Relying on his 13 years of experience as a small business owner, Helena mayoral candidate Russ Powers says that if elected, he will bring much-needed transparency and fiscal accountability to the growing city, which is facing a mounting budget crisis.
Powers is one of three candidates vying to replace outgoing Mayor Brian Puckett, who announced in January that he would not seek reelection.
Puckett's announcement came just months before the city's annual audit revealed that the City had overspent its budget by $11,172,707 and ended the year with a budget deficit.
While a 1% tax increase to bring the city to a 10% tax rate is already under consideration by the Helena City Council, which will vote on it July 14, Powers told 1819 News in a phone interview that it won’t be enough.
SEE: City of Helena introduces tax increase following negative audit report, spending concerns
The city is currently paying for the bond to build the new city hall and sports complex out of its reserve funds. “We’re about to run out of our money reserve,” Powers explained.
Stressing the need for transparency, he said the incoming mayor and council will “need to be out front with the citizens about the situation we’re in and come up with a solution.”
One such solution might include reassessing the timeline for building the proposed sports complex, which Powers noted has yet to break ground. In a recent Facebook post, Powers pledged to "review all contracts with the Helena Forward Project to determine what we are contractually obliged to complete, and delay the rest of the project phases until proper funding is available."
Powers said, "You've got to live within your means," and pledged a full audit of the city's finances if elected mayor.
The 2025 election will be held on August 26. Information for City of Helena residents related to the election can be found on the city's elections website.
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