BSRAD FY25 Funding Requests

BIG SKY RESORT AREA DISTRICT

FY25 Funding Requests

Dear Big Sky,

Resort Tax is a critical funding source for our community. At its core, it is property tax relief, saving taxpayers millions each year for essential services that would otherwise appear on property tax bills. But, as a community, we know it is more. It helps support the important work that nonprofit organizations provide Big Sky.

This year, in response to the growing needs of our community and to provide additional clarity, BSRAD updated District procedures, rules and methodologies for Government and Nonprofit grants. These updates proactively determined budgets by impact area, balancing current priorities with the use of public funds, and will guide award decisions.

For FY25, funding requests total $16,937,098, which are highlighted on the pages that follow.

We encourage the public, as always, to participate in the allocation process of your public dollars. Get to know the sponsors and projects, submit public comment, attend the meetings. Because when you are engaged, Big Sky, we are BETTER TOGETHER.

Sarah Blechta Daniel Bierschwale Board Chair Executive Director

STEWARDING PUBLIC FUNDS

building a community budget

GOVERNMENT

funding for essential services

NONPROFIT

funding for community projects and programs

GET INVOLVED

engage in the process

*All information is accurate as of 4/17/24

STEWARDING PUBLIC FUNDS

Community Investments

As stewards of a large portion of our community budget, Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) strives to prioritize use of public funds for long-term community success. BSRAD is dedicated to transparently communicating funding strategies, fostering community engagement, and encouraging feedback to ensure the public is part of the decision-making process. District investments are broken into three main categories:

Government

Local government entities provide essential community services such as public safety, transit, water & sewer, which are traditionally funded through property taxes, fees, and assessments.

Nonprofit

Nonprofit organizations are responsible for programs and projects that address a wide range of community needs from childcare and housing to recreation and conservation.

Reserves

Reserves play an important role in preparing for community emergencies and long-term capital investments.

A Year in the Making

Building the budget is a 12-month process. The fiscal year starts off in July with gathering public feedback and FORECASTING expenses. This information is used for BUDGETING by impact area in November. RESERVES are committed in January. The funding process continues with the acceptance and review of Government and Nonprofit APPLICATIONS, and concludes with AWARDS in May and June.

FY25 IMPACT AREA BUDGET

The Board proactively determines budgets across eight impact areas, balancing current priorities with the use of public dollars. This plan guides funding decisions to ensure they are strategically invested in our community.

BUILDING THE FY25 BUDGET

FY25 Reserves

Reserves are crucial in preparing for operational needs, community emergencies and long-term capital investments. They will play a significant role in supporting infrastructure deficiencies outlined in the Big Sky Capital Improvement Plan. As part of a multi-year investment strategy, an additional $1.4 million was committed to establish the following targeted reserves:

FY25 Funding Requests

Government and Nonprofit organizations request funding for projects and programs that have positive impacts on our community. This is in addition to the voter approved 1% for infrastructure, which is dedicated to funding two water and sewer projects.

TOTAL REQUESTS BY INVESTMENT TYPE

Programming - $9,506,679 - 56%

Direct costs supporting a measurable service in which mission delivery occurs toward a specific goal.

Administration - $605,000 - 4%

Overhead supporting day-to-day operations not solely contributing to direct delivery of a service.

Capital - $6,825,419 - 40%

Acquisition, improvement, or maintenance of physical assets or real property including large-scale infrastructure. This includes 1% for infastructure.

TOTAL REQUESTS BY IMPACT AREA

Arts &

Health & Safety - $2,268,750

Housing - $2,375,000 Public Works - $6,472,732 Recreation - $2,312,442

Projects

Requests

1% for infrastructure

$5,664,283

GOVERNMENT REQUESTS

Resort Tax saves tax payers millions each year by funding essential services the would otherwise appear on property tax bills. Operating costs (3-year) and Capital (1-year) makes up the 2 types of government services requests. Multi-year interlocal agreements provide stability in funding these essential services. These requests will be reviewed and approved at the May 8th Joint County Commission and BSRAD Board Meeting.

OPERATING COSTS 3-year

CAPITAL 1-year

In FY25, there were 7 operating and 4 capital requests.

Providing property tax relief by funding essential services.

GOVERNMENT

Big Sky County Water and Sewer District #363

Three-year

Operating Request

FY25

Help cover additional cost incurred due to plant expansion and staffing not covered by recent rate increases.

One-year Capital Requests

Mountain Village Water Tank

Replacement Engineering

$250,000

The existing tank was refurbished in 2021 after being empty for years. The piping collapsed when filled with water, and there is concern that the foundation is compromised. A geotechnical report is required to make recommendations for the foundation and engineering is needed to resize and replace the tank for fire storage and address infrastructure age and condition.

BSCWSD Water Master Plan and Capital Improvements Plan

$185,000

Funding for engineering produced water master plan and associated capital improvements plan to guide the operations, capital improvements, and priorities of the drinking water portion of the District’s services.

Little Coyote Sewer Access and New Road Engineering

$100,000

Engineering recommendations and design for a new road with sewer access to approximately 1,430 feet of sewer pipe currently clogging up and inaccessible to the District for maintenance. Completion of this engineering design is the first step towards fixing the accessibility issue so that staff can clean and inspect the pipeline.

Providing property tax relief by funding essential services.

GOVERNMENT

Big Sky Fire Department

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $1,150,000

FY26 $1,184,500

FY27 $1,220,035

BSRAD funds will be utilized to help support staff salary/benefits and wildfire detection cameras. We are asking for a one-time higher-than-average percentage to reflect our FY 24/25 union contract wage increases to keep up with the cost of living and comparable market wages. After year 1, we propose decreasing operational support back to a lower percentage for years 2-3.

Big Sky School District #72

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $50,000

FY26 $50,000

FY27 $50,000

The request is to support pre-K program in the Big Sky School District.

One-year Capital Request

Teacher and School Employee Housing

$375,000

The school district is requesting funds from BSRAD in order to build 6 more housing units on the campus of the Big Sky School District.

Big Sky Trails, Recreation and Parks District

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $675,533

FY26 $743,086

FY27 $817,395

This request will help fund the ongoing maintenance for our parks, trails and recreation areas in Big Sky. These services include items such as safety, cleanliness, clearing debris, field maintenance, winter maintenance, preventative maintenance, and protection of assets, etc. to ensure that our residents and visitors have a positive and safe experience while recreating.

Big Sky Transportation District

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $1,475,000

FY26 $1,525,000

FY27 $1,575,000

Big Sky Transportation District (BSTD) serves the greater Big Sky Resort area, offering essential public transit service. With increased funding from local and federal partners, the District will operate current services in FY25 but is poised for expansion in service capacity and the development of new service options while driving investments in new facilities & vehicles.

Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $200,000

FY26 $200,000

FY27 $200,000

Provide funds to support district operations including legal, engineering and accounting services along with potential future staff (e.g. General Manager, Treasurer).

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office

Three-year Operating Request

FY25 $703,750

FY26 $729,760

FY27 $757,069

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to delivering exceptional, first- class law enforcement services. Our top priority is the public health, safety, and welfare of the entire BSRAD and Big Sky area. These requests play a crucial role in supporting the staff and operations of the Big Sky Patrol.

Projects 33

Total $8,127,693

NONPROFIT REQUESTS

Big Sky is fortunate to support Nonprofits through public funds. It is a privilege not always available to other public funding sources. Nonprofits are responsible for a wide range of programs and projects that address community need. From recreation and conservation to childcare and housing, Nonprofits have positive impacts on all aspects of Big Sky living. These important organizations are typically funded by philanthropy, grants, dues, fees and sales.

WMPAC 2024/2025 Cultural Programming

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

$227,500 Programming Project Score: 87

Annual WMPAC cultural programming includes inspiring performances all seasons of the year for and by the community of Big Sky. Diverse and accessible community engagement include the Tiny Theatre at the summer farmer’s markets, the annual fall and winter seasons at WMPAC, and partner projects throughout the year like Big Sky Broadway, Her Gift Her Creation, and more.

Addresses stewarding creative expression, story-telling, and cultural participation.

ARTS & CULTURE

2025 Music in the Mountains Free Summer Community Concert Series

Arts Council of Big Sky

$245,000 Programming Project Score: 85

Music in the Mountains is a familyfriendly, free concert series held on Thursdays in Len Hill Park. It pairs nationally touring bands with local and regional musicians to create a vibrant, fun and cultural event for Big Sky’s residents and visitors.

Addresses sustainable efforts for current and future generations to live and play in Big Sky through thoughtful mitigation of human impact on the natural environment.

CONSERVATION

Water Planning, Coordination and Outreach

Gallatin River Task Force

$190,000 Programming

Project Score: 90

Some of Big Sky’s waters are in poor health. This project supports state and local planning efforts that are underway that will 1) determine future priorities in conservation and water management required to see improvements in water health, 2) reduce pollution from septic systems, and 3) expand awareness locally and more broadly of community efforts to improve our waters.

Community Energy Efficiency and Conservation Engagement

Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization

$55,000 Programming

Project Score: 90

With buildings and energy from buildings accounting for 63.3% of Big Sky’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Community Energy Efficiency and Conservation Engagement will educate property owners on how to increase energy efficiency and electrify buildings to begin mitigating these emissions in a strategic and financially responsible manner.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation

Grow Wild

$76,204

Programming

Project Score: 89

Wildlife in our area face habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation due to explosive increases in growth, development, and recreation. This project mitigates these impacts via habitat improvement projects, collaborative invasive species management efforts, native/pollinator gardens, and volunteer activities to ensure wildlife continues to thrive in Big Sky.

West Fork Restoration

Gallatin River Task Force

$165,000

Capital Project Score: 89

Restoration projects on the West Fork and its tributaries are critical to improve the health of Big Sky’s rivers and drinking water supplies and to maintain a healthy fishery. This project will continue field assessments and drone imagery to complete the West Fork Master Restoration Plan and move forward restoration treatments on 3 miles of the Middle Fork and West Fork.

Gallatin River Access

Restoration

Gallatin River Task Force

$195,778

Capital Project Score: 89

Unmanaged recreation use along the Gallatin River has degraded streamside areas that are critical for wildlife habitat and water quality. Restoration projects identified in the Gallatin River Restoration Strategy will be completed to provide a holistic approach to recreation management and ecological restoration of highly damaged areas.

Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation

Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization

$65,000

Programming Project Score: 89

Being a sustainable resort community by protecting the environment through reducing emissions is imperative. SNO will engage community stakeholders in education & outreach for collective implementation to reduce emissions: reducing emissions from transportation & waste while increasing green energy supply & building efficiencies.

Addresses sustainable efforts for current and future generations to live and play in Big Sky through thoughtful mitigation of human impact on the natural environment.

CONSERVATION

Commuter Incentive - One

Less Car

Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization

$45,000

Programming

Project Score: 89

Vehicles & commuters from Bozeman to Big Sky continue to rise, leading to increased traffic, cost of living, and greenhouse gas emissions. Big Sky SNO, the City of Bozeman and Montana State University are partnering to co-fund the GoGallatin commuter platform to provide a community- based program to incentivize carpooling, bus rides, & other sustainable transport.

Water Conservation

Gallatin River Task Force

$75,909

Programming

Project Score: 87

Guided by the Big Sky Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan, the Big Sky Water Conservation Program aims to reduce Big Sky’s consumptive water use through rebates, education & outreach, and community partnerships.

Land Stewardship

Grow Wild

$98,739

Programming

Project Score: 85

Active stewardship of natural resources is critical to community sustainability. Grow Wild’s land stewardship project educates all stakeholders about land resources, conservation practices, native and invasive species, and clean recreation habits to ensure what we love about this place is not destroyed by our pursuit to experience it.

Recycling & Composting Education/Outreach

Big Sky Sustainability Network

Organization

$35,000

Programming Project Score: 76

Through multimodal eduction and outreach, SNO aims to increase recycling, composting, and food recovery collectively throughout the community by supporting zero waste events, staff trainings, the Big Sky Community Food Bank, and track composting and recycling in collaboration with waste haulers.

Water Monitoring

Gallatin River Task Force

$57,235

Programming

Project Score: 74

Water data is critical to effectively guide management actions to protect and restore local rivers and community drinking water supplies. In FY25, we are collecting data to better understand 1) nutrient levels that are protective of river health, 2) if algae blooms are affecting high dissolved oxygen levels required by trout, and 3) streamflow trends.

Addresses balancing Big Sky’s tourism-driven economy by sustainably growing prosperity and ensuring a high quality of life for Big Sky workers.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Visitor Marketing

Visit Big Sky

$315,000 Programming Project Score: 87

With tourism being our number one economic driver, the continued presence of it is vital to our communities stability and vitality. These funds will go to marketing efforts as well as digital and print campaigns to support a year round tourism economy.

Destination Research and Stewardship Plan

Visit Big Sky

$150,000 Programming Project Score: 85

There are tremendous benefits as a result of our tourism economy but there is also an invisible burden. This funding would be used to help balance tourism with community via visitor impact data, stewardship plan outreach, implementation of that plan and continued campaigns on respectful visitation.

VBS - Operations

Visit Big Sky

$215,000 Administration Project Score: 80

Funds to be used to support the staffing of the visitor center and the Visit Big Sky staff who manages events, marketing and outreach to our tourism partners.

Development of Business Skills Programming

Big Sky Chamber of Commerce

$87,000 Programming

Project Score: 74

The Chamber can offer a collection of educational programming for Big Sky businesses. This format is similar to FY24 ask, where funds will be used for Leadership Big Sky and skill building classes. New for FY25 is a partnership with Prospera to have an office at the Chamber and offer business classes, coaching and loan fund options to support the Big Sky business ecosystem.

Chamber Operation Programming

Big Sky Chamber of Commerce

$140,000 Administration

Project Score: 67

Annual request for funds from BSRAD to support the work of the Chamber of Commerce for community engagement and projects. Examples being, Community Week and events, TEDD/ TIF efforts, Economic Development and special projects for the betterment of the community.

Addresses multi-disciplinary inclusive education for all ages.

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Early Childhood Student Tuition Assistance Program

Big Sky Discovery Academy

$150,000 Programming Project Score: 85

Discovery Academy is seeking funding for our needs-based tuition assistance program to help local families who want to attend our 5 day a week, full-time early childhood program. The program will consist of two full-time classrooms for students between the ages 3-5.

Big Sky Community Library

Friends of the Big Sky Community Library

$119,809 Programming Project Score: 82

Big Sky Community Library provides services to the entire community as well as supplementing the school district through access to literature, online resources, online research, and children and adult programming.

Early Childhood Education and Tuition Assistance

Morningstar Learning Center

$750,000 Programming Project Score: 74

This project enables MLC to provide quality early childhood education without sacrificing teacher pay or family affordability. It supports our programming expenses, enabling us to pay our teachers closer to a living wage in Big Sky, and our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), enabling us to provide targeted, need-based financial aid to families who apply and qualify.

Addresses emergency, medical, and social services essential to the welfare of Big Sky, in many cases, resulting in property tax or fee reduction.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Big Sky Workforce & Community Food Security

Big Sky Community Food Bank

$75,000

Programming

Project Score: 87

Many households in Big Sky struggle to make ends meet, even while fully employed. The Big Sky Community Food Bank provides free emergency food as well as ongoing support to help paychecks stretch further each month. We provide access to an array of community resources which increase households success and stability, enhancing the livability of our mountain town.

Big Sky Animal Shelter

Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends

$250,000

Capital

Project Score: 85

Animals are an integral piece of the Big Sky community therefore Ruff is building a shelter to provide a permanent facility that will care for and house animals that are lost, strays, surrendered or being held as a part of a criminal case. Loose animals pose a public health risk and pets are a proven piece of maintaining mental health.

Affordable Counseling Program for Improved Mental Health

Wellness in Action

$90,000

Programming

Project Score: 77

WIA addresses the most critical community needs using a multi-service approach to improve mental health in Big Sky. The Affordable Counseling Program includes discounted direct services by counselors and interns, a free community health worker as a resource to provide wrap- around support, and trainings to reduce stigma and educate the community to normalize mental health.

Addresses long-term (30+ days) rental and ownership opportunities for Big Sky workers.

HOUSING

Community Housing

Conversion and Preservation

Big Sky Community Housing Trust

$1,750,000 Programming

Project Score: 67

This project funds programs and initiatives designed to preserve existing homes for local use. BSCHT will employ a suite of tools to ensure a significant portion of the community’s residential housing is available for purchase or longterm lease by the local workforce. BSCHT developed all tools with significant community input and consistent funding from BSRAD.

BSCHT - Operations and Administration

Big Sky Community Housing Trust

$250,000 Administration

Project Score: 66

High property values make homeownership unattainable for Big Sky’s workforce, forcing many into a rental market with high demand and little supply. Because of this, most renters live in constant uncertainty about lease renewals, with the fear of homelessness looming every lease cycle. BSCHT aims to tackle this crisis by preserving and developing homes for the community.

Addresses core utilities and services used broadly by the community, in many cases, resulting in property tax or fee reduction.

PUBLIC WORKS

Additional Parking and Public Restrooms for Community Park

Big Sky Community Organization

$101,250

Capital

Project Score: 95

Constructing amenities in the Big Sky Community Park by adding two additional parking areas and a public restroom facility to improve visitor convenience and accessibility will significantly enhance overall user satisfaction.

Big Sky Community Traffic Safety: Little Coyote Road Speed Tables

Big Sky Owners Association

$47,000

Capital Project Score: 85

Little Coyote Road (LCR) traffic continues to increase with development and impacts will escalate with the Community Park’s expanded services, new golf course, additional workforce housing and other developments. BSOA will install three speed tables this summer to slow vehicles and discourage through traffic for the safety of residents, pedestrians, and vehicles along LCR.

Wayfinding Signage Project

Visit Big Sky

$200,000

Capital Project Score: 84

Our community can be confusing to newcomers and clearer signage for vehicles would help direct the flow of visitation including to areas that would benefit from increased traffic.

Addresses core utilities and services used broadly by the community, in many cases, resulting in property tax or fee reduction.

PUBLIC WORKS

US-191/MT-64 Assessment:

Action Plan Implementation Center for Large Landscape Conservation

$65,000 Programming Project Score: 79

We are moving wildlife accommodation measures from desire to eventuality by a) anticipating essential steps like engineering feasibility, b) fostering communication among multiple agencies, c) providing application support for state and federal programs, d) monitoring the roll out of new funding options, and e) developing options for 20% non-federal match.

US-191/MT-64 Assessment: Engineering Feasibility Study Center for Large Landscape Conservation

$204,360 Capital Project Score: 76

We seek to carry out an engineering feasibility study for wildlife overpasses and associated accommodations at two sites (North of Big Sky, Spanish Creek to Gallatin Gateway) identified in the US-191/ MT-64 Wildlife & Transportation Assessment. These are the sole areas where wildlife overpasses may be feasible, as well as highly-warranted, between Big Sky and Four Corners.

Addresses indoor or outdoor activities done for the enjoyment and health of residents and visitors.

RECREATION

Renovation of Athletic Fields and Riverside Pavillion

Recreation Area at the Big Sky Community Park

Big Sky Community Organization

$1,606,909 Capital Project Score: 100

Expanding and transforming the athletic fields at the Community Park into lowmaintenance synthetic turf, enhancing the playability and extending usability throughout the year. Renovating the Riverside Pavilion recreation area into a family-friendly space reminiscent of a backyard setting, providing diverse recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Buck Ridge Snowmobile Trail-Additional Groomings

Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association

$30,000 Programming Project Score: 62

Buck Ridge is one of the most heavily used snowmobile trails in the Bozeman/ Big Sky area. This project makes it possible to groom this trail an additional 2 times per week providing a smoother trail and a better snowmobile experience.

GET INVOLVED!

How do you want your public funds spent? Get to know the Nonprofit projects and then decide how YOU want to engage in the process.

SEND AN EMAIL

Submit public comment expressing why you support or oppose a project. Share your thoughts with us by emailing publiccomment@resorttax.org.

DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 29

ENGAGE ONLINE

Visit the BSRAD online portal where you can review the funding requests. Select the projects you would fund with just a click. Then rank them in order of importance. It’s that simple.

DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 29

ATTEND APPLICATION REVIEW MEETINGS

You can listen in as the Board reviews projects, or step up and make your voice heard through public comment during these meetings held at The Wilson and via Zoom. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please note that all comments will be entered into the public record and will be publicly available.

Big Sky Resort Area District

11 Lone Peak Drive, Suite #204

P.O. Box 160661

Big Sky, MT 59716

406.995.3234

Info@ResortTax.org

ResortTax.org

@BSRADMT

@bsrad_mt

Administered by the Big Sky Resort Area District, a local government agency, Resort Tax is a 4% tax on luxury goods & services.

The District has an obligation to openly communicate information on the use of public funds. As such, this mailing is shared within the District.