Montana Code Annotated
Part 40. Local Government Budget Act
7-6-4037. Cause of action -- failure to adopt or submit an annual operating budget

7-6-4037.  Cause of action -- failure to adopt or submit an annual operating budget. (1) If a local government entity fails to adopt or submit an annual operating budget as required by Title 7, chapter 6, part 40, within 2 years of the applicable deadline, a person identified in subsection (2) of this section who has received a written determination from the department under 7-6-4038(3)(c) or (4)(b) may bring a cause of action against the local government entity for failure to comply with the local government entity's fiduciary requirements.
(2) The following parties may bring a cause of action under the provisions of subsection (1):
(a) any person who pays property taxes to the local government entity;
(b) any elected officer of any local taxing jurisdiction that collects revenue from or distributes revenue to the local government entity;
(c) any person residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the local government entity who can demonstrate a specific personal and legal interest, as distinguished from a general interest, and has been or is likely to be specially and injuriously affected by the local government entity's failure to meet the requirements as set forth in subsection (1).
(3) The cause of action must be filed in the district court in the county where the local government entity is located.
(4) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the court may grant relief that it considers appropriate, including but not limited to providing declaratory relief, appointing a financial receiver for the local government entity, or compelling a mandatory duty required under this part that is imposed on a state or local government officer or local government entity. If a party identified in subsection (2) prevails in an action brought under this section, that party must be awarded costs and reasonable attorney fees.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 268, L. 2019.

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