REVIEW STUDY QUESTION

SHALL THE CITY OF SIDNEY ADOPT SELF-GOVERNING POWERS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI, SECTION 6 OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION?

The City of Sidney currently operates under a Mayor-Council Form of Government with General Governing Powers. Under General Governing Powers, the City may exercise only those powers specifically granted by the Montana Constitution or the Montana Legislature.

If approved by the voters, the City would retain its existing Mayor-Council Form of Government, but would adopt Self-Governing Powers pursuant to Article XI, Section 6 of the Montana Constitution. Self-Governing powers provide municipalities with broader local authority by allowing the City to exercise any power not prohibited by the Montana Constitution, federal law, or state law. Adoption of Self-Governing Powers does not change the City's elected officials, ward boundaries, council representation, or the Mayor-Council form of government.