Butte-Silver Bow commissioners hear reports from mill-levy grantees and refer proposals for committee review

Butte-Silver Bow commissioners heard presentations April 15 from local organizations that received economic development mill-levy grants, including reports on how awarded funds were spent and the local economic activity those projects generate.

Kate Woods, speaking for the Butte Amateur Hockey Association, said the association was awarded $20,000 and had spent about $18,000 on window replacement and building repairs at the Butte Community Ice Center, which supports youth hockey (about 105 players) and events that draw more than 1,200 visitors and overnight stays during peak seasons. Chrissy Kryskowski of The Body Shop (formerly Copper City Strength and Conditioning) credited a $5,500 award with allowing the business to install durable flooring, open last November and grow to 118 members, producing consistent local spending and new small-business opportunities.

George Everett reported that the Montana Folk Festival used an $11,000 grant for security and gatekeeper support and that a separate streetscape/tree program planted 26 trees uptown. Bridal McDonough of the Montana Gaelic Cultural Society said a $7,500 grant covered about half the festival’s performer lodging costs. Daniel Hogan of Clardan LLC thanked the council for a $2,500 award that supported ongoing renovation work on a Walkerville grocery project. Greg McDonald described a veteran-focused motorcycle rally funded in part last year by council support; organizers are expanding the event to three days this year and plan to donate proceeds to local veteran services.

Ron Davis of Advantage Butte summarized sports-driven economic impact, saying the organization has helped bring millions in visitor spending to Butte and described recent tournament activity funded in part through mill-levy awards. Zach Hamner of Nomad Stepping In reported a $3,000 grant used to restore a mini chopper; during reconciliation the group identified two unauthorized withdrawals totaling $1,400 that were segregated and flagged as unallowable.

Commissioner Josh O'Neil read a list of 12 new proposals totaling $91,920 and Commissioner Morgan moved to refer the proposals to the Economic Development committee for detailed review; the referral passed unanimously. Several commissioners requested full proposal packages to be emailed ahead of committee consideration.

The council did not vote on individual grants tonight; presentations were informational and the referral starts the committee review process. The council scheduled additional presentations across April 8 and April 15 to complete recipient reports and follow-up questions.