What is the Authority to Adopt Ordinances and Resolution?

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.