On Tuesday, residents of the City of Billings ovexrwhelmingly passed a public safety levy in an election for the first time in sixteen years. Passing with a 2-1 majority in favor, the levy repeals the 2004 levy which was capped at $8.2 million and replaces it with a permanent annual levy capped at 60 mills, which could raise approximately $12.2 million. Funding fire, police, and other related public safety expenses only, this levy will increase property taxes by $27.00 per year per $100,000 of home value. For the homeowner of a median value $211,000 house, this will raise property taxes by $4.75 a month.
Mayor Bill Cole explained, “With the old levy being fixed at a dollar amount, every year that amount bought less and less. We had to use our reserves, and that piggy bank was running out of money. We had a significant structural deficit of about $5 million, and this gives us a sustainable solution to that problem. Even though we will need more police and firefighters in the future, this will at least prevent us from going backwards for now.” Since 2010, Billings Police Department calls for service have increased 55%. Over this same time frame, the population in the City of Billings has only increased by 5%. Increasing 115% over the past ten years, violent crime has more than doubled in Billings.
Calling it a fantastic step forward, Mayor Cole said he was “tickled pink” not only that the measure passed but also that it passed with such a margin of victory. “It shows two things about our voters,” stated Cole. “One, that they understood the financial predicament we were in; and two, that they prioritize public safety. I think the people wanted to send a message that they stand with our police and firefighters.”
To celebrate, the mayor hosted a socially-distanced get-together on his front lawn for city council members, members of the police department, and others who “worked so hard to communicate the need for this mill levy and helped to get it passed. It was fun to see the results come in and see the fruits of all their hard work.”
In a statement, the City of Billings thanked the voters for being engaged in the process, even during a difficult time that has financially impacted many families and businesses. Mayor Cole said, “We are very appreciative of the voters and taxpayers who voted this through, and we are committed as always to ensure that the funds are spent responsibly.”
