By Carli Johnson STAFF WRITER
A proposal to establish a Targeted Economic Development District and tax increment financing mechanism in Big Sky moved forward Wednesday, Oct. 7 during the bi-annual joint meeting of the Gallatin and Madison county commissions at The Wilson Hotel.
The BSRAD board voted unanimously to allow a subcommittee to finalize its reports, negotiate with county officials and submit proposals to both counties.
The vote follows months of discussion about the ways in which a TEDD/TIF could provide Big Sky with additional funding for infrastructure and other community needs. Supporters say the tool could help address infrastructure demands in a community that lacks a traditional municipal government and has limited local revenue options.
Big Sky Resort Area District Chairman Kevin Germain, who spoke in support of the proposal, described TEDD/TIF as a collaborative effort between Big Sky, the two counties and the state.
“We need public tax dollars to solve the infrastructure needs,” Germain said, citing water and sewer, traffic and transportation, and wildfire mitigation among the community’s priorities.
Germain also pointed to workforce housing and environmental protection as areas where additional public funding could help Big Sky remain an inclusive and sustainable community.
“We cannot do it alone,” Germain said. “We need help from the state, and we need help from our counties.”
Leaders and community members voiced ample support of moving forward with the funding tool.
“We have to come together as a county and community to collaborate and protect the heartbeat of Big Sky,” Holly Coltea, executive director of the Big Sky Owner’s Association said.
“These deficiencies are not going away,” David O’Connor, executive director of Big Sky Community Housing Trust said, referring to the need for more infrastructure funding. He cited road safety as a concern. “It impacts our daily lives.”
The proposal will continue through the county review and approval process before any TEDD/TIF district can be established.
