Yellowstone County Unveils New Resource Ahead of November Jail Expansion Vote

Yellowstone County has rolled out a new website aimed at informing residents about a proposed renovation and expansion of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, ahead of a bond and levy measure headed to voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Yellowstone County Jail Expansion Website & Official Resources

The site, ycjailexpansion.com, is designed to be a central place for residents to learn about the detention facility's current operations, the history of the project, and the reasoning behind the proposed expansion. It includes a frequently asked questions section along with other educational materials related to the ballot measure. The county has also set up accompanying Instagram and Facebook accounts under the Yellowstone County Jail Expansion name.

Yellowstone County November 2026 Bond and Levy Explained

Voters will be asked to weigh in on both a bond and a levy this November. In Montana, a bond typically finances construction or major capital projects, with the county borrowing money and repaying it over time through property taxes. A levy is a direct property tax approved for a set amount over a set number of years, often used to help cover ongoing costs. The release doesn't break down how much of the funding would come from each or what the estimated cost to taxpayers would be, so residents looking for those specifics will want to check the website directly.

Overcrowding Issues at Yellowstone County Detention Facility

According to the release, the detention facility is currently running beyond its intended capacity, which has created operational strain for detention staff and the broader criminal justice system in the area. County officials say the proposed project is meant to address both current and future detention needs while keeping operations safe and efficient.

County Attorney Scott Twito on the Jail Campaign Message

County Attorney Scott Twito said the educational campaign is built around the message "Strong Facility. Safer Community. Secure Yellowstone County." Twito said the goal is to give residents transparent, factual information about the facility and the proposed project so they can make an informed decision at the ballot box.

Regional Growth & History of the Yellowstone County Jail

Captain Brandon Smart of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility said the facility was originally built in 1987 and expanded in both 1997 and 2018. Smart said the jail plays a key role in deterring criminal activity and argued that it needs to keep pace with population growth and crime trends. He also pointed out that the jail doesn't just serve Billings, but functions as a hub for eastern Montana and Northern Wyoming.

County Commissioner Focuses on Voter Transparency

Commissioner Mark Morse said giving residents accurate, accessible information is part of the county's responsibility to the public, and that the website was built to bring project details and background together in a single location.

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Where to Find More Yellowstone County Ballot Information

Residents interested in the project can visit ycjailexpansion.com to review facility background, project details, and answers to frequently asked questions before the measure comes up for a vote in November.