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Lewistown commission approves TIF, TED plans and a series of budget and assessment resolutions
Summary
At its Aug. meeting the Lewistown City Commission approved the 2025–26 annual plans for the TIF and TED districts, adopted tourism-district work plans and assessments (resolutions 4197 and 4198), amended the 2024–25 budget (resolution 4199), and adopted a preliminary 2025–26 budget schedule (resolution 42000).
The Lewistown City Commission approved multiple fiscal and program actions at its meeting, including annual plans and budget resolutions for economic-development and tourism districts, and a mid-year amendment to the city’s fiscal 2024–25 budget.
The commission adopted the 2025–26 annual plan for the tax increment financing (TIF) district, which outlines revenue projections and spending priorities such as infrastructure, facade improvements and a revolving loan fund administered by Snowy Mountain. Commissioners noted the TIF’s base year is 2015 and that the district was originally established for a 15-year term.
The commission also approved the 2025–26 annual plan for the targeted economic development (TED) district, covering an area roughly from the hospital west to the grocery store. The TED plan prioritizes public infrastructure investments and continues Snowy Mountain administration of the district’s programs.
In tourism matters, the commission held a public hearing and approved Resolution 4197, adopting the FY2026 work plan and budget for the tourism business improvement district (T-BID). The budget continues a $2 assessment per occupied room night to fund marketing, event sponsorships and visitor promotion. The commission then adopted Resolution 4198 to formally assess $2 per occupied room night; discussion touched on which lodging operators participate (hotels with six or more rooms) and whether short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) are covered under current law.
The commission opened and closed a public hearing to consider Resolution 4199, a mid‑year amendment to the 2024–25 city budget to account for unanticipated grants, donations, staff-related payouts, parks projects (including a donated pull-up/dip bar and an accessible swing), trail-match funding and additional water-project revenues and expenditures. Staff said auditors are scheduled for year-end review at the end of September; the amendment is intended to produce a balanced, compliant close to the fiscal year.
Finally, the commission approved Resolution 42000 to adopt a preliminary FY2025–26 budget and set a public hearing (scheduled for Sept. 2) for final adoption. Staff told commissioners the package to be presented at that hearing will include cash carryforward, reserves and a full proposed budget.
Roll-call votes were taken on each motion; all measures listed above were approved by the commission during the meeting.
