This week, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock discussed calling a special session of the Legislature to address how to pay the costs of the summer’s wildfires.

The Governor’s budget director recommended the state reduce spending by $229.3 million to balance a reduction in tax revenue and an unforeseen increase in spending to fight extensive wildfires this year.

The Legislature passed a bill in the spring allowing the state to cut the fire fund if the revenue was lower than expected, causing the state to be an estimated $25 to $40 million short in covering this year’s costs.

Gov. Bullock stated a special session will be necessary at some point before 2019 to consider raising taxes to offset budget cuts and the high firefighting bill.