🌱 Billings Water & Sewer Services To Increase 8.4% + New Warehouse

Good morning, Billings! I'm here in your inbox this spring morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 71 Low: 55.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a t-storm. High: 71 Low: 54.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Billings today:

1. The Billings City Council unanimously approved rate hikes and fee increases for water and sewer services, with residents seeing an average increase of 8.4 percent starting on Jul. 1, 2024. The new rates are driven by inflation, pipe replacements, and additional investments in water and sewer extensions. The changes aim to recover expenses based on the cost of service for each customer type, although Councilwoman Jennifer Owen criticized the Heights Water District for implementing a nearly 49 percent rate increase without gradually phasing in the cost of upgrades. (Billings Gazette)
2. Laurel first graders from West School have continued their tradition of collecting cans and coins to donate to ZooMontana in Billings, presenting a total of $650 to the executive director, Jeff Ewelt. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the students were unable to collect cans this year, so they brought in their change instead. The students, who had been studying animals and their habitats, enthusiastically explored the zoo and demonstrated their knowledge by reading the signs at each exhibit. (Laurel Outlook)
3. A large construction project in Billings has generated speculation about potential businesses like Amazon or Coca-Cola, although no official announcements have been made. The project, spearheaded by TPA Group, aims to provide the first industrial distribution facility in the state and increase opportunities for new tenants and manufacturing facilities in the region. Billings' strategic location as a regional center and its robust infrastructure, including the busiest freight airport in Montana, make it an attractive hub for distribution and manufacturing industries. (Q2 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Billings:

Friday, May 26

• Studio Llama Bottles At Bitterroot Sip And Paint (3:30 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• May Shopping Festival At Pavilion At MetraPark (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• A new healthy, from-scratch restaurant called Crisp & Green is set to open in the former Sam & Louie's location at the West Park Promenade in Billings. The eatery will offer a variety of freshly made salads, grain bowls, smoothies, and more, aiming to provide an exceptional dining experience and prioritize community involvement. Although there is no specific opening date mentioned yet, it is expected to be in the near future. (KMHK)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Billings area at the link! (Billings Patch)
• Voting is still open to choose the best name duo for ZooMontana's adorable wolverine siblings, with each vote costing $2 and the proceeds directly supporting their care and well-being. Voting ends on May 31. (ZooMontana via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.