At a glance: Commissioners approve RSID expansions, CHS tax abatement and set public hearings

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners took a series of routine and substantive actions at its March 19 meeting in Billings. Key outcomes:

• Resolution 2439 — Expand RSID 709 (Clarks Fork River Subdivision): public hearing opened; one written protest was reported; board approved the expansion by voice vote.

• Resolution 2440 — Expand RSID 723 M (Clarks Fork Estates Subdivision): approved after public testimony (separately covered); board cited precedent of including lots that could receive future benefit.

• Resolution 2441 — Expand RSID 741 M (Conrad Subdivision): staff explained the expansion adds one lot to share maintenance for a dry hydrant; commissioners approved the expansion.

• Resolution 2452 — Tax abatement for CHS Incorporated (Class 8 personal property): Julie Peterson, representing CHS Laurel Refinery, asked for the final abatement under SB 530; the board approved an 80% abatement.

• Resolutions of intent and public hearings set: the board set public hearings for tax abatement intents for Coca‑Cola (Resolution 2453) and Signal Peak (Resolution 2454) and set a public hearing to consider adopting the Laurel area growth policy (Resolution 2456), all for April 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3108.

• Longhorn Subdivision (preliminary minor plat): planning staff recommended conditional approval with standard conditions (DEQ/MBEQS approval for water/septic/stormwater, RSID expansion for future maintenance, zoning compliance, coordination with USPS, and SIA edits); commissioners conditionally approved the preliminary plat.

• Claims and consent agenda: Commissioners approved claims numbers 24‑128 through 24‑131 and approved the consent agenda and filed items.

Motions were made, seconded and approved by voice; most actions were routine administrative approvals or setting public hearings. Several items that received public comment (notably RSID 2440) generated requests for clarification of code language and practice; commissioners suggested potential legislative clarification in a future session.