Billings City Council Work Session - May 18, 2026

The Billings City Council Work Session held on May 18, 2026, included extensive discussions on budget proposals and operational updates across multiple city departments, with a strong focus on procurement and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related topics included the Human Resources Department's request for an additional staff member and a new payroll and HR software system, with an implementation cost estimated at $250,000 and ongoing costs up to $200,000 annually. The IT Department presented its FY27 budget, highlighting a $592,000 increase to support new server purchases and phone system replacement, emphasizing the use of state contracts and vendor pricing reviews to ensure cost efficiency. The Public Works Department outlined a $194.6 million budget with $83.5 million allocated for capital projects, including water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, street maintenance, and stormwater management, supported by proposed rate increases. The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) presented its budget and service plans, funded primarily through property assessments, with discussions on service equity across district areas. The Tourism Business Improvement District also presented its FY27 budget focused on marketing and supporting local tourism infrastructure. Throughout the session, council members raised questions about staffing costs, software procurement, capital project funding, and service delivery effectiveness, with several motions and budget approvals anticipated in subsequent meetings.