The Billings Industrial Revitalization District (BIRD) Board of Directors is presenting this recommendation to the City Council for allocating $21,400.00 in tax increment finance funds (TIF) from the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD) to provide financial assistance to Trent Currie for demolition of two residential structures at 213 and 219 North 20th Street North. The applicant is requesting TIF funding to assist in the demolition on the property as the structures are beyond repair, attract trespassing and criminal activity, and are an attractive nuisance to the neighborhood. City Code Enforcement records show a combined total of 16 cases on these properties in the past 10 years ranging from noxious weeds to dangerous structure violations. The owner plans future redevelopment of the site. The total costs to demolish the structures is $41,200. The expenses recommended are eligible as per Sections 7-15-4288 (2) and 7-15-4233 (m)(n), MCA (See BIRD Board Recommendation attached).

The BIRD Board of Directors voted at its meeting on May 12, 2020 to recommend funding of this application to the City Council. This process and action of the BIRD is under its authority per the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Billings, Big Sky Economic Development, and the BIRD, Inc. approved by the City Council on May 13, 2019.

The City Council is the final authority in disbursing TIF funding. This proposed use of TIF funds conforms to the City's TIF Policy and aligns with Montana Code for urban renewal projects and programs. The City Council may:

• Approve the recommendation from the BIRD Board for the expenditure of these TIF funds, or;
• Disapprove the recommendation from the BIRD Board for the expenditure of these TIF funds.

The request is for a total of $21,400 to be reimbursed to property owner Trent Currie only upon completion of the demolition and submittal of the invoices for the cost incurred. While the EBURD budget has capacity to cover this payment of TIF assistance, a budget amendment would need to be completed for this project if it is approved by the City Council.

The Billings Industrial Revitalization District (BIRD) Board of Directors recommends that the City Council approve reimbursement of $21,400 from the EBURD tax increment finance district funds to Trent Currie for demolition of two residential structures at 213 and 2019 North 20th Street to prepare the property for future redevelopment.