Development News for Billings, Montana

City Council Directs Staff to Evaluate Stormwater Fee Credits for Commercial Properties

The council discussed the possibility of creating a credit system for commercial stormwater utility fees, prompted by concerns from commercial property owners who have invested in on-site stormwater management. Council members expressed a desire to evaluate if these investments warrant fee reductions. Some council members noted that the stormwater utility was established with significant rate increases to address infrastructure backlogs and that adjustments for commercial users should not unfairly burden residential customers. A motion was made to direct staff to evaluate the creation of a credit system for commercial stormwater rates, including credit for on-lot detention and storage. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously, with direction for staff to evaluate the system and potentially reconvene the stormwater advisory committee. [cite: 1047-1344]

City Council Reviews and Seeks Feedback on FY27 Wholesale Wastewater Rates

The City Council discussed proposed FY27 wholesale wastewater rates, which were developed through meetings with two refineries and Lockwood Water and Sewer District. The new methodology uses capacity and usage components to determine costs, reflecting infrastructure and treatment processes. Revenue requirements for PAR decreased slightly to $982,000, and for Philip 66, it decreased from $773,000. Lockwood Water and Sewer District's requirement decreased from approximately $519,000. The council provided feedback on the methodology, particularly regarding the handling of 'hot loads' and surge charges, ultimately agreeing on a 7-day rolling average approach to simplify calculations and ensure fair rates. A public hearing and approval of the rates are scheduled for June 22nd. [cite: 93-158, 161-239]