{
  "locality": "livingston-mt",
  "year": 2026,
  "description": "Documented policy-origin and outside-influence records. An empty record set does not establish that no outside input occurred.",
  "evidence_states": [
    "origin unclear",
    "outside input documented",
    "outside drafting documented",
    "financial/contractual relationship documented"
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "id": "stormwater-utility-feasibility-study",
      "policy": "Stormwater utility and rate-policy development",
      "related_date": "2026-09-15",
      "related_meeting": "/livingston-mt/meetings/2026-09-15/",
      "evidence_state": "outside input documented",
      "relationship_type": "technical study and policy-option analysis",
      "first_documented_input": "2020-10-20",
      "organizations": [
        "Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S)",
        "Headwaters Economics",
        "TD&H Engineering"
      ],
      "summary": "Official City records document outside technical input into Livingston's stormwater-utility policy process over multiple years. The October 20, 2020 Commission agenda included a Storm Water Utility Creation Presentation and Resolution 4926 authorizing an agreement with AE2S. A later City-hosted feasibility study states that AE2S prepared the report in collaboration with Headwaters Economics and the City of Livingston, with TD&H Engineering listed among contributors. The study evaluated whether a stormwater utility was appropriate and analyzed potential rate structures and funding options. This documents outside technical participation; it does not establish improper influence.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Official October 20, 2020 City Commission meeting page",
          "url": "https://www.livingstonmontana.org/citycommission/page/city-commission-meeting-9"
        },
        {
          "label": "Official City-hosted Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study",
          "url": "https://www.livingstonmontana.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/9107/city_of_livingston_stormwater_utility_feasibility_study_report_20250304.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "FOIPub September 15, 2026 meeting record",
          "url": "/livingston-mt/meetings/2026-09-15/"
        }
      ],
      "timeline": [
        {
          "date": "2020-10-20",
          "label": "Stormwater utility creation enters Commission record",
          "detail": "The official City Commission meeting page lists a scheduled Storm Water Utility Creation Presentation and Resolution 4926 authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with AE2S.",
          "source": "https://www.livingstonmontana.org/citycommission/page/city-commission-meeting-9"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-03-04",
          "label": "Feasibility study published",
          "detail": "The City-hosted Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study identifies AE2S as the preparer, describes collaboration with Headwaters Economics and the City, and lists TD&H Engineering among contributors.",
          "source": "https://www.livingstonmontana.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/9107/city_of_livingston_stormwater_utility_feasibility_study_report_20250304.pdf"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-09-15",
          "label": "Stormwater rates approved",
          "detail": "The City Commission approved Resolution 5207 establishing stormwater rates; FOIPub links this action to the documented policy-development trail.",
          "source": "/livingston-mt/meetings/2026-09-15/"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}