Bozeman BID Board Approves FY2027 Budget and Discusses Downtown Safety

The Bozeman Business Improvement District (BID) Board held a regular meeting on March 25, 2026, to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget and work plan, discuss downtown public safety initiatives, and outline future planning for the district. The board also reviewed a reserve fund that has grown to nearly $300,000 and considered how to best allocate those funds as the Urban Renewal District (URD) sunsets in 2030.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the last year, with no changes to the agenda. A roll call vote was taken: Eric Nelson, Elaine Inderland, Eric Bowman, Randy Scully, Mark Kiki, and Commissioner Magic all voted "aye."

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public attendees were present in the room or online, so no public comments were taken.

Discussion Items

• FY2027 Budget and Work Plan Approval: Administrator Emily presented the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and a draft for fiscal year 2028. Key items included a $295,000 assessment, a management fee increase to $89,000 (up from $82,500), and a $500 increase for DBA support. A $15,000 line item for the downtown safety program was retained, primarily for potential lighting and camera projects. A new $2,000 line item for hazmat cleanup (spring restoration) was added for the first time. The budget assumes scenario two (taxable value scenario) at 2.2 per $1,000 of taxable value.

• Downtown Resource Officer Discussion: Emily reported that the Bozeman Police Department remains 10 officers short of its budgeted 80–82 positions. Detective Hutchins indicated a dedicated downtown resource officer may not be feasible for another three to four years, as the department must first fill vacancies. However, a change in shift scheduling will create an officer overlap from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., potentially allowing for more patrol presence, though not funded by the BID.

• Reserve Fund and Future Planning: The board discussed the BID's reserve fund, which has grown to nearly $300,000—almost a full year's operating expenses. Commissioners considered whether to earmark funds for specific projects (e.g., cameras, lighting, pedestrian safety) or to build the reserve for future maintenance needs as the URD sunsets. The idea of a broader public realm plan was introduced, which would incorporate the downtown plan and URD sunsetting, with targeted completion by fiscal year 2028 to inform the BID renewal in 2029/2030.

• Federal Building Update: Commissioner Mark Kiki provided an update on the federal building property. The GSA and an appointed board are analyzing whether the building is excess to government needs. The city and downtown property owners have submitted letters of interest. A decision is expected in late spring or June. If declared excess, the city could acquire the property and potentially pursue a public-private partnership. The building is likely over 50 years old and may be considered historic.

• Other Updates: Administrator Emily noted that the Montana Main Street Downtown Conference will be held in Glasgow in late April, with all four office staff attending. The Eho Peace Project construction has resumed, closing part of North Black and one lane of Mendenhall Street for four weeks. The dedication ceremony for the Eho Palmer Peace Park is scheduled for August 14, 2026, during a downtown artwalk. The downtown parking survey is open until March 30, 2026, and has nearly 1,000 responses. The Bozeman Creek Vision Plan next round of meetings will be April 6–7, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: The FY2027 budget and work plan passed unanimously via roll call vote (7-0).
• Next Steps: Emily and Ellie will present the final work plan and budget to the City Commission on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
• Future Discussions: The board agreed to continue a monthly conversation on the downtown public realm plan and BID priorities, with a presentation from Detective Hutchins on downtown crime statistics expected in the coming months. An email survey of downtown property owners will be conducted to gather feedback on priorities.