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Gallatin County fills Gallatin Valley TBID vacancies, urges governance overhaul
Summary
The Gallatin County Commission appointed new members to the Gallatin Valley Tourism Business Improvement District and discussed the need for clearer bylaws, financial transparency and outreach to fill a vacant 3‑Forks seat.
The Gallatin County Commission on March 25 appointed members to the Gallatin Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), awarding staggered terms to applicants for Bozeman and Belgrade district seats and noting a need for governance housekeeping to improve transparency and local representation.
The appointments capped an extended discussion about the TBID's recent renewal process and complaints from hoteliers about board performance. Commissioners said they want the TBID to adopt clearer bylaws, financial-management practices and communication protocols as the board restarts under county appointment authority.
Lisa Sabina, owner and operator of the Lewis and Clark Motel in Bozeman, spoke in favor of her application and thanked commissioners for reviewing the applicant pool. “My dad built the Lewis and Clark Motel back in 1976… I am a born and raised resident of Gallatin County,” Sabina said, identifying her address for the record and offering to answer questions about her application. Hannah Cape, who identified herself as a hospitality-industry professional from Bozeman, also spoke briefly to thank commissioners for the opportunity to apply.
Commissioners said they prefer bringing new members onto the TBID to restore public confidence after recent concerns about transparency. Several commissioners urged that appointees be prepared to take on “unsexy” governance tasks such as drafting and adopting bylaws and establishing transparent financial procedures for the TBID.
Votes at the meeting appointed Anita Johnson to a four‑year Belgrade seat (term expiring March 25, 2029) and Erica Cherry to a two‑year Belgrade seat (term expiring March 25, 2027). In the Bozeman district the commission appointed Matt Beechler to a four‑year term (expiring March 31, 2029), Jacob Clatt to a three‑year term (expiring March 31, 2028), Haley Rowland to a two‑year term (expiring March 31, 2027) and Hannah Cape to a one‑year term (expiring March 31, 2026). All appointments were approved by voice vote.
Commissioners said the 3‑Forks seat remains vacant because no applicant for that specific seat was on the slate; they directed staff to re-advertise that vacancy. Several commissioners recommended that the county and the TBID work with hotel owners in outlying districts to recruit representatives and form subcommittees in those communities.
The commission did not discuss specific policy changes for the TBID beyond the governance items identified; no TBID bylaws or budget actions were finalized at the meeting.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after completing the appointments. The appointment votes were unanimous.
