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Airshow organizers seek city help covering public-safety overtime after organizers bore large costs previously
Summary
Organizers of the Yellowstone National Airshow told the Billings City Council the event drew about 30,000 attendees and an estimated $15 million economic impact and requested city partnership to help cover public-safety overtime (about $146,000 at the prior show); council asked staff to convene finance and public-safety leaders and to pursue business partners.
Matthew McDonnell and Jake Penwell, co-chairs of the Yellowstone National Airshow, briefed the council on plans for a repeat airshow, describing roughly 30,000 attendees and an estimated $15 million economic impact from their prior event. They presented an event budget of approximately $3 million and said the show typically requires extensive volunteer coordination and public-safety support.
Organizers said they covered roughly $146,000 in overtime for airport and first-responder staffing at the last airshow and asked the city to consider a partnership to help with those costs. "We just need help," McDonnell said. "We would appreciate the city's assistance in having those conversations" with hotelier groups, TBID and the Chamber to share costs.
Council members thanked the organizers and pressed for details about prior costs, which departments would need overtime funding, and whether business groups had committed to support. Council member Aspenleiter suggested the city administrator and the chiefs of police and fire work with organizers and the finance director to "right-size" the request and identify potential funding sources. Several council members recommended the organizers coordinate with TBID, the Chamber and Big Sky EDA before tapping taxpayer funds; one council member suggested exploring a small ticket surcharge earmarked for first-responder costs.
No council vote or financial commitment occurred; council asked the city administrator to meet with organizers, chiefs and finance staff to produce options. Organizers said they will continue outreach to business partners and appreciated offers from council members to assist with those conversations.
