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.
Probable Cost
The terms "construction cost" and "project cost" are both used in describing the overall project budget. For clarity, the terms are defined below.
Construction Costs ("Hard" Costs)
Costs directly related to the construction of a project.
- Physical building construction (bricks and mortar)
- Interiors
- Landscaping
- Demolition (if any)
- Site preparation
- Utility extensions
- Existing facility upgrades identified in the Facility Conditions Assessment (FCA) report to improve life safety or code issues
Soft Costs
Costs indirectly related to the construction and furnishing of a building, in addition to construction cost. The final "project cost" includes both hard and soft costs.
- Professional fees (architects, engineers, geotechnical, surveyors)
- Permits and inspections
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
- Moving expenses
- Contingency (money held to pay for unforeseen conditions or changes)
- Escalation — cost estimates are escalated to a point in time representing the midpoint of construction, included through June 2028
Generally, not included in construction or project costs are site acquisition, soil remediation (if needed), staffing, and financing fees.
| Budget Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| New Construction / Site Work (Expansion) | $113,530,306 |
| Existing Renovation / Facility Condition Improvements | $13,294,148 |
| Escalation to Mid-point of Construction | $15,916,469 |
| Project Soft Costs (Contingency, Engineering, IT/FF&E, etc.) | $30,437,869 |
| Total Project Cost | $173,178,792 |
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
- 332 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.
| 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 |
Both would appear as separate questions on the November 3, 2026 ballot; both the bond and levy must pass for jail expansion to occur.
Estimated Tax Impact
The bond and the operations levy are two separate ballot questions with two separate mill rates. The figures below are estimates based on 2025 property valuations — the bond figures assume its estimated 20-year mill rate, and the levy figures assume its estimated 43.35 mill rate. 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 | Bond — Construction (20-yr) | Levy — Operations (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $21 | $33 |
| $300,000 (Billings median) | $64 | $99 |
| $600,000 | $136 | $211 |
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 →