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Council approves TBID and Downtown BID assessments despite public objections over city participation
Summary
After public comment criticizing use of taxpayer dollars in downtown TBID/BID assessments, the council approved resolutions setting FY2027 assessments. Several councilmembers voted against the downtown BID participation, and the mayor temporarily considered recusal over a city property assessment before continuing.
The Billings City Council held public hearings and approved resolutions setting the annual Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) assessments for fiscal year 2027, despite vocal public opposition and several councilmembers expressing concern about city participation and cost to taxpayers.
Finance staff presented the assessments and said they reflect previously approved budget actions. Public commenter Jeff Kettleson argued TIF and BID funds divert taxpayer dollars that should support schools and core city services, estimating downtown TIF revenues in the tens of millions and urging reform. Other public comments at the downtown BID hearing likewise criticized city properties’ assessment totals (the record shows city-owned properties pay over $50,000 annually under the BID assessment schedule).
Council debate focused on whether the city should participate financially in the BID and whether assessments fairly benefit city operations. Councilmember Roy Neese and Councilmember Scott Aspenlieder said they will vote against the downtown BID resolution and suggested the city consider withdrawing participation next renewal cycle. Councilmember Andrew Lindley and others argued the services provided by the BID (sidewalk sweeping, security, litter abatement) deliver measurable benefits and that withdrawing would shift the burden onto other property owners or the city’s general fund.
Motions to adopt the TBID and the Downtown BID assessment resolutions passed as recommended by staff. The downtown BID vote recorded multiple ‘nay’ votes — Councilmembers Kennedy, Aspenlieder and Neese — and passed with a majority. Mayor Mike Nelson briefly recused himself because he is a property owner in a district that faced a larger assessment, then unrecused when the point was clarified.
What’s next: Councilmembers who opposed the city's ongoing participation said they will seek review of the city’s role and may propose revisiting the city’s involvement in BID funding in the coming year. Staff will administer the assessments for FY2027 as adopted.
