Politics
Billings Social Services Levy Referendum: Projected Effects on Resident Access to Local Support Programs
Voters in Billings will decide on a proposed property tax levy increase that would allocate an additional $2.4 million yearly to community services including food assistance and mental health outreach.
How we reported this
The Billings Social Services Levy Referendum asks voters to approve a 1.2 mill increase in property taxes to fund expanded community services. The measure would affect property owners across Yellowstone County and direct resources to programs serving low-income households in Billings.
Why the Referendum Reaches the Ballot Now
City officials placed the item on the November 2026 ballot after the 2025 municipal budget showed a $1.9 million shortfall in social services funding. Local records indicate that federal program adjustments have reduced some grant streams that previously supported Billings food banks and outreach centers.
Residents who rely on these services could see changes in eligibility or wait times depending on the outcome. For example, households using the Billings Food Bank might face altered distribution schedules if the levy fails to pass and current staffing levels cannot be maintained.
Budget Figures and Service Projections
According to the city clerk's filing documents, the levy is projected to generate $2.4 million annually. City budget papers from fiscal year 2025 list current social services spending at $3.7 million, covering programs that assisted 4,200 Billings residents with direct aid last year.
If approved, the additional funds would support hiring for mental health case workers and extended hours at three community centers located in the South Side, North Park and Heights neighborhoods. Property tax bills for the median Billings home valued at $285,000 would rise by approximately $34 per year under the proposed rate.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass. Election results are scheduled for certification by the Yellowstone County election office on December 1, 2026, after which the city council would adopt the new mill rate for the 2027 tax year.