BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN // jan.8.2024

DON’T MISS ‘CSI: BILLINGS’, MONDAY NIGHTS AFTER MNF!!!

If network television has taught us anything, it’s that every city has some form of law enforcement special investigations unit AND deserves it’s very own spinoff show. There are so many shows about law enforcement that an analysis from the website Quartz showed that from 2019 – 2020, half of all scripted dramas that aired on network TV were about police officers. 

I’m unaware of any TV studios reconning Billings for the next formulaic, cheesy, easy-watching, spinoff cop drama. It’s probably for the best that OUR special investigations unit will be operating continuously, 24/7, without concern for commercial breaks or writer’s strikes…

On tonight’s consent agenda is a reauthorization of the City-County Special Investigations Unit (CCSIU) agreement, a collaboration between the City of Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

Comprised of peace officers from the City and County, the CCSIU is tasked with investigating narcotics trafficking and organized criminal activities.

Specific objectives included in the agreement include:

1. Disrupt illegal drugs, drug/gang and organized criminal activities within the City, County and State.
2. Gather and report intelligence data relating to illegal drugs, drug/gang and organized criminal activities within the City, County and State.
3. Make arrests that will impact all levels of drug and organized criminal activities.
4. Effectively prosecute drug traffickers and organized criminal activity participants.
5. Promote law enforcement cooperation through joint investigations and close coordination with other police agencies and task forces.

While the Billings Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report is not yet available, a quick look at the 2022 report shows the effectiveness of the CCSIU.

A total of 648,637 milligrams of Fentanyl powder was seized in 2022. At about 2 mg per lethal dose, that’s enough to kill hundreds of thousands of users. Additional 2022 annual report stats are below.

Items Seized

Drug Trafficking Organizations

Local Organizations Targeted: 3

Local Organizations Disrupted/Dismantled: 1

Multi-state Organizations Targeted: 8

Multi-state Organizations Disrupted/Dismantled: 10

Arrests

Felony: 101

Federal Indictments: 41

Perhaps thanks to the good work of the CCSIU, Billings has seen drug offenses decline year-over-year since 2018. We’ll have to see what comes out of the 2023 BPD Annual Report, but our CCSIU—and other community resources working on the problem—appears to be doing excellent work curbing drug offenses in our area. City Council should have no problem authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement and reauthorize another year of CCSIU cooperation. 

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CITY ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY REPORT

City Administrator Chris Kukulski began the routine of sending a weekly report every Friday to City Council and department heads with the intent to, “communicate the highlights of the past week and any critical issues coming up.” The most recent CA Report includes updates on:

• Fire Station 8 (on Lake Elmo Dr.) renovations
• Grant funding to connect Rose Park School with neighborhoods
• New City Hall construction update
• 2024 Council Meeting Schedule

And much more…

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GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Below are some additional public meetings being held this week, along with information about when and where to attend, and what’s on the agenda (if one is available).

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BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS

“It takes a little time and commitment, but it’s incredibly rewarding to give back to our community which has given us so much.” 

Greg McCall, Zoning Commission and Owner, McCall Homes

The Mayor’s Office is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancies listed on the city website. For more information on each specific board, visit the city website. City Boards and Commissions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, are advisory only, and members serve without compensation. Submit applications to: Mayor’s Office, PO Box 1178, Billings, MT 59103-1178 NO LATER THAN JANUARY 29, 2024.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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ADDITIONAL BILLINGS CHAMBER RESOURCES

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Thank you to our Business Advocacy Sponsors!