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West Yellowstone council approves FY25 budget amendment and routine procurements; debate over snow‑removal contract
Summary
Council passed Resolution 827 to amend last fiscal year’s budgets (marketing, public‑works equipment replacement and TBID) to reconcile overages, approved two purchase orders for equipment and plows, and approved a snow‑removal service agreement despite a council dissent over minimum obligations.
The West Yellowstone town council approved a formal budget amendment (Resolution 827) to reconcile three funds from the prior fiscal year. Staff explained the marketing/promotions fund exceeded its authorization by $57,710.12 due to carryover event allocations from the prior fiscal year; the public‑works equipment replacement fund exceeded by $1,568.84 (lease payment timing) and the TBID (tourism business improvement) fund exceeded by $41,209.78 because of a mid‑year change in bed counts. Finance staff (Katie) said cash was available in each fund to cover the overages and that the amendment was largely a formality to comply with audit reporting.
Council also approved two purchase orders from Public Works: PO 7018 to Broadwater Equipment Services for $14,415.49 to repair heavy equipment, and PO 7019 to Midwest Welding and Machine for $15,406.58 for two 8‑foot Western plows. Public Works explained the breakdown of repair items, oil‑sampling procedures to reduce catastrophic equipment failures, and that the chosen plows fit the budget better than alternatives.
Council reviewed a snow‑removal service agreement with Tri State Excavating that retains prior‑year rates and sets hourly equipment rates and retainers. Councilor Lisa objected to obligating minimums without a secured discount and said she was not in favor of the contract; staff and other councilors said having a backup arrangement was prudent. The council approved the agreement, with at least one recorded dissent.
Other routine council business approved included a new business license for 2 Bears Den LLC at 235 Gifford Ave. #15 (after staff confirmed a designated private parking space), approval of minutes from the Nov. 18 meeting, and reappointment of Jeff Schoenhart to the TBID board representing the 100+‑room lodging sector. Several special event permits (Christmas Stroll and the 'Kids in Snow' series) were also approved.
All motions noted in meeting minutes were carried by voice votes; the transcript records aye/nay voice outcomes but generally does not include full roll‑call tallies.
