Billings County Redistricting Board to Hold Public Hearing on Five-Commissioner Map; Burn Ban and 2027 Budget on Recent Agendas
Billings County voters approved a transition from three to five county commissioners at the 2026 Primary Election, and the Redistricting Board will hold a public hearing August 17 in Medora to present a draft district map based on that change.
Redistricting Board Reviews Maps
The Billings County Redistricting Board met July 21 to review county maps and begin developing a redistricting plan, according to the published agenda. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no actions or votes from the session are available.
The board's work follows voter approval at the 2026 Primary Election to expand the County Commission from three to five members. The proposed map divides the county's 2020 Census population of 945 into five districts, each with a target population of roughly 189 residents.
The draft district populations are:
- District 1: 173
- District 2: 184
- District 3: 214
- District 4: 181
- District 5: 193
The stated ideal range is 170 to 208 residents per district, a plus-or-minus 10% margin. District 3, at 214, falls outside that range in the draft. The board's agenda says districts must meet statutory criteria including population equality, contiguity, compactness, and precinct implications.
Public Hearing Set for August 17
The Redistricting Board will hold a public hearing August 17 at 7:00 PM in Medora to present the draft map and receive public comment. Written comments will be accepted through August 29, 2026.
County Commission: 2027 Budget Preparation
The Billings County Commission held a special meeting July 29 to prepare the 2027 county budget. The agenda listed no other items. Minutes have not yet been published, so no budget figures, decisions, or discussion details are available from the meeting record.
Total Burn Ban Resolution on Agenda
The County Commission scheduled a special meeting for July 31 to address a Total Burn Ban Resolution dated July 30, 2026. The agenda listed only that item. Minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome — whether the resolution was adopted, amended, or tabled — is not yet in the available record.
Coming Up
- **August 17, 7:00 PM — Billings County Redistricting Board public hearing**, Medora. The board will present the proposed five-commissioner district map and take public comment. Written comments are accepted through August 29, 2026. Residents who want to weigh in on how county commission districts are drawn can attend or submit written comments before the deadline.