---
title: What is the Authority to Adopt Ordinances and Resolution?
description: "\"Explore Montana law granting municipalities the power to adopt ordinances, levy taxes, appropriate funds, and manage public services under MCA §§ 7-1-4123–4124.\""
---

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April 3, 2026

# What is the Authority to Adopt Ordinances and Resolution?

## "Legislative Authority of Montana Municipalities: Powers to Enact Ordinances, Levy Taxes, and Manage Local Affairs"

Montana law at 7‐1­4123 and 7‐1‐4124 specifically authorize municipalities to adopt, amend and repeal ordinances and resolutions that are required to:

1. Preserve peace and order and secure freedom from dangerous or noxious activities;
2. Secure and promote the general public health and welfare;
3. Provide any service or perform any function authorized or required by state law; Montana Municipal Officials Handbook 36
4. Exercise any power granted by state law;
5. Levy any tax authorized by state law for public or governmental purposes subject to 15-10-420;
6. Appropriate public funds;
7. Impose a special assessment reasonably related to the cost of any special service or special benefit provided by the municipality or impose a fee for the provision of a service;
8. Grant franchises; and
9. Provide for its own organization and the management of its affairs.

All legislative actions by a municipal council take the form of either an ordinance or resolution.

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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