal Control, helping to shelter, feed and find homes for lost and abandoned animals. Thanks to these funds, 94% of dogs that enter the shelter are reunited with their owners or adopted into loving homes.

Licensing fees are affordable and depend on factors like your dog’s age, whether they’re spayed or neutered, and if you’re a senior citizen. For example:

• Spayed/Neutered Dog: $20 for 1 year, $50 for 3 years        

• Unaltered Dog: $35 for 1 year, $95 for 3 years                

• Senior Discount (65+): Reduced rates available

Get your dog licensed today! Learn more and license online at Missoula.co/doglicense

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Emergency alerts from local agencies are not as easily pushed to cell phones as Amber Alerts.

Ambert Alerts and similar notifications are part of a federally managed system designed to disseminate critical information to the public quickly and widely.

Local alerts often require individuals to opt-in to receive them, as they are sent through different systems that aren’t automatically tied to your phone.

This is where Smart911 comes in. Smart911 is a free and secure service that allows residents to create a safety profile with important information about their household.

This profile can include details such as medical conditions, family members and pets, which can help first responders during emergencies.

Signing up for Smart911 ensures you can receive localized emergency alerts about natural disasters, evacuations and other critical events directly to your phone or email.

By opting in through Smart 911, you enable local agencies to notify you quickly when emergencies happen in your area.

Don’t wait for an emergency! To learn more or sign up, visit missoulacounty.us/smart911

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Not all roads in Missoula County are under County jurisdiction. Some roads are managed by the state, private homeowners’ associations or the City of Missoula. Others are county non-maintained, meaning that while these roads are within county limits, they are not regularly maintained. The County maintains 447 miles of roads, primarily in unincorporated areas. 

Road maintenance includes repair, snow removal, right-of-way maintenance, paving, grading and dust abatement. Staff prioritize roads based on traffic level, maintenance urgency and safety concerns. Go to https://missoulacountyvoice.com/road-maintenance to see an interactive map of county-maintained roads.

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At the Clerk and Treasurer’s Office in the courthouse, you can:
- Register or title your vehicle
- Pay property taxes
- Get birth or death certificates
- Access property records

But for driver’s licenses, head to the Montana State Department of Justice. Learn more at dojmt.gov/driving. You can find more about services the Missoula County Clerk and Treasurer offers at missoulaclerk.us

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It’s a common misconception that Missoula County manages traffic and construction projects on U.S. Highway 93. In reality, these responsibilities fall under the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). 

Recent upgrades to the highway, including resurfacing the S-curves, installing a new traffic camera and implementing other safety improvements, were all coordinated by MDT. The County does not oversee these efforts but works alongside MDT to keep residents informed.

As part of the ongoing Lolo to Missoula Pavement Preservation Project, MDT, in partnership with Riverside Contracting Inc. and Knife River Corporation, is conducting final construction activities this week, weather permitting. Between Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 6, workers will seal coat and stripe US 93 between Buckhouse Bridge and Hayes Creek Road.

Crews will be active between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and traffic control measures will be in place. Motorists should expect speed reductions and one lane of traffic open in each direction during these hours.

If you have questions or need more information about this project, you can call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT works diligently to improve safety and efficiency on Montana’s highways. MDT encourages residents to reach out to them with concerns or inquiries.

This is TRUE! 

Here's how: When your septic system is permitted and installed correctly, it keeps poop (yes, poop!) and other contaminants out of your drinking water and your neighbor’s.

The system filters waste through soil layers, naturally breaking down harmful bacteria and chemicals before they can make their way into the groundwater.

Without a proper system, contamination can flow freely — bad news for wells, waterways and health. So if you have a septic system, keep it shipshape. It's not just a load of crap — it’s your first line of defense for clean water!

Have questions, looking for a septic permit or need to fill out a septic application? Contact Missoula Public Health at 406-258-4890, email envhealth@missoulacounty.us or visit missoulapublichealth.org/environment/septic 

This is FALSE. Not every structure in Missoula County requires a building permit. Certain types of small, non-habitable structures are exempt, although permit requirements differ between Missoula County and the City of Missoula.

Here are some common examples of permit-exempt structures in Missoula County:

• Non-Habitable Additions: Additions like covered porches, covered entry ways, a lean-to, or a patio are exempt, provided they're non-habitable. Reference Resolution 2024-072 
  
  
• Greenhouses and Hoop Structures: For residential use only, not for the public to enter and purchase products out of, are exempt from a building permit.
  
  
• Pergolas and Gazebos: These open-air structures, whether attached or freestanding, don't need a permit.
  
  
• Residential Sheds: Sheds under 200 square feet used for storage only don't require a building permit. Be sure to check with the zoning division for height and setback rules. Also check with the Health Department to ensure you are not placing it over a septic/drain field or water line. Reference Resolution 2022-123 for definition.
  
  
• Commercial Sheds: Sheds under 120 square feet are exempt, with similar zoning considerations for height and setbacks.
  
  
• Residential Decks: Under 30 inches high attached or unattached regardless of size don't require a building permit. Reference Resolution 2024-072 
  
  
• Storage Structures: Storage structures up to 200 square fee are permit-free. Reference Resolution 2022-123 

Note that these exemptions only apply to structures outside of Missoula City limits.

For clarification on specific projects, contact the Public Works Building Division at permits@missoulacounty.us or 406-258-3701, option #2. You can also visit www.missoulacounty.build to see if a permit is required before you start your project.

This is FALSE. The Missoula Public Library welcomes everyone in Missoula County and throughout the region, not just city residents.

With a library card, patrons gain access to a wide range of services, including books, workshops, community spaces, family services, STEM programs, media literacy, early literacy programs, MakerSpace access, and cultural events.

Beyond the downtown location, Missoula Public Library has six branches: Target Range, Lolo, Frenchtown, Seeley Lake, Potomac, and Condon. These locations host their own events and book clubs each month. The newly launched bookmobile will expand access to library services even further.

Additionally, the library is connected to other libraries across Montana, and the outreach programs bring our services to residents across the county and beyond. With its broad array of resources and services, MPL attracts visitors from near and far, making it a hub for the entire community.

So, wherever you live in Missoula County and beyond, the library is here for you!

THIS IS FALSE. While there were plans to move mail processing from Missoula to Spokane, this did not happen. The USPS offices in Missoula are ready to receive your ballot and ensure it gets to the Elections Center.

If you vote absentee, return postage is prepaid. Even with local processing, the USPS recommends mailing your ballot no later than seven days before Election Day, which is Tuesday, Oct. 29. Please hand-deliver your ballot to the Elections Center or a drop off location after Oct. 29.

Still want some reassurance? You can track your ballot at myvoterpagemt.com