Great Falls BID board approves FY2027 work plan, renews service agreements and awards downtown grants

The Great Falls Business Improvement District board on June 11 approved its FY2027 work plan, renewed two professional services agreements and authorized a series of downtown maintenance and grant awards.

Chair Jason Kunz opened the meeting at 9:04 a.m. with a quorum present. BID staff member Kellie Pierce told the board the City Commission is scheduled to consider the BID’s FY2027 budget in June and that May 2026 financial statements had been circulated to members. Leo Imperi moved to approve the May 31, 2026 financial statements; Erica Ferrin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Pierce presented a two-year professional services agreement (PSA) with the Great Falls Development Alliance that runs July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, and clarified that the PSA will be funded from the BID’s Contract Services line. Jake Clark, listed as a guest and the GFDA liaison under the agreement, said GFDA has restarted recruitment for a Downtown Business Development Officer. Sherrie Arey moved to accept the GFDA PSA; Erica Ferrin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved renewal of a three-year PSA with the Downtown Great Falls Association, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, under terms that cap BID funding of DGFA staff at $15,000 annually; Leo Imperi moved to approve the DGFA PSA, Sherrie Arey seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Anna, speaking in the DGFA update, reported on Craft Beer Week activities, a scavenger hunt, Brew Fest VIP sales and vendor signups for the June Night Market.

Members discussed a series of downtown beautification and maintenance items. Leo Imperi presented an estimated $55,000 quote to add lighting and wall work on the Speaking Socially building (133 linear feet) as part of an alley-lighting proposal; the board agreed to continue comparing options. The board authorized purchase of a used 2023 Chevrolet pickup with roughly 55,000 miles for $20,000 and approved a Dawn Patrol pressure-washing bid for sidewalks at $10,800 after a motion from Keith Cron and a second from Sherrie Arey. Pierce said Tree Amigos provided a $17,500 bid for the first phase of tree work; the board agreed to proceed with the work to be funded with TIF dollars and reimbursed upon completion.

In grant business the board approved five awards: an interior grant for Hometana (estimate $36,319) for a maximum payout of $5,000; a $900 business incentive grant and a separate interior grant (estimate $21,502, maximum $5,000) for Marchion Ventures at 2 5th St N; and a $1,800 business incentive plus an interior grant (estimate $17,040, maximum $5,000) for Studio 41 at 705 Central Ave. All grant motions passed unanimously.

Pierce reported that the Super TIF Committee is moving forward with applications and that the City requires a County employee for the County’s TIF appointee. She also noted the Parking Commission has an opening and that a parking-technology RFP will be released. On safety, Pierce said the downtown-dedicated police officer has been making rounds; Captain Otto attended the Safety Alliance meeting and school resource officers are expected to start next week. A Meet & Greet for the new officer and SROs is scheduled for June 24 at 5:30 p.m. at NWGF.

The board approved the FY2027 Work Plan and will present it to the City Commission with the budget. The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.; the board’s next meeting is July 9, 2026.

Votes at a glance: All recorded motions at the June 11 meeting passed unanimously (5–0).