Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Revenue topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Billings County staff flags structural deficit as oil and gas make up nearly 70% of revenues
Summary
County staff told commissioners the general fund remains heavily reliant on oil and gas (about 70% of general fund revenue) and described a structural deficit where recurring revenues and expenses do not match, estimating about $1,000,000 of recurring shortfall.
Staff member warned commissioners that Billings County's general fund is heavily dependent on energy revenue and that this creates fiscal risk if oil and gas receipts decline.
"Our taxes equal about 7% of our total county revenue, for the general fund. Oil and gas revenues account for almost 70% of the county general fund revenue," the staff member said while reviewing the 2025 revenue mix. Later in the packet review the staff member added, "we were still 1000000 dollars over a we're we're in a structural deficit essentially." The staffer emphasized that recurring expenses and recurring revenues do not match.
The commission discussed how reserves and federal sources (Bankhead Jones, PILT) currently offset volatility but acknowledged the county should plan for reduced oil receipts in the long term. Staff urged commissioners to consider options for diversifying revenue or using carryforward allowances conservatively.
