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69th Legislature SJ 45.1
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 45
1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45
2 INTRODUCED BY M. DUNWELL
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO DETERMINE A USE POLICY FOR THE EXECUTIVE
6 RESIDENCE WHEN THE GOVERNOR HAS AN ALTERNATE RESIDENCE; AND REQUIRING THAT THE
7 RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE IN THE FORM OF INTRODUCED
8 LEGISLATION.
9
10 WHEREAS, the "executive residence" is the state-owned, 12,259-square-foot residence intended for
11 use by the governor, located at 2 Carson Street in Helena; and
12 WHEREAS, the executive residence is part of the Capitol Complex of buildings owned, managed, and
13 maintained by the Department of Administration; and
14 WHEREAS, the executive residence needs to be renovated to meet building construction and safety
15 codes, including new electrical systems, new roofing, new heating and cooling systems, and new plumbing
16 systems, as well as fire detection and suppression, asbestos abatement, replacement of the failing front porch,
17 and updates to the residence to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
18 WHEREAS, during the 2019 and 2021 legislative sessions, the Legislature appropriated a total of
19 $2,340,500 toward the Executive Residence Renovation project; and
20 WHEREAS, none of the bids received by the Department of Administration have been lower than the
21 $2,340,500 appropriated, and the project is "presently on hold" due to reported inflationary costs, materials
22 delays and shortages, and workforce shortages; and
23 WHEREAS, furthermore, the Department of Administration says that "no timeline has been determined"
24 to complete the Executive Residence Renovation; and
25 WHEREAS, the executive residence currently costs the state approximately $100,000 a year in
26 upkeep, including daily security checks, weekly grounds maintenance, and utilities like water and electricity;
27 and
28 WHEREAS, the executive residence has remained vacant since the Department of Administration
69th Legislature SJ 45.1
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 45
1 issued construction bids in September 2021; and
2 WHEREAS, the executive residence remains empty, costing the state $100,000 a year, with no evident
3 plan to move forward with its renovation, use, replacement, or sale.
4
5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
6 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
7 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
8 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to:
9 (1) review the current state of the executive residence, including but not limited to:
10 (a) an in-person tour of the residence led by a Department of Administration representative; and
11 (b) a review of the Department of Administration's proposed renovation plans;
12 (2) develop a comprehensive list of "needs" that include only the renovations necessary to bring
13 the property up to building and city code compliance;
14 (3) develop a comprehensive list of "wants" that include secondary requests for nonessential
15 renovations;
16 (4) consider solutions to the property's state of disrepair, including but not limited to:
17 (a) funding for the renovation of the residence, partially or in full;
18 (b) demolition and new construction on the existing foundation;
19 (c) uses for the property other than as a primary residence; and
20 (d) sale of the property and uses of the sale profits; and
21 (5) consider plans for the appropriate use of the residence if not in use by the governor as the
22 executive residence.
23 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
24 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
26 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature in the form of
27 introduced legislation.
28 - END -