BILLINGS — The Billings Mustangs could be without a home in the city for the first time since 1948 as contract negotiations between the franchise and the city reach a critical point.
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The Mustangs are coming to the end of a 10-year contract in which the city charged $60,000 per year for use of Dehler Park. Now, the city is asking for $172,000 per year — nearly triple the current rate.
Billings City Council members Roy Neese, Scott Aspenlieder, Bill Kennedy and Mike Boyette and Billings Park and Recreation Director Gavin Woltjer met with Mustangs General Manager Dave Heller Monday to negotiate new terms. In addition to the fee increase, the city is asking for a share of concession and gate income, as well as money sponsors pay for signage along the back fence.
"The city of Billings is trying to negotiate with the Billings Mustangs to make sure that we keep them in town, not just for this year but for next year and for the foreseeable future," Aspenleider said.
Aspenlieder said the old contract was unfair to the city.
"The Mustangs have complete control of who leases the facility, who uses the facility, and what rent they get charged," Aspenlieder said. "And then the rent that's collected, 100 percent goes to the Mustangs."
Heller confirmed he is negotiating with the city and expects to speak with city officials as soon as Tuesday. He called the city's ask extraordinarily and surprisingly high but said he is continuing to negotiate to keep the Mustangs in Billings.
"The Mustangs have been a part of Billings since 1948 ... it's in our DNA and we hope to stay a part of Billings for a very long time," Heller said.
"Everybody wants the Mustangs to be here," Aspenlieder said. "And I hope that in the in the course of negotiating the contract that we can keep them."
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
