Fire, police pitch Missoula crisis response funding fixes

Zoë Buchli

Extended financial resources for Missoula’s Mobile Support Team and Crisis Intervention Team was a leading topic during a City Council budget committee meeting on Wednesday.

Missoula’s first-responder agencies outlined priorities going into the 2024 fiscal year for City Council members. Chiefs from both Missoula’s fire and police departments discussed the future of the MST and CIT, since funding for both programs is running out. 

“What is front and center right now and a priority is to find sustainable funding for the Mobile Support Team, as the crisis service levy failure from last fall is staring us in the face to provide adequate funding and progress that resource,” Missoula Fire Chief Gordy Hughes said to the council. 

The MST is a specialized team trained specifically to respond to Missoulians with mental health and substance abuse issues. CIT trains Missoula first responders to deal with crisis situations. The support team fits under the CIT’s umbrella.

People are also reading…

Our favorite photos of the week from May 1 to May 7.

Money for MST comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds along with grant money, but that resource is

View Source