Southeast Montana News

Within a week after removing graffiti from the face of the Rimrocks, more vandalism has taken its place, and the City’s Code Enforcement Division is hopeful a new reward program will help identify suspects.

Code Enforcement recently enlisted the help of the Billings Fire Department along with Parks and Recreation to remove the graffiti. The area above 17th Street West was cleaned off on May 16 using Code Enforcement’s new pressure washer trailer and a trailer from Parks and Recreation. Code Enforcement Officers returned on May 29 to remove more graffiti that appeared, but the following week, the same surface was once again riddled with markings.

Since assembling the trailer in April, the Code Enforcement Division has put it to good use, traveling around the city several times a week to remove graffiti. “We are putting an effort into graffiti removal; I would hate to fall backwards,” said Tina Hoeger, Code Enforcement Division Manager.

The City’s graffiti code was amended by the council in April and offers $500 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. The offender will be charged with a misdemeanor and must pay back the reward money. In cases involving minor suspects, parents or legal guardians will be responsible for reimbursement.

With homes not too far below the Rims and the new Skyline Trail nearby, Code Enforcement is asking the public to be vigilant and report any information that can lead to identifying and apprehending a suspect. Each claim will be reviewed, investigated, and verified for accuracy. The investigation must determine that the information was relevant and directly responsible for the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Reports should be made to the Billings Police Department for investigation, identification, and arrest of suspects. The City expressed gratitude towards Mayor Bill Cole and his wife Anne for their generosity in making the first contribution to the reward fund.