The Vote
Bond Proposal
What you're voting on, what it costs, and how it gets built. All the details, plainly explained.
The Numbers
Bond at a Glance
$175M
Total Bond Amount
$70/yr
Estimated annual cost for a $300,000 home — $23/yr for $100K, $165/yr for $600K
20 yr
Bond Repayment Timeline
Explanation
What the Bond Covers
- New 320-bed expansion wing — 181,517 sq ft of new construction
- Renovation of the existing 434-bed facility to restore rated capacity
- Expanded healthcare, intake, and inmate program spaces
- Life safety, ADA, and code compliance upgrades
- Site improvements including relocation of maintenance and evidence buildings
Project Timeline
- November 3, 2026 — Bond election
- [ Month Year ] — Design & permitting phase begins
- [ Month Year ] — Construction begins
- [ Month Year ] — Estimated completion
- [ Month Year ] — First occupancy
Rendering of proposed facility
Bond FAQ
Common Questions About the Bond
Any registered voter in Yellowstone County may vote on the bond. Montana law sets
participation thresholds that determine the approval requirement: if 40% or more of registered voters cast
ballots, a simple majority (50%+1) is sufficient to pass. If turnout falls between 30% and 40%, 60% approval
is required. If fewer than 30% of registered voters participate, the measure is automatically rejected
regardless of the vote split.
The bond will be repaid through a general obligation mill levy of approximately 32 mills on
taxable property in Yellowstone County, spread over 20 years. The annual cost to property owners depends on
assessed home value — approximately $23/year for a $100,000 home, $70/year for a $300,000 home, and
$165/year for a $600,000 home.
The facility will continue to operate at 38% over its rated capacity. The $9.5 million in
high-priority deferred maintenance — covering life safety, ADA, and code compliance issues — will still need
to be addressed regardless of the bond outcome. Without expansion, population projections show the county
will need approximately 892 beds by 2029, growing to 1,277 beds by 2049. Inaction does not eliminate the
cost; it defers and compounds it.
Yes. The bond was authorized by Resolution No. 26-41, passed by the Yellowstone County
Board of County Commissioners on March 31, 2026. The Board of County Commissioners oversees all county
expenditures and is accountable to voters. [ Add any additional oversight mechanisms — independent auditor,
public reporting requirements, etc. ]