Consent 1.D.
City Council Regular Business Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 11/09/2026
- TITLE
- Beartooth RC&D Memorandum of Agreement
- PRESENTED BY:
- Kevin Iffland
- Department:
- City Hall Administration
Presentation:
No
Legal Review:
Yes
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the MOA with Beartooth RC&D for 2027.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Beartooth RC&D) is asking the City Council to renew a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Beartooth's economic development services through December 31, 2027.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
Beartooth RC&D is a State and Federally grant-funded rural and economic development agency that has operated since 1969 in five south-central Montana counties, including Yellowstone County. State and Federal funds are matched in Yellowstone County by a $4,500 membership fee, plus a per capita assessment of $0.26 per person ($44,899.92), totaling $49,399.92. This amount is split among the County, Big Sky Economic Development, and the cities of Billings and Laurel. The City of Billings' portion of that amount is $17,783.97 (36%). Entities paying membership fees are represented on the Beartooth Board of Directors; the current Billings representative is Councilmember Nicholson.
In their enclosed letter, Beartooth RC&D has provided the partners with an updated fee structure of $0.26 per capita for 2027.
In their enclosed letter, Beartooth RC&D has provided the partners with an updated fee structure of $0.26 per capita for 2027.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The Entity's annual contribution will be $4,500.00 as a "Membership" fee plus a per capita assessment of .26 cents per person. These funds will provide the necessary match to obtain the $70,000.00 in federal funds. Entities who do not participate financially in the match requirement will not receive services from the Economic Development Coordinator. The calculated fee for the Entity is $49,399.92. This figure is a total of the $4,500.00 fee plus $44,899.92 per capita formula using a population of 172,692 x (.26) as per the 2025 Census data. The Entity's full payment will be separated into a four-way payment system. Each entity within the county will pay a percentage (%) similar to the previous year. Big Sky EDA- 34% or $16,795.97, City of Billings- 36% or $17,783.97, City of Laurel-6% or $2,964.00, and Yellowstone County- 24% or $11,855.98. Our FY 2027 budget includes our contribution amount to be paid out of the General Fund.
STAKEHOLDERS
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may consider approval, postponement of action or disapproval of MOA and payment.