Billings Taxpayers Shouldn’t Have to Pick up the Bill for Homeowners on the Rims

There's been a lot of talk lately about boulders coming loose up on the rims.  In order to save the homes in that area, the taxpayers will end up funding an effort to help prevent rock slides.  And it's gonna cost a pretty penny.  But should we have to pick up the bill?  The Flakes don't think so.

Sure, we sympathize with the homeowners and we would hate to see anyone get injured.  However, those boulders have been there a lot longer than the houses have.  And nobody forced them to buy property in an area where rock slides have occurred for thousands of years.  What did those people expect would happen?

If you buy land near the Yellowstone River, you automatically assume the risk of flooding. That's what insurance is for.  If Paul chose to build a house near the trees on his ranch and a fire broke out, he wouldn't be sending you a bill for the damage.  He'd be calling up Mark and telling him to bring over the 4 wheeler 'cause they're gonna need it.