City Council is poised to approve the funding necessary to build a pedestrian and bike trial along Zimmerman Trail. Meanwhile, the Parks Department is struggling to keep up with maintenance and repairs on existing parks with the budget it has. And a budget increase is not currently in sight, as community concern over public safety continues to direct resources toward law enforcement and tax fatigue has led voters to reject bonds and levies at the ballot box.
Billings parks are “failing” due to lack of investment from the city, the department’s director, Mike Pigg, revealed in a Wednesday afternoon meeting with the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee.
With at least 1,879 calls for cops and emergency crews from the Colonial since 2015, the South Side apartments have long been strained public resources on the Billings taxpayer's dime.
The $2 million offer to Yellowstone County includes the initial $500,000 the city of Billings offered to contribute in 2024 plus $750,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
The $143 million bond encompasses 16 different projects, which includes upgrading nine parks, adding six trails and adding a large Rec Center near Amend Park.
BILLINGS, Mont. - One of the big issues on the ballot for Billings voters next month is the $143 million dollar Parks and Rec bond, which the city says will