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Item 1.
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| City Council Work Session | |
| Date: | 05/19/2025 |
| Title: | FY26 City of Billings Budget Overview |
| Presented by: | Andy Zoeller, Finance Director |
| Department: | Finance |
| Presentation: | |
| Legal Review: | |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff will provide an overview of the proposed FY26 City of Billings budget.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
City administration will begin budget presentations with an overview of the proposed FY26 budget. Each year, the City Administrator along with City staff present the budget to City Council, with the goal of adopting an annual budget in June. Due to the significant changes in property tax legislation, it is recommended that a preliminary budget be adopted in June and final budget adoption occur in August after final property values are known. The budget overview will occur on Monday, May 19th followed by presentations from departments on May 20, June 2, and June 3.
The proposed budget summary found beginning on page 1 of the proposed budget provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed FY26 budget. The entire budget is attached and is also available to the public online at www.billingsmt.gov/finance.
Council Amendment Process:
The Finance and Budget Committee is recommending a similar process to last year when it comes to amending the budget. An amendment form for each council member will be created and shared on Microsoft OneDrive. You will receive a link which will allow you to access the folder. You will be able to view each Council Members amendment file, but only be able to edit your own. There are currently 6 blank forms in each Council Members file, but you’re welcome to duplicate it as many times as necessary. Completion of this form will not constitute an official amendment, as that will need to occur in the form of a motion for the adoption of the budget. Additionally, lack of completing a form does not preclude a Council Member from making a motion to amend the budget at the meeting. The main purpose of this process is to provide staff and Council information ahead of time to be prepared to discuss amendments that may be made at the meeting.
These forms will be included as part of future work session packets and available to the public.
The proposed budget summary found beginning on page 1 of the proposed budget provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed FY26 budget. The entire budget is attached and is also available to the public online at www.billingsmt.gov/finance.
Council Amendment Process:
The Finance and Budget Committee is recommending a similar process to last year when it comes to amending the budget. An amendment form for each council member will be created and shared on Microsoft OneDrive. You will receive a link which will allow you to access the folder. You will be able to view each Council Members amendment file, but only be able to edit your own. There are currently 6 blank forms in each Council Members file, but you’re welcome to duplicate it as many times as necessary. Completion of this form will not constitute an official amendment, as that will need to occur in the form of a motion for the adoption of the budget. Additionally, lack of completing a form does not preclude a Council Member from making a motion to amend the budget at the meeting. The main purpose of this process is to provide staff and Council information ahead of time to be prepared to discuss amendments that may be made at the meeting.
These forms will be included as part of future work session packets and available to the public.
ALTERNATIVES
No Council action will be required at this meeting
FISCAL EFFECTS
After multiple presentations, the budget will be proposed to City Council for adoption at a regular City Council meeting in June, with the option of doing final budget adoption in August. The current proposed budget for FY26 is $437,947,107. A summary can be found on pages 1-11 of the attached budget proposal.
| FY26 Proposed Budget | FY25 Adopted Budget | |
| Personal Services | 123,514,741 | 118,773,439 |
| Operations & Maintenance | 127,009,107 | 126,646,165 |
| Capital | 125,489,696 | 170,719,720 |
| Debt Service | 25,711,032 | 24,319,375 |
| Interfund Transfers | 36,222,531 | 39,175,728 |
| Total City Budget | 437,947,107 | 479,634,427 |