Big Sky Owners Association Focuses on Community, Infrastructure, and Insurance Cost Challenges

The Big Sky Owners Association (BSOA) held its 53rd annual meeting, marking a new chapter with the recent appointment of Executive Director Holly Coltea. Coltea emphasized fostering a community environment that values respect, support, and pride in BSOA’s initiatives, aiming to strengthen community engagement and operational effectiveness. Financially, BSOA announced a 4.3% increase in annual dues to $545, primarily due to a significant rise in liability and homeowners' insurance costs and a need to address a decade-long freeze on dues, resulting in a substantial funding gap. The Big Sky Architectural Committee plans to shift from a complaint-based approach to proactive compliance, focusing on issues like waste management, lighting, noxious weeds, parking, and wildfire risk reduction by prohibiting new wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces. BSOA also introduced a new transportation committee aiming to consolidate multiple Rural Improvement Districts (RIDs) for streamlined maintenance, with a strong focus on road upkeep. On the resort development front, Big Sky Resort President Troy Nedved provided updates on the Explorer Gondola, set to open in December 2024, enhancing uphill capacity and significantly reducing base area lift lines. The resort is also expanding amenities with new attractions like the Kircliff summit shelter and the Alpine Iglu, alongside adjustments to operational schedules to meet visitor demand. The Resort Area District reported substantial growth in resort tax revenues, now exceeding $23 million annually, supporting local infrastructure and services. Legislative developments impacting the area include Montana Senate Bills 260 and 172, concerning special districts and workforce housing respectively. The meeting also highlighted conservation efforts by Yellowstone to Yukon, advocating for wildlife-friendly transportation designs to preserve Montana's mountain ecosystems. Discussion on Montana's evolving property tax system provided further insight into local fiscal challenges and strategies. This meeting underscores Big Sky’s integrated approach to community governance, infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and fiscal management, reflecting broader trends in resort-community insurance and regulatory compliance environments.