Billings City Council Explores Consolidation: A Bold Move to Trim the Budget
BILLINGS, MT — The Billings City Council is considering a transformative proposal that could reduce its members from 11 to 7, aiming to alleviate financial pressures and redirect funds toward essential city projects. This pivotal discussion was sparked by Council Member Scott Aspenlieder, who expressed concern over the current structure’s inefficiency and financial burden.
A Call for Change: Rethinking Representation
Since 1977, Billings has maintained a council of 10 members representing five wards, alongside the mayor. However, Aspenlieder argues that transitioning to six wards—each with a single representative—would not only streamline operations but also better serve the community’s needs.
“There really is no purpose for 11 members functionally,” Aspenlieder stated, emphasizing the urgency of finding every opportunity to save money amid the city’s fiscal challenges.
Initial Approval: A Step Toward Exploration
In a recent council vote, members showed support for further investigation into this consolidation proposal, with a 9-2 outcome favoring continued discussion. Plans are set for a work session on July 7, where council members will dive deeper into the proposal’s language and implications.
“We’re going to discuss what the language would look like and why it’s important,” Aspenlieder noted, highlighting the necessity of reassessing council size in light of recent state property tax law changes that have left the city grappling with a $2.2 million budget cut.
The Financial Impact: What’s at Stake?
Aspenlieder underscored the pressing need for vigilance regarding city finances:
“People should be worried about the city budget and the impacts of these tax bills. We’re living it now.”
While many council members align with the proposal’s exploration, dissenting voices raise concerns about procedural integrity. Mayor Bill Cole firmly opposes the notion, citing inadequate public awareness on the matter.
“I’ll start it. I’m voting against it, large on procedural grounds,” Cole stated, emphasizing the lack of public engagement.
Similarly, Councilman Roy Neese voiced his skepticism, asserting that any alteration would create significant ramifications on community representation.
“This isn’t just a few words of change; it’s a huge shift in how our community is represented,” Neese claimed, urging caution before moving forward.
Estimating Savings: Is it Worth It?
Aspenlieder acknowledged that the anticipated savings from the council’s consolidation would likely be modest, estimating annual savings of $40,000 to $50,000—a not insignificant amount but far from a budgetary panacea.
“It’s less than $100,000 by a long shot, but every bit counts when we’re talking about saving,” he remarked, demonstrating his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Looking Ahead: The Future of City Governance
The July work session promises to be a significant event as the council grapples with these vital questions. Can consolidating city council members foster better governance while also addressing budget concerns? The community’s response will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Billings’ leadership.
For further insights into the ongoing discussions surrounding Billings’ budget, check out this related article: Billings City Council Considers Budget with No Increase in Property Tax Revenue.
This proposed change reflects a pivotal moment for Billings, one that could resonate far beyond financial metrics. As the council moves forward, the engagement of residents will be crucial. Stay tuned as Billings navigates this challenging yet essential conversation about the future of its governance.
