Billings City Council Work Session - August 17, 2026

The Billings City Council Work Session held on August 17, 2026, focused primarily on updates and discussions regarding the new West End Water Treatment Plant and associated reservoirs. City officials provided a detailed overview of the project's history, design elements, and construction timeline, emphasizing the plant's role in ensuring a reliable drinking water supply for the entire city. The council discussed potential recreational amenities for the reservoirs, including beaches, trails, and fishing areas, with an estimated cost of approximately $13 million for a full build-out. Funding strategies were debated, including the possibility of sponsorships and naming rights for certain park features, though restrictions related to bonded projects were noted. A naming committee was formed to review over 600 public submissions for naming the water treatment plant and reservoirs, with plans to return recommendations to the council. The session also included public comments supporting the project and suggestions for funding and community engagement. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but action items included forming a council committee to further explore naming and funding options and requesting detailed cost breakdowns for proposed amenities.