Project Overview
What the proposed expansion includes, what it costs, and how it would be paid for.
On November 3, 2026, Yellowstone County voters will be asked to approve a bond and operations levy to fund an expansion and renovation of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility. This page explains what the project includes, the proposed cost, how it would be funded, and the construction timeline. It is provided for informational purposes only.
What the Project Includes
The expansion is a combination of new construction and renovation of the existing facility on King Avenue East.
The project is designed to meet projected detention needs through at least 2049, based on the Jail Needs Assessment Master Plan.
Read the full 2025 Jail Needs Assessment →
Added Capacity
- 320 new beds
- Modern direct-supervision housing design
- Dedicated medical housing units
- Dedicated mental health housing units
Updated Operations
- Modernized booking and intake areas
- Improved transport and sally port facilities
- Program space for substance abuse, mental health, job training, and education
- Renovations to address $9.5M in deferred maintenance
Built for the Future
- Designed to meet projected demand through at least 2049
- Modular construction approach for future expansion
- Energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Materials selected for durability and lower long-term maintenance costs
How It Would Be Funded
The proposal has two parts: a general obligation bond to fund construction, and an operations levy to fund staffing and ongoing facility operations. Both would appear as separate questions on the November 3, 2026 ballot; both the bond and levy must pass for jail expansion to occur.
| Bond — Construction | Levy — Operations | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designing and constructing the expansion and renovation | Staffing, operations, and maintenance of the expanded facility |
| Approximate annual cost | $13.2 million | $20.4 million |
| Term | 20 years | Permanent |
| Use restriction | By law, bond funds can only be used for the voter-approved project | Restricted to detention facility operations |
Estimated Tax Impact
The figures below are estimates based on 2025 property valuations and an estimated mill rate of 78.02. Actual property tax impact will depend on the final mill rate set at the time the bond is sold and on each property's assessed value.
| Home Value | Estimated Additional Annual Property Tax |
|---|---|
| $100,000 | $59 |
| $300,000 (Billings median) | $178 |
| $600,000 | $421 |
Construction Timeline
If approved by voters, construction is expected to begin in late 2027. The project will be phased so that the existing detention facility continues to operate throughout construction. The timeline is subject to weather, procurement of specialized detention equipment, and standard public bidding processes.
Oversight and Accountability
By Montana law, voter-approved bond funds can only be used for the project authorized on the ballot. The Yellowstone County Detention Facility expansion would be subject to:
- Competitive public bidding for all construction contracts
- Open meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, where contracts and major decisions are voted on in public session
- Annual independent financial audits
- Public records access to all bond-related spending
State law also caps the bond amount at the voter-approved ceiling. The County cannot spend more without another public vote.
Explore Related Pages
Current Facility
What the existing facility looks like today — conditions, capacity data, and staffing.
View Current Facility →Bond Proposal
The exact ballot language, bond amount, and detailed tax information.
View Bond Proposal →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the project, funding, design, and construction.
Browse FAQs →