Lewistown commission approves TIF sign grant, TBID bylaw changes, airport loan and multiple reappointments

At its Jan. 16 meeting the City Commission of Lewistown approved a package of resolutions and appointments, including a TIF grant for exterior signage, bylaws changes for the Hotel Tourism Business Improvement District, a $20,000 loan authorization for airport hangar-door work and multiple reappointments to local advisory boards.

Resolution 4216 approved an application from the Fergus County Council on Aging/Treasure Depot to receive Lewistown Tax Increment Financing funds to support exterior signage improvements. City staff said the TIF advisory board recommended funding at 50% of the signage cost; the meeting packet notes an amount displayed as “$3,63” (transcript unclear). The TIF advisory board recommended the award and the commission approved the resolution after discussion; one commissioner registered an abstention during the roll call.

Resolution 4217 adopted updated bylaws for the Lewistown Hotel Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). The bylaw changes add a collection and enforcement pathway for delinquent assessments, including notice periods, penalties and the ability for trustees to use a lien process under state law. Staff explained the district currently collects a per‑occupied‑room assessment (stated as $2 per occupied room night) and uses funds for event sponsorships and marketing; the city acts primarily as a pass-through for those funds. The commission approved the bylaws.

The commission also approved a loan resolution authorizing the city manager to sign for a $20,000 loan to support replacement of a large hangar door at the airport. Officials described the door replacement as part of a roughly $1 million project; grants will cover most costs and the $20,000 loan is a low‑cost, short‑term measure (interest cited at 3.75%).

The meeting included a slate of appointments and reappointments: Courtney Moline was reappointed as the city representative to the Fergus County–City of Lewistown Health Board; Jason Grover was reappointed to the Historic Resources Commission; Mike Chapman, Dave Berley and Tim Robertson were reappointed to the newly renamed Lewistown Tax Increment Finance Advisory Committee to complete their terms; and Anna Morris was reappointed to the Fergus Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Commissioners discussed that the TIF advisory reappointments were largely procedural to align the board with changes from recent state legislation (Senate Bill 3). Motions for each item were made and approved by roll call as recorded in the meeting.