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Council trims CIP: removes 21st Street underpass, shifts evidence‑lot funding and debates Cottonwood Park
Summary
Council updated the five‑year CIP after a long debate: it voted to remove the costly 21st Street underpass from the plan, directed staff to change the funding source for an evidence‑lot expansion away from South TIF, and discussed but did not approve a Cottonwood Park phase‑1 entry because of maintenance and funding concerns.
Billings — After a multi‑hour discussion of the five‑year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the city council voted on several high‑profile items, moved projects on and off the list and gave staff guidance on funding and next steps.
Andy led the CIP overview, noting the proposed five‑year total of approximately $525 million and a first‑year program of about $103 million that leans heavily on utility and transportation projects. Major items highlighted included a landfill Cell 6 expansion, airport and stormwater projects, the South Park pool design and an expansion of the police evidence impound lot.
21st Street Underpass: Council questioned the high cost estimates for a solution that would accommodate a fire truck and the limited near‑term funding options. After debate about study progress, public safety tradeoffs and grant prospects, Council member Boyette moved to remove the 21st Street Underpass from the CIP. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 7–4; staff was directed to stop advancing the project in the near term and to place it on a future‑projects list if appropriate.
Evidence‑facility lot expansion: Staff described a roughly $1.3 million proposal to finish development of city‑owned land used for evidence and impound storage, noting stormwater, fencing and security needs. Several councilors objected to using South TIF funds; after discussion the council voted to change the funding source away from the Southside TIF and asked staff to pursue a reduced scope and look to general fund phasing, grants or private contributions as alternatives.
Cottonwood Park: Council debated a staff suggestion to add Phase 1 (parking, rough trails, two bridges) to FY27 and fund it with $564,555 in cash‑in‑lieu plus grants and donations. Parks staff warned that long‑term maintenance funding is not currently available and recommended further design and coordination with other stormwater plans to leverage dollars. The motion to add the project with the recommended funding failed on the final vote after concerns about maintenance and realistic costs.
5th Avenue Corridor and other transportation projects: Council discussed a set of grant‑driven transportation and trail projects. Members argued about prioritization — some urged protecting grant‑eligible projects on the CIP to remain competitive; others said projects that lack right‑of‑way or realistic funding should be removed. Council moved to remove the 5th Avenue Corridor project scheduled for FY2030; that motion passed 7–4.
Staff committed to return with a revised CIP that reflects council direction, provide more granular cost and maintenance estimates for park and trail projects, and present a clearer list of Safe Routes to School priorities in advance of budget decisions.
