Billings City Council Regular Meeting - August 24, 2026

The Billings City Council held its regular meeting on August 24, 2026, addressing several procurement and budget-related matters. Key procurement discussions included approval of an $11 million storm and sewer revenue refunding bond, with debate over impact fees and cost-sharing with the county for streetlight maintenance. The council approved bid awards for the Optimist Park Lighting Project, expected to complete within 60 to 80 days. They also approved the purchase of traffic controller equipment to upgrade about 15 intersections, with clarifications on camera usage and privacy safeguards. The council passed resolutions setting annual assessments for road and park maintenance districts for fiscal year 2027, with detailed discussions on funding and levy rates. A significant agenda item was the creation of the Billings Airport Authority and Board of Commissioners, which was unanimously approved with minor amendments. The council also adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment addressing overages in the Fire Department and Municipal Court. Public hearings were held on various topics, including land use for an electronic message display at Highland Elementary School and mill levy settings for general, transit, library, and public safety funds. The meeting concluded with extensive public comments focused on immigration enforcement and calls for Billings to become a sanctuary city, though no council action was taken on this issue. A council initiative was proposed to add disclaimers during public comment periods to clarify procedural rules.