Billings Council discusses property tax disparities and homelessness funding solutions

The Billings City Council held a work session on April 21, 2025, addressing several key community issues, including road maintenance, homelessness support, and property tax concerns.

The meeting began with a resident, Mr. Espin, expressing concerns about the impact of the Montana Department of Transportation's recent changes to South Bridal Road. He noted that the new solid barriers have led to increased litter from uncovered loads, suggesting that the city negotiate an agreement with the state to maintain cleanliness on the road. He proposed that city street sweepers could be deployed weekly to address debris accumulation, which poses safety risks for residents.

Following this, Terry Todd from the Continuum of Care (COC) provided an update on the Coordinated Entry System (CES) in Billings. He reported that over $4 million had been allocated to the CES project, which assists individuals experiencing homelessness. Todd highlighted the urgent need for continued funding to support the system until a permanent solution is established. He mentioned that 89 youth, 257 adults, and 91 families are currently receiving assistance through the CES.

Council member Bill raised a question regarding the council's contingency fund, seeking clarity on its current status. The mayor confirmed that they would verify the remaining balance and explore potential funding options to support the CES initiative.

Resident Danny Chericki addressed the council regarding property tax disparities in Montana. He pointed out that since 1994, the proportion of property tax revenue generated by homeowners has increased significantly, while nonresidential properties have benefited from less frequent reappraisal cycles. Chericki urged the council to consider measures to promote equity in the property tax system, including value-neutral tax rates and harmonizing reappraisal cycles for all property classes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to follow up on the discussed issues, particularly the maintenance of South Bridal Road and the funding for homelessness services. The council expressed appreciation for the community's input and emphasized the importance of addressing these pressing concerns.