Author: Evelyn Pyburn

Good & Bad of Montana’s Economy

22 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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Evelyn Pyburn

Montana led the nation in its rate of economic growth during the first quarter of this year – a little reported fact, according to Dr. Pat Barkey, of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), during its mid-year economic update at the beginning of August.

Despite that report, based upon lower tax revenue collections so far this year, the state’s economy appears to be flat. Dr. Barkey noted, however, that tax revenues have been on something of a “crazy roller coaster”—  in part because of federal revenues flowing into the state.

“We are seeing fragile local growth,” reported Dr. Barkey, “Cities are doing well but eastern Montana is not.”

Yellowstone County has had a good year, according to Dr. Barkey. He reminded that over the past few years in reporting on Yellowstone County’s economy he would ask, “Where did the growth go?” But 2023 shows a return of the county’s economic performance in almost all sectors, coming in at the top of all counties except for Gallatin County.

Nationally, “There has been a remarkable decline in inflation, but not in prices,” according to Dr. Barkey. But he posed the question about inflation, “Has it really come down?”

High prices, which were brought on by past inflation, will probably not decline, even if inflation declines.

Forecasters at the beginning of the year were off a bit about Montana’s economy, noted Dr. Barkey, who was among those forecasting a rather dismal economic performance of minus one percent. Instead it looks like the state will increase in economic growth one to two percent.

Dr. Barkey went on to note that the labor shortage has improved a little bit, but not much. The labor shortage shouldn’t be so surprising, he said. It’s a matter of demographics. For example the 16-24 year old age group, which is usually part of the workforce, comprised 74 percent of workers in 1995, but now their numbers are down to 63 percent. Older age groups are comprising a larger percentage of the workforce.

Also squeezing the available workers is a trend among retirement age workers to retire earlier than anticipated – -being called the Great Retirement Boom — it began as part of the economic impacts of COVID. This past year four percent more people retired than the four percent originally projected.

The labor shortage is, however, something that researchers saw coming as early as 2014, said Todd O’Hair, Montana Chamber of Commerce CEO, who also presented at the annual event. O’Hair pointed out that Montana Chamber leadership recognized the demographics that were unfolding and the need for worker development over a decade ago. They launched programs aimed at helping to mitigate it.

For decades, Montana has been one of the leaders among states when it comes to entrepreneurship, said O’Hair, “No one knew why, because for generations the economy was crappy, but regardless of why the Chamber asked ‘How do we keep the pipeline open?’” Across the state, through Chamber efforts, there are currently 120 teachers teaching entrepreneurial thinking, said O’Hair.

Over the past months, Montana has quietly added 17,000 new jobs, a 31.5% growth, of which 4300 were jobs in the food business.

Asked about the impact in tax revenues “because of the tremendous amount of taxes” generated by sales of marijuana, Dr. Barkey explained that the revenues compared to the whole are not that great. Taxes on marijuana sales generated about $100 million but personal income taxes in Montana generate $2.4 billion. In lists of state revenues marijuana taxes are included in the category of Other Taxes. “They don’t move the needle much,” said Dr. Barkey.

Dr. Barkey was also asked his opinion on the potential impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence), which has generated much discussion in all of media as a potential threat to society. Dr. Barkey said, “It will be part of the solution.”

Pacific Steel Plans Repository

14 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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Pacific Steel & Recycling is looking to the future. In so doing, the company has announced plans to add a $2 million to $3 million repository to support its operation in Lockwood, one that will serve for decades to come.

Pacific Steel & Recycling, headquartered in Great Falls, with 46 locations in nine northwestern states, provides steel services, including recycling steel and other metals. One of its recycling plants is in Lockwood, where cars, trucks and white goods (appliances) that have come to the end of the road, are shredded and processed as scrap metal to be reused in a variety of American products.

During the process, about 25 percent of the material, otherwise known as auto shredder residue (ASR), (i.e., foam, plastics, glass, tires) goes to waste.  This material will likely, someday, have great value, as new technologies and market innovations emerge, but as it is most of the un-recyclable material from the Lockwood facility goes to the Billings landfill.  Not only is it taking up valuable space at the landfill, it is no longer retrievable by Pacific Steel should it become valuable— as it most certainly will, according to Marshall Knick, Vice President of Recycling Operations at Pacific Steel, and soon to be the company’s new CEO.

Pacific Steel’s solution is to build their own landfill of sorts, called a repository, in which to store the materials. Not only will it relieve pressure on the city’s landfill but it will allow Pacific Steel & Recycling to maintain future control of it.

Who knows,” said Knick, “one day we may dig it all up,” referencing the potential of future technologies that will make retrieving some of the materials cost effective, or the emergence of new uses for materials that will create new markets.

Picking up a package of the scrap material — which is chopped into wedges or chunks about four or five inches in size —  Knick said that they know there is still some trace steel left in that material, they just haven’t developed a process yet to be able to remove it.

As an example of how times change, Knick points out that at one time they did not know how to separate copper from its wire harness in automobiles. Now they do and they are able to retrieve a very valuable commodity.

The company is in the process of getting the permits and approvals needed from the state to develop a repository at the corner of the Shepherd Acton Road and Highway 87. They purchased 320 acres three years ago and have been working under oversight of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), designers and engineers to develop the site that will not only serve the needs of Pacific Steel & Recycling for perhaps as much as a century to come, but will do so in an environmentally sound way. They have had meetings will local property owners so the neighborhood and community know what’s going on.

The Montana DEQ is a few weeks away from completing its draft environmental assessment (EA) study, said Knick at a community open house at the Shepherd Fire Station last week.

DEQ is currently in the process of completing the draft EA document outlining the proposed project which will be the subject of a public comment period, which will be announced and publicized shortly after completion[BC1] of the study. During the public hearing period, DEQ will be seeking public comment before making its final decision on licensing the facility.

It is hoped that the site will be fully operational by the middle of next July.

Knick underscored that the repository would not be possible without the development of the Billings Bypass.

About 90 acres of the property at Shepherd Acton Road and Highway 87 will be divided into five-acre “cells,” each of which, as they are used, will be secured from storm water drainage with synthetic liners. However, one of the reasons for choosing that site, explained Pacific Steel technicians, is that there is very little ground water. They also noted that what water there is, is so high in minerals that it is unfit for consumption for both, humans and livestock. For example, sulfate content of 250 ppm is the recommended EPA limit for human consumption and the ground water at this location has 6000 ppm.

The site will be fenced off and no one, other than workers, will be allowed access. Any deposited materials will be covered by dirt at the end of each day. How quickly a single cell can serve as a repository depends on the rate of recycling, which can vary, but it is expected that it will take about five years to fill one cell. On average the Lockwood plant recycles 8000 tons of steel a month, which generates about 2,000 tons of ASR per month. Only about five to ten truckloads of material is expected on a daily basis.  Consequently, the repository’s footprint will be relatively small (i.e., less than 25 acres over 25 years —- or approximately one acre per year).   

When full, a cell will be closed by placing five feet of native soil over the top and the land reclaimed to return to its natural state.

A benefit to the Shepherd community will be the installation on the site of a 30,000 gallon water cistern, or what is commonly called a “dry hydrant,” to assist in fire protection. The dry hydrant will serve the entire community, explained Shepherd Fire Chief Phil Ehlers. Having a dry hydrant at that location improves the community’s ISO rating which goes into calculating the cost of fire insurance for property owners, as well as providing a resource for fighting fires, including wildland fires.

The repository will be open and operational from hours of either 8 am to 5 pm or 7 am to 4 pm.

The repository will create one or two full time positions.

Pacific Steel and Recycling is an employee owned company that employs 900 people. The company has a long history and rich tradition in the Northwest. It was founded  as a “one-man operation” in Spokane, Washington. Joe Thiebes emigrated from Germany in the 1880s and followed his family’s business tradition of trading hides and furs. In the early 1920s, he sent his son – also Joe Thiebes – to start Pacific Hide & Fur Depot in Great Falls. “During World War I, the company expanded beyond furs and hides into collecting ferrous and nonferrous scrap,” a move that eventually led the company to “branch out in the 1950s into sales of new steel products. The business continued into the third generation, with another son – again named Joe – joining forces with his father as the company steadily opened additional locations.

Pacific Steel and Recycling has locations in Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, and Montana.

It’s Coming Up

10 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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“Come early!”

Not to miss a single moment of what is going to be the biggest and most exciting air show in Montana history, spectators should arrive at least an hour early, advises Mathew McDonnel, co-chair of the team of organizers who are making the Yellowstone International Airshow happen on August 12 – 13 in Billings.

With some 15,000 spectators expected for each day of the event, the process of getting everyone parked and through security will take a while, so not to miss a single minute of the show spectators are being urged to give themselves plenty of time. Getting there early will be well worth the effort because of the many static displays that will be available for spectators to tour. Gates will open at 9 a.m. 

And, “you don’t want to miss the National Anthem,” at 11 am, said McDonnell, explaining that it will be a “Super Bowl National Anthem.”

Few people could be more excited about the Airshow than McDonnell, but what he is most enthusiastic about is the magnificent effort of people in Billings who are making it happen, including the sponsors, volunteers and organizing committee. “They said it couldn’t be done,” enthused McDonnell, “and we did it.”

McDonnell and his fellow co-chair, Jake Penwell, have been working to put the airshow together for more than two years. It all started over breakfast at PAYS café, where the two old friends reminisced about their youth growing up in Billings and what they loved and appreciated about their hometown.  One of those things was the airshow in 2001. As they reminisced they talked about wanting to be able to “give back” to the community, then suddenly they declared “why not!?” Why not try to bring the airshow back?

Intermountain Health (St. Vincent Healthcare) is the over-all sponsor, but there are numerous others who have stepped forward to make it happen, including Famous Daves, Panera Bread, Williams Plumbing, Red Door, Applebees, UBS, Rocky Mountain College, The Granary, Edwards Jet Center, Taylor Electric, Inc., Buffalo Block at the Rex, Land Design, Mission Development Center, Special Olympics, Fuller Family Medicine, Ritchie Manning Kautz Attorneys, Adaptive Performance Center, GPS Electric Service, Vision Net, Land Design, and Dahlquist Flooring Contractors.

According to McDonnell, there have been some unexpected changes and uncertainties over the past few weeks regarding what air planes and pilots will be available. There has been a heightened call to active duty for much of the military, which has forced some changes; but, despite that, said McDonnell, some of the issues have been resolved and some are turning out for the best for the show.

Through special consideration by the Pentagon some air craft, like the B-1B Lancer, a super sonic bomber, will still be coming to the Billings Airshow.

There will be two F-16s to be flown by the Viper Team. They are among rare jets that fly straight up, called the “motorcycle of the air.” The F-35 Fifth generation fighter, “which is not easy to get”, will be here, and a B-1 will “kick off” off the show.

And of course the Blue Angles will perform both days of the event at 3 pm.

In addition to the military, there will be eight other performances including some pyrotechnics – and some surprise performances.

“It’s going to be a top level show,” said McDonnell.

On Tuesday, prior to the event, a large Montana ranch will be hosting the Blue Angels team for a “branding style day.”  

The skies over Billings will get very interesting after that as flying machines arrive and practice begins.

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 10 and 11, the air show will be in full practice, which for the most part is closed to the public although special guests – veterans and law enforcement and other first responders – who will be very busy during the show –  will be invited to the practice sessions.

Just as interesting and worth seeing is the gigantic – 3 section “tent” – that will accommodate the VIP chalets and seating. Used in the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the shelter is built like Legos, explained McDonnell, and because of the size of the airshow they acquired the use of the shelter. “It’s amazing,” said McDonnell. The crew that will set it up arrived in Billings on July 25 – and they will need every day before the airshow to set it up.

In addition to the VIP / Chalet seats, the tent will accommodate military and veteran guests who are being invited to attend the air show practice on Friday, called Military Day.

And, “airport security is everything,” said McDonnell.  The Blue Angeles have some very strict protocols which must be followed – one of which is there will be no air flights at the airport during the airshow from 11 am to 4 pm.

Highway 3 will be closed. Reader boards will be placed in advance to notify travelers about the highway closure. Every one entering the show will be searched and there will be restrictions about what can be brought into the grounds.

Also there will be no secondary viewing areas allowed – another naval requirement. People can watch from North Park but not from the Rims.

Most of the Billings’ area emergency services – especially law enforcement and emergency medical services – will be on call.

The gates open at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13. The air show starts at 11 am and the Blue Angels performance begins at 3 pm. Gates close at 4:30 pm

VIP tickets are sold out but general admission tickets are available. Details about what spectators will be allowed to take into the event will be announced later.

Caregivers Deserve Better

9 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

As jobs go begging in Montana people are often asking why. Where are the workers?

While it’s true that more workers are working now than ever before in Montana, it’s also true that there are businesses going out of business because they can’t get the workers they need. The Federal Reserve Bank recently asked the question, “Who’s not working?” If one takes measure of the people around them, their answer isn’t so surprising. Fully, 30 percent of working age Americans (25-54) who are not working are not in the formal labor force because they are caregivers. (I very much hesitate to say they are not working because being a caregiver – especially if doing so for both children and aging parents is very hard work indeed.)

For people in this age group, full-time caregiving is more common than not working due to school, poor health, unemployment, or military service.

In the big picture this should be a beautiful thing – to have parents actually raising their children, and families engaged in caring for their elderly or disabled rather than being institutionalized, is one of the greatest strengths our society could have.

About a third of caregivers are focused on children under age 6. The balance are either taking care of elderly relatives and some are caring for both the elderly and children. They are called the “Sandwich Generation” with most in the 40 year- age group and thieir numbers are growing.

The Seniorly Research Center (see front page article in this issue) reports a record 53 million Americans provide an estimated $600 billion annually in unpaid family caregiving. The number is up from 43.5 million in 2015. And, they add, “it is taking an enormous toll on their financial, physical, and mental health,” of the caregivers.

As I think about the people I know and what they are doing, these findings are not surprising and I suspect that is true for most of us. Over the past ten years, or so, I have known lots of people who have dedicated themselves, caring for elderly relatives—and as someone who has also done so in the past, I know it is one of the hardest things anyone can do. Watching friends who continue to do so, I am convinced that as a society we do not give caregivers the respect and gratitude they deserve.

Part of the reason I know they are not given the consideration they should have is because of all the laws and regulations  that are thrown in their way to make the jobs of government regulators easy while imposing incredibly ridiculous burdens on caregivers, who they really should be trying to help.

Just one little example: when my mother needed to go into assisted living and I tried to change her address at the post office, I was told I needed to bring my mother to the post office to do so. Taking my mother anywhere at that point in time was a half-day, major undertaking. While there are undoubtedly bad actors who must be guarded against — sorting that out should be the responsibility of people hired to do that. Their course of action should not be to push it onto the shoulders of someone who is already burdened with the phenomenal challenge of caregiving – most often without compensation.

I know one lady who told me her frustrations in trying to help an elderly, close family friend get medical care and assistance through various programs. For months she had had to deal with every kind of roadblock imaginable, usually by well-meaning people, sitting casually at desks, sipping their morning coffee, quoting by rote the rules – rules that imposed more work on everyone, and often creating serious delays. Delays that take a toll on the patient, as well as the caregiver. My friend explained how she eliminated most of her problems. She had a very professional-looking badge made, with her name on it and the title “Caregiver” embossed under it. It worked like magic. So what does that tell you?

Of course many of the most important caregivers in our society are the people who staff the medical facilities and other agencies that serve aging America, and they should be every bit as recognized and appreciated. In fact, quite often it was through them that I resolved problems that their superiors seemed quite indifferent about. Often on the QT, they would whisper what I should do to resolve a problem. Apparently, for the staff to be truly helpful was not allowed.

But the point is, those who think they are doing a good job in regulating this industry, aren’t.

And, unless and until you have been there and done that, most people do not realize the grave disservice, we as a society and community are imposing on people who deserve so much better. If, as these studies indicate, there is going to be more and more people in need of a better system, then let’s make it happen for the benefit of us all.

And by the way – the next time you see a caregiver, give  them a hug and say thank you.

Let’s Get Real

26 July 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

The news recently held a report that fossil fuels are not good for human life.

One has to wonder, how simple-minded one must be, not to realize the absurdity of that statement. Look around you – wherever you are at – point to something that isn’t dependent upon fossil fuels, in one way or another, to be in existence. 

One might be concerned about the impact of carbon dioxide on the climate but it is beyond absurd not to know that other than water and oxygen – nothing has benefited human life more than the discovery and broad use of fossil fuels.

The reason so many people have a skewed negative perception about fossil fuels is that in discussions about them there is ZERO consideration given to any positive data. There is no balancing of the pros and cons about the use of fossil fuels. All we hear is the possible negatives – that aren’t really even substantiated. Almost all are theoretical. There is no interjection of positive benefits as a counter point — positives that are provable, without doubt, and which so exceed any nebulous negatives that it is astounding.

Nothing has been such a miracle to the human race as fossil fuels. Without them, chances are great that you and I would not be here, and for those humans who may have survived the whims of the planet, their lives would be grueling beyond belief, and stupefyingly boring!

To think that fossil fuels are not good for human life is almost as absurd as believing that “nature is our friend.” You can love nature. Enjoy it as much and in as many ways as you like. Manipulate it to your benefit. Marvel at its grandeur and beauty. But the moment you forget how treacherous it can be, is the moment it will snuff you out.

The abundant and cheap fuel that comes of oil, gas and coal is without doubt the reason that human life exists in the numbers it does today – or even exists at all. More than once in the history of human beings the species came near to extinction – in large part because of the climate – because it was too cold – too cold to keep from freezing, too cold to get adequate food, too cold to advance the well-being of the species.

Here’s a graph that in terms of life expectancy for human beings throughout the world, shows the mind-boggling increase in life expectancy that happened almost from the very instant we started using fossil fuels. Average life expectancy barely exceeded 30 years for most of human existence.  It was less than 200 years ago, that fossil fuels came into use by human beings, and during that time it’s been an almost perpendicular climb to an average life expectancy of over 70 years old. How can one look at that and declare that fossil fuels have been bad news for human beings?

The graph comes from Alex Epstein’s book, “Fossil Future”, in which Epstein explains the reason we have benefitted so mightily from fossil fuels. The benefit of fossil fuels “are the ultra-cost-effective machine labor, enormous amounts of freed-up mental labor, and materials that radically increase humanity’s productive ability and therefore make our naturally deficient, dangerous, low-opportunity, stagnant planet into an unnaturally nourishing, safe, opportunity-filled, progressing world.”

Oh yes – people point to solar and wind energy as alternatives but they are not alternatives. Those energy sources depend on fossil fuels to be even remotely viable. Those industries have been propped up because of subsidies that are generated by taxpayers using fossil fuels to earn the money from which the taxes are paid. There is also little mention of the fact that most of the materials used in building wind mills and solar units is mined, manufactured and transported almost completely through the use of fossil fuels.  And, what was the source of power that got the equipment and material transported to generating sites? 

The fact is neither “alternative” could even be discussed as possibly viable without fossil fuels – and for all the subsidies and market “favors” they have received, the alternatives still fall egregiously short of meeting even ten percent of anyone’s energy needs. Perhaps some day they, or something else, will, but not today.

If we are to eradicate fossil fuels and if you want to continue the existence of human beings then someone must come up with a rational plan of how to replace fossil fuels – or most of us will die. A plan! That’s all I am waiting for.

But perhaps that is the plan. There have been global warming alarmists who have very clearly and forthrightly stated that to eliminate the number of human beings is exactly what they hope to achieve. I have a couple ideas on how they can get a jump on that without threatening my life; but, one must at least give these people credit for being honest, because the death of millions of people is exactly what the results will be of eliminating the use of fossil fuels.

In fact, the current strategy of governments around the world in reducing the use of fossil fuels, of increasing the costs of using them and prohibiting the acquisition of more, has already resulted in untold deaths.  People freezing to death because of rolling black outs, or because they can’t afford the escalating cost of producing foods or medicines. When they can’t obtain necessities to sustain their lives – that is what most threatens human life.

Fossil fuels are very much so– very good for human life!

Get on Board for Dig It Days!

26 July 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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It’s almost time for Dig It Days! The fun-filled event of big construction machines will once again top-off Montana Fair on its last two days, Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19.

Sponsors are being lined up in three levels this year, filling more booths and displays than ever before. Any construction or family related business interested in being part of Dig It Days is urged to contact Jonathan McNiven (406 672-5941).

Dig It Days is an opportunity for kids to explore, climb on, “drive”, take pictures and fantasize about every kind of dirt-moving, heavy equipment imaginable. A production of Yellowstone Family and sponsored by equipment dealers, contractors and others involved in the construction industry, the event is aimed at introducing youngsters to the construction industry. It’s also a fundraiser for scholarships.

Dig It Days gives kids of all ages an opportunity to operate back hoes and excavators, under supervision of experienced operators  — and some of those kids are “oldsters” who have always wanted to try their hand at operating one of the big machines. 

Also, a very popular feature is “Sand Mountain,” where kids can play and dig in the sand to their heart’s content. They never want to leave.

The Dig It Days board has set new fundraising goals and added new beneficiaries for the proceeds. Besides the event’s primary focus of providing scholarships that support the future workers and leadership of the construction industry, donations will also be made to a local law enforcement group, a mental health /suicide prevention fund, Veterans Navigation Network, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Club, and KOA Kids Camp.

Dig It Days will give out 750 t-shirts each day, construction hats and stickers, on a first-come bases. And, it’s all free (after paying fair admission).

Part of the events include what has grown to be a popular contest in which operators employed by many of the sponsors compete to see who can pick up and move eggs with a backhoe shovel without breaking any eggs. The winner gets $500. It is important to note that it is primarily the employees of the sponsors who volunteer to monitor and oversee the displays and activities bringing their expertise and experience to make sure all goes smoothly and safely.

Get more information at www.Yellowstonedigitdays.com.

Dig It Days was launched in 2019 by Yellowstone Family, Yellowstone County News’ non-profit foundation, with the goal of providing wholesome, fun, family entertainment and education, while supporting worthwhile programs for youth.

Commissioners Plan Only Inflation Increase In Budget — No Actual Mill Increases

26 July 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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The budget for Yellowstone County is plagued with inflation woes, which is compounded by needs for additional staffing as well as the increased costs of obtaining and retaining staff.

The overall estimate for taxes levied for the new fiscal year budget is $62.5 million, an increase over last year’s $60 million budget.

“While Yellowstone County is in sound financial position, our preliminary fiscal year budget comes with some continued challenges, Jennifer Jones, County Director of Finance and Budget, explained to County Commissioners, last week, as they reviewed, with each county department head, their proposed budgets and needs for the coming year.

Yellowstone County is not predicting an increase to actual mills levied in FY 2024. “We have no new voter approved mills, however, property taxes will increase slightly by the statutorily allowed inflationary factor and estimated new growth rate,” said Jones.

The county’s annual review gives a broad picture of the operations of county government, as well as establishing a budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which determines the mills the county assesses. With taxpayers having recently received new property tax assessments, which were considerably higher than in years past, there has generally been great angst among taxpayers about what their tax bill will look like.  

Jones said that over 90 percent of requests for additional staff came from legal, law enforcement and detention center needs.

The budget continues to focus on long-term capital needs, including MetraPark, the Miller Building, the Detention Facility and eventually the extensive remodeling of the courthouse to accommodate court-related new growth including the possibility of new judges.

Whether Yellowstone County needs to expand its jail has been an issue of considerable interest by citizens. In looking at the costs and future revenue projections, Jones explained the realities that must be faced by the county in making that decision.

“Our recently expanded detention facility is potentially scheduled for additional review as to capacity. We continue to maintain that our issues are not solely related to our detention facility being too small, but rather to some issues outside Yellowstone County’s control. Some of those issues to consider before pursuing an expansion would be the pace of the judicial system, mental health programs available in the community, and most of all the failure to address the lack of detention space at the state level which adds to our facility’s numbers. If the eventual decision is made to expand the facility again, it will be nothing like our previous expansion completed in 2020. Both a material increase in the County’s mill levy and a significant debt obligation will need approval by our voters.”

Remodeling will also be necessary for the Miller Building, which the county purchased to accommodate the county’s need for administration space. Work will begin on the Miller Building when its tenant leases expire and the county ends its lease for space in the Stillwater Building. “Currently, we are slated to begin the transition …to the newly remodeled Miller Building by the end of Fiscal Year 2025,” said Jones. “This will free up space in the Courthouse for our district and justice courts, county attorney offices and the possibility of another justice court judge. We project to be able to remodel the Miller space and remodel the courthouse with neither, any need for additional debt nor any need for a tax increase, thanks to reserves in our Capital Improvement Fund.”

COVID funds from the federal government – -The American Rescue Plan Act – has allowed the county to address infrastructure needs at MetraPark – “for which funding options were few.” Jones said, “Not only will these improvements provide the campus flexibility and responsiveness in times of community need, but it improves the campus with overall safety and functionality.” The upgrades are projected to be completed by the end of FY 2024.

In addition to the infrastructure work at Metra, the county has begun the process of bringing other improvements to Metra operations. The County has retained an industry consulting group to assist in finalizing Metra management staff, then to conduct a review and assist in the implementation of industry “best practices”, improving internal processes to increase efficiencies in operations, grow revenue streams, and reduce the County’s dependence upon mill levy support.

Jones explained that her tax revenue projections for 2024 are based upon an estimated growth factor of 2.2 percent and the State allowed increase for the rate of inflation rate of 2.46 percent.

Entitlement funds from the State, and the addition of new property tax revenue from new construction over the past year, help reduce the mills assessed to each taxpayer. Increased interest rates earned on county funds will also be higher than the “record lows” of past years, which will ease the burden. (The Entitlement fund was created by the state legislature in 2001 to compensate counties for revenues lost when the State assumed responsibility of collecting vehicle taxes. Yellowstone County’s share in FY2024 is $5,471,792.67)

Given the higher property valuations this year, the proposed county budget estimates an increase in the amount that will be protested— any revenues from which are not released to the county until the protest case is settled.

Tax revenue that comes of new growth or construction is projected to increase 2.2 percent for 2024.

The county is also allowed by the State to increase revenue 2.46 percent to accommodate for inflation.

Also included in tax revenues for 2024 is estimated marijuana tax revenue of $750,000.

Big Sky Economic Development (BSED), although a county entity, functions under a separate fund and generates separate revenues. The tax levy for BSED is estimated to generate $1,431,441 before protests. BSED will also receive about $268,665 from the State Entitlement Fund.

County Commissioners are reviewing much of the county’s salary structure “with the twin goal of attracting and retaining personnel in order to reduce overtime related to vacancies.” Salary and benefit costs included in the budget reflect estimates for union contracts currently in negotiations.

While the rise in inflation was felt last fiscal year, as well, this year many of the county’s contracted services are tied to the inflation factor resulting in significant increases to those contracts. Compounding high inflation is the rise of utilities and price increases mainly in the IT, public safety and construction related portions of the budget.

Staff increases are projected for: 6 new patrol deputies; 2 in the County Attorney’s office; 2 in Youth Service Center; 1 in Public Works; and 1 in elections.

MetraPark Brings $110.7 million to Local Economy

19 June 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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Activities and events at MetraPark generates $110.7 million annually to the local economy, according to a recent study commissioned by the MetraPark Advisory Board.   

The economic impact is the money spent by visitors attending MetraPark events at local businesses in Billings and Yellowstone County, most especially at motels and restaurants, gas stations and retail shops.

The economic impact of Metra Park is a relevant factor to the community as it considers the pros and cons of the cost to taxpayers in subsidizing the county-owned facility that hosts everything from rodeos and livestock shows to concerts, sports and tradeshows. Each year, MetraPark events draw thousands of visitors to Billings while being subsidized by a property tax mill levy to the tune of $2.5 million.

Mike Mayott, President of the MetraPark Advisory Board, who oversaw the study conducted by Circle Analytics, said that while he considers himself a fiscal conservative this is one expenditure of tax money he considers of value. “I would invest in most anything that returned $44 for every dollar invested,” he said. It seems to be the “greatest investment we can make,” he continued, “We are adding a lot to the economy.”  In fact, considering that Yellowstone County has a gross domestic product of over $11 billion, MetraPark contributes a full percentage point to the total annual production of the county.   

The research shows that in a comparison to figures from 2018 (the latest year in which all the metrics are the same and comparable) MetraPark improved in every category except one.  It also demonstrates that MetraPark has become multi-dimensional, said Mayott.

Mayott reported study results at the previous meeting of the MetraPark Advisory Board, explaining the value of the research that has been done by Circle Analytics. The company is highly regarded in what they do, he said, pointing out that one of their clients is SpaceX.

The MetraPark Advisory Board agreed to continue subscribing to Placer.AI for MetraPark attendance data, which will give MetraPark planners access to on-going current data and to seven years of past data, and to also continue getting analysis from Circle Analytics. Mayott explained that once MetraPark staff is trained in what the data means and how it can be used, it will become a valuable tool.  “It will tell us whether we are making the right decisions.”

“Hopefully, it will help to drive the subsidy down,” said Mayott, “to get it as low as possible.”

The cost for annual updates from Circle Analytics is $1500 annually and for on-going data from Placer.AI the cost is $14,000.

While the monetary impact of MetraPark to the local economy is substantial, it does not include the social or civic benefits that MetraPark contributes as a free venue for many youth, educational and non-profit events. Mayott further pointed out that MetraPark serves a broad base of interests in the community. Metra Park also partners with a wide variety of businesses and organizations that further add to the economic base of the community, such as with the Exchange Club that supports non-profits, or companies like Baskin Robbins and Fuddruckers and many other vendors who sell products at MetraPark.

“This is an opportunity to be able to say something good about government,” jested Mayott.

MetraPark Interm Manager Tim Goodridge and Big Sky Economic Development applied for and received a grant from NorthWestern Energy to fund the study.

According to the study, in 2022 more than 819,000 guests attended or participated in a tradeshow, sporting event, or other entertainment at MetraPark. It is estimated that 37.8 percent of those visitors were from out of the area, and that on average they spent $180 per day per visitor. Local attendees were estimated to spend $39 per day.

A summary of the various levels of economic impacts generated by MetraPark were included in the study. The economic impact of $110.7 million, that is annually retained in the local economy, is part of  $177.9 million in “Gross Economic Output” annually, which includes indirect and induced impacts. Direct impacts include MetraPark’s annual operating budget, estimated benefits from vendor revenues and the economic value of visitor spending. Indirect impacts of $124.7 million includes purchases that businesses must make in order to serve visitors who come to events at MetraPark (for example increased sales for linen supply firms who sell more linens to motels). Induced effects result from increased household spending from local earnings in the tourism and supporting sectors.

Some of the impacts estimated by business sector were $5,444,827 for “food and beverage stores”; $12,817,771 for “restaurants”; $18,105,583 for “Gasoline stations’; $19,195,826 for “Hotels and motels”;  $8,986,765 for “Miscellaneous store retailers”; and $24,811,945 for “Miscellaneous services”.

Other impacts:

—$68.3 million in Total Labor Income

—2,694 total jobs (full and part-time)

—$27.5 million in Capital Income (includes profits, rents, etc.)

—$14.8 million in Indirect Business Taxes and Fees

Greycliff Mill, a Traveler’s Oasis

19 June 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

On Memorial Day, Greycliff Mill celebrated their second year in business.

Located at Greycliff, Montana, just east of Big Timber, Greycliff Mill is something of an oasis for travelers along Interstate 90, offering a place to get a cup of coffee or a sandwich, stretch your legs, give the kids a chance to exercise, browse the wares in a unique shop featuring locally produced foods, crafts and art. It is also an opportunity to “get out of town” for an evening to enjoy a unique farm- to- table dinner.

Greycliff Mill is an extension of an 1800 acre farm that is owned by a group of individuals who have been operating it for the past 15 years. The roadside business features all-things Montana – from foods that are raised and prepared on the farm or on other farms and ranches in the area, as well as art and crafts produced by talented and skilled local artisans.

Assistant manager of Greycliff Mill, Daniel Saylor, explains that the pastries and breads featured in their restaurant are made from flour that is made from grain that is grown and milled at their own grist mill – a mill that was originally built in 1870 in upstate New York. It was disassembled piece by piece, and reassembled at Greycliff. Water from three scenic terraced ponds is used to turn the grist mill.

The ponds are part of the beautifully landscaped grounds that include a pavilion, gardens and grassy knolls that provide a great venue for events such as weddings or family reunions or civic celebrations. The setting sprawls beneath the towering cliffs that give the site its name.

According to Saylor, the cliffs are a former buffalo jump used by Native Americans.

Greycliff Mill has six cabins available for overnight visitors. Some are restored cabins moved from Roberts, Montana, and some are high end cabins in converted grain silos brought in from South Dakota.

There are no more plans to add additional buildings, but they do plan to expand the garden and park areas.

Everything on exhibit or for sale at Greycliff Mill is carefully selected, explained Saylor, to reflect the vision of its developers – “in keeping with rural Montana and a family environment they are trying to create.” Items from local farms or offered by local artisans are curated and thoughtfully selected to present whether it’s the beef or lamb served or the art featuring Montana wildlife and scenery,  taxidermy, basketry, leather work, iron work or wool work, or a wide array of gift items like locally-made soaps, jellies and jams.

Greycliff Mill has a cheese cave where they produce the cheese they serve and sell. They have gardens where they grow many of their own vegetables, while purchasing others from the gardens of neighbors or a greenhouse in Columbus. They also acquire their milk from local dairies.

Every other Saturday, a farm-to-table dinner, featuring several courses of various ethnic meals, are served to 60-80 guests. Reservations are required and a schedule of featured meals is available on the Greycliff Mill website.

Saylor said that it is surprising to see where the guests come from to partake of their special meals. About a fourth are from distant locations – from Washington to as far away as Florida. Apparently, guests in planning a trip visit the website take advantage of being able to include a visit to Greycliff Mill for a special meal.

The Greycliff compound includes several workshops, in which they plan to soon host local artists and instructors who will conduct scheduled classes on the how to make various craft items such as baskets, leather work, and other artistic skills.

Other features include horseback riding or a carriage ride or a special- planned chuck wagon group dinner complete with campfire back on the ranch.

Elisha Sherman is Manager of Greycliff Mill, which employs  six to ten people, with more to be hired as they head into the gardening season.

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ExxonMobil Becomes Par Montana with Closing

19 June 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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Amid balloons, tents, ribbons, speakers, blue skies, and lots of food, hundreds of people marked what had been advertised as a historic day for Yellowstone County – – and it was, as Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. officially closed on the purchase of ExxonMobil Corporation’s refinery at Lockwood and other properties including two subsidiaries.

Not since the refinery’s opening in 1949 has the refinery drawn so much attention, said Dan Carter, Public Affairs director for the refinery. Carter explained how people in Billings embraced the new refinery as it was being built, traveling out in trucks and busses every day, to see what was happening and to watch it rise up from what was then wide open prairie.

It changed the landscape in the valley and for the economy, said Carter, “Now, 75 years later the refinery is undergoing another organic, seismic change.”

Commending the refinery’s employees and leadership for “eight long months” of preparation for this day, Will Monteleone, President of Par Pacific Holdings, said that they are honored to become a part of the “talented team” and to be part of Billings and Yellowstone County, adding that the overall logistics and operation of the refinery, aligns perfectly with that of Par Pacific.

The $310 million sale of the ExxonMobil properties was announced in October 2022.

To now be known as Par Montana, the business joins that of Par Pacific, a market-leading energy, infrastructure and retail business, headquartered in Houston, Texas.  Par Pacific operates an integrated downstream network, throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and Hawaii, including 218,000 bpd of combined refining capacity across four locations, related multimodal logistics systems and 121 retail locations.

Montana Lt. Governor Kristen Juras welcomed Par Pacific to the state, saying “This is a big deal. It is a great opportunity for Montana and Yellowstone County.” The “good paying jobs” it will create will aid in stopping “the export of our kids,” she said.

Bill Pate, CEO of Par Pacific Holdings said “We are going to grow Par Montana” with a focus on “how can we expand this company?”

He said that the success of Par Pacific has been in recognizing the importance of being part of the businesses they acquire. “We differentiate ourselves by immersing ourselves into the company, into the local connections and into the local community.”

Part of being local was to encourage the refinery employees to choose a new name for the refinery and a new logo, which was also unveiled on Thursday –simple clean lines representing the rims and the river running below them.

Par Montana will be the lynch pin, not just a refinery,” said Pate, noting that they have three refineries in other states. “This acquisition significantly enhances our scale and geographic diversification. We expect the transaction to be immediately accretive to our earnings and cash flow. It is about how do we take what we have today and add on to it renewables, and continue to do what they do just using other feed stocks.”

“The key element of our strategy here is actually getting our reliability up and getting more production,” Pate said. “The state of Montana, the states around Montana, they need more fuels. It’s a tight market.”

Kim Jakub, the refinery manager, said that the refinery team has shown courage and commitment in the transition process. She said that “Billings is the perfect complement to our future. We will continue to be a strong community partner.”

The Billings refinery is a 63,000 barrel-per-day (bpd), high-conversion, complex facility that processes low-cost Western Canadian and regional Rocky Mountain crude oil. The refinery converts crude into gasoline, distillate, asphalt and other products to serve regional demand.

It employs about 320 people and has 80-100 contractors on-site on any given day supporting operations.

Included in the Par Pacific transaction was  the wholly owned 70-mile, 55,000 bpd Silvertip Pipeline, a 40% interest in the 750-mile, 65,000 bpd Yellowstone refined products pipeline, and four wholly owned and three joint venture refined product terminals located in Montana and Washington. Total storage capacity across the refinery and logistics locations totals 4.1 million barrels. Further, Par Pacific will supply approximately 250 Exxon and Mobil branded retail locations as part of the arrangement with ExxonMobil.

When the Billings refinery was opened in 1949 by Carter Oil Co. it processed 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Exxon has operated the refinery since 1973.

In 1947, 500 acres was purchased and plotted for the current refinery operations for about $61,000.