BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN // may.20.2024 | |
// ROLL OUT THE ORANGE CONES—IT'S PUBLIC WORKS WEEK! | |
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Hold onto your hard hats, folks, because it's National Public Works Week! The week is meant to bring awareness to the importance of local public works departments to residents' everyday lives. We take for granted that when we turn on the tap, we get drinkable water—and we can be quick to complain about water rates going up—but do you know how this core service of government works? How the same water that almost certainly touched the lips of an up-river, man-mauling, grizzly bear makes it to your water tap? That's right, just after hibernation they're notorious for backwashing into shared drinks…
It might be worth stopping by the Open House for the Billings Water Treatment Plant (2251 Belknap Ave.) on Wednesday between 4:00 and 7:00 pm to learn more. Especially since you'll be all boned-up on the public works budget by watching City Council tonight. You should at least attend to get the free drinking water and Wilcoxson's Ice Cream.
Tonight, City Council continues their annual budgeting process with a discussion of the Billings Public Works budget, a quarter-billion dollar request. Budget watchers will recognize that the public works budget differs significantly from other city departments because the majority (58%) of their funding is for capital projects—most other city departments are paying for people who provide a service. You can see the FY25 breakdown of $238,753,790 in expenditures below.
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Funding for Public Works comes in the form of fees and charges for service, rather than property taxes. These include arterial (road) fees, solid waste, water & wastewater, and landfill fees/charges. Along with debt proceeds, they make up 75% of the Public Works revenues. | |
Although fees and charges for service aren't facing the same scrutiny as property taxes are right now, fees, charges for service, and assessments are still pricey. Like everything else you have to purchase on a daily basis, prices for public works services are going up, with the average Billings resident facing an increase of $114.24 per year (or $9.50 per month). | |
When looking to see how our rates compare to other Montana communities, we find that Billings compares rather well. Many other cities charge substantially higher rates for their services. Bozeman's arterial fees are off the charts and their water and wastewater rates less affordable than Billings. | |
Our April 1st edition of the Billings City Council Bulletin featured an update to the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) planning process, highlighting that although the plan identifies about $13 million of SRTS high impact projects, only $660,000 is budget annually over the next five years, well short of the identified need. The current draft Public Works budget only directs $700,000 to go toward SRTS. If you feel strongly that Safe Routes to Schools needs to be a priority for City Council, they need to hear from you. | |
// WORK SESSION AGENDA (MON) - 5:30 p.m. - BILLINGS CITY HALL | |
// WORK SESSION AGENDA (TUE) - 5:30 p.m. - BILLINGS CITY HALL | |
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In this section, we will include the meeting agenda for you to view. Clicking on the items will take you to more information. No need to read it all, but if something catches your eye, be sure to check it out.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Cole
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ALL ITEMS. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes during each public comment period or as set by the Mayor.
1. FY2025 Departmental Budget Presentations.
-Public Comment Click to View
2. Highlight Upcoming Agenda Items of Council Interest.
-Public Comment
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
PUBLIC COMMENT on “NON-AGENDA ITEMS”. Comments are limited to 3 minutes or as set by the Mayor.
ADJOURN:
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// WATCH THE MEETING ON COMMUNITY 7 TELEVISION | |
// CITY ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY REPORT | |
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City Administrator Chris Kukulski began the routine of sending a weekly report every Friday to City Council and department heads with the intent to, "communicate the highlights of the past week and any critical issues coming up." The most recent CA Report includes updates on:
- Information on impacts of MT DEQ Nutrient Rules for Wastewater
- Additional information/clarifications from last budget meetings
- And much more...
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// GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY | |
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Below are some additional public meetings being held this week, along with information about when and where to attend, and what's on the agenda (if one is available).
Tuesday, May 21st
West End Neighborhood Task Force
7:00 - 8:30 pm @ Connections Church, 56th and Grand Ave.
Wednesday, May 22nd
Public Works Week: Water Treatment, Reclamation, Distribution, & More
4:00 - 7:00 pm @ Water Treatment Plant, 2251 Belknap Ave.
Thursday, May 23rd
Public Works Week: Street Traffic, Solid Waste, Landfill & More
4:00 - 7:00 pm @ Billings Operation Center, 4848 Midland Rd.
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(Your email will be publicly available, similar to those you can read by clicking the button above.) | |
// BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS | |
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"It takes a little time and commitment, but it's incredibly rewarding to give back to our community which has given us so much."
-- Greg McCall, Zoning Commission and Owner, McCall Homes
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The Mayor's Office is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancies listed on the city website. For more information on each specific board, visit the city website. City Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, are advisory only, and members serve without compensation.
Submit applications to: Mayor's Office, PO Box 1178, Billings, MT 59103-1178 NO LATER THAN APRIL 1st .*
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BOARD OPENING (SEATS)
Human Relations Commission (2)
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REQUIREMENTS
Must live in Billings
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* - this has not been updated on the city website. | |
The Student-Built Home, a partnership program of the Billings Career Center and Home Builders Association of Billings, is completed. Residents are invited to a VIP Reception and Home Tour on Friday, May 24th. Due to limited parking on site, attendees are asked to meet at the Career Center at 4:00pm for shuttle service to the site for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. | |
// ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES | |
// BUSINESS ADVOCACY SPONSORS | |
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Billings Chamber's Business Advocacy Director, Dan Brooks with questions, comments, or to chat about the City Council.
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Billings Chamber of Commerce | Website
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