Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Council of Commissioners met on August 28, 2025, to address a light agenda centered on the fiscal year 2026 budget, including proposed rate increases for Metro Sewer and solid waste collection, and to consider several property and communications items. The meeting featured a detailed budget amendment presentation by Finance Director Karen Hassler and saw one formal vote on a land communication. Public Hearings - Communication 2025-370 (FY2026 Budget): The public hearing was continued. Finance Director Karen Hassler noted that the proposed Metro Sewer user rate increase is 3% and the solid waste collection fee increase is 20%. No members of the public spoke for or against. The hearing remains open pending the adoption of the final budget at a special meeting on September 2, 2025. - Communication 2025-371 (Metro Sewer User Rate): The public hearing was continued with no public testimony. It will remain open until the budget adoption date. - Communication 2025-372 (Solid Waste Collection Fee): The public hearing was continued with no public testimony. It will remain open until the budget adoption date. Discussion Items - Budget Amendments (Communication 2025-373): Director Hassler presented amendments to the FY2026 budget, including: - $250,000 in a special budget for the water division to track costs related to a potential water contamination event, with expectation of reimbursement from Montana Resources. - Decreases in URA District 2 ($576,632) and its debt service fund ($97,265) due to school district levy receipts. - A $60,000 transfer from the local option marijuana tax fund to the HART grant to maintain mental health services in the detention center. - Total budget for FY2026 is $178,032,300, with a countywide mill value of $91,928. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the reimbursement fund, the mill value, and the economic development line item. - Communications Held in Abeyance: Several communications were held pending further reports or the budget passage: - Comm 2025-249 (land purchase at 17 Tullomore Street) – awaiting Land Sales Committee report. - Comm 2025-370, 371, 372, 373 – pending budget adoption. - Comm 2025-386 (library annual report presentation) – moved to September 24, 2025. - Comm 2025-394 (parking garage recreation) – awaiting insurance policy update from petitioner. - Comm 2025-427 (land purchase at Maryland and Second) – awaiting Land Sales Committee report. Key Outcomes - Communication 2025-318 (Cory Biggers land purchase): The council voted 11-0 to note and place the communication on file, cross-referencing it with Communication 2025-424. - Special meeting scheduled for September 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM for adoption of the FY2026 final budget. - Public hearings on budget, sewer rate, and solid waste rates remain open until that special meeting.

Note: The transcript begins with "August 27, 2025," but the meeting date provided for this summary is August 28, 2025 00:59:40 UTC. This discrepancy is reflected here. The Judiciary Committee of the Butte Silver Bow County Council of Commissioners met on August 28, 2025, to discuss several items, including a request to draft a new marijuana ordinance, approval of tax deed sales, claims, a solid waste district boundary change, and a referral regarding urban camping. The meeting ran short on time and was adjourned to reconvene after the Committee of the Whole. Consent Calendar - Communication 2025-310 (County Attorney Matt Enruth requesting authorization to draft a new ordinance regulating medical and recreational marijuana): Held in abeyance on motion by Commissioner Shea, seconded, pending additional work by Planning and to allow time for Commissioner Healy's topic. Passed unanimously. - Communication 2025-353 (Treasurer Lori Baker Patrick requesting approval of tax deed auction and sale): Cross-referenced with Resolution 2025-35 and placed on file. Commissioner Callahan noted that one property (a lot associated with a house) sold; the rest were redeemed. Passed unanimously. - Claims: Three claims approved: Boone Capital Corporation ($9,134.45 for tax redemption), David Goodwin ($100 for canceled special use application), and City Service Falcon ($20,234.46 for bond refund). Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-31 (Intent to alter boundaries of Solid Waste Special District to include Homestake Meadows 2 subdivision): Held in abeyance due to an active protest period. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Sid Debarthy (127 Wren's Drive, Butte): Expressed concern about large encampments (e.g., at Father Sheehan Park and Pinion Street) that were cleaned up by Director Frederickson after a month but quickly rebuilt. He noted that trails are now avoided by families with children, and that existing ordinances are selectively enforced (e.g., against tournament families but not homeless camps). Supported enforcement and consolidation of ordinances. - Bernie McCarthy (3440 Hannibal, Butte, deacon at St. Patrick's and Immaculate Conception): Argued that the core issues are homelessness and lack of mental health care, not urban camping itself. Said most homeless people want housing, and that dividing people into "these people and those people" is unethical. Called for supportive housing and street-level mental health services. He acknowledged existing ordinances but urged a focus on housing inventory and mental health. In response to Commissioner Callahan, he stated that supportive housing with case management works, citing a personal success story, and that landlords' concerns about property damage are a symptom of the lack of support. - Sarah Burdoon (1127 Waukesha Street, landlord and nurse): Shared experience as a landlord dealing with property damage and as a nurse working on a project to house frequent users of emergency services. She noted that HUD and Action Inc. are planning a supportive housing fourplex, and that case management once provided by Western Montana Mental Health was cut years ago. She advocated for intensive case management and housing as solutions. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-374 (Commissioner Trudy Healy requesting referral to Judiciary Committee and County Attorney to develop an ordinance addressing urban camping on public streets): Commissioner Healy described a large encampment at Father Sheehan Park (with garbage in the creek, a willow branch bridge, and a "No Camping" sign) and another on Pinion Street. She stated that individuals become criminals through their conduct, not by labeling, and that city crews cleaned up at taxpayer expense. She emphasized that citizens feel unsafe and alter their routes to avoid parks and trails. Commissioner Healy noted that the encampment was rebuilt after cleanup. County Attorney Matt Enruth responded that multiple zero-camping ordinances already exist on the books, and that the issue is one of resource and enforcement, not a need for new ordinances. Commissioner Callahan commented that landlords have switched to short-term rentals because tenants (some housed by Catholic Church or housing authority) destroy properties, costing months to repair. He argued that mental illness does not excuse lawbreaking and that solutions must address both housing and mental health. Commissioner Healy later noted that being housed does not fix mental illness, citing a neighbor who required a restraining order despite being housed. The meeting ran out of time before a vote could be taken on the referral. The committee will reconvene after the Committee of the Whole to continue discussion. Key Outcomes - Held in abeyance: Communication 2025-310 (marijuana ordinance) and Resolution 2025-31 (solid waste district). - Approved and placed on file: Communication 2025-353 (tax deed sale) and the three claims. - No decision on urban camping referral: Communication 2025-374 remained pending due to time constraints; discussion will continue later in the evening.

The Public Works Committee met on August 28, 2025, to discuss two communications: the condition of a pedestrian tunnel under Harrison Avenue (Communication 2024-544) and roadside trash and covered load requirements (Communication 2025-297). The meeting was attended by Chairman Eric Mankins, Commissioners Dan Callahan, Bill Boyle, Russell Larry, Trudy Healy, and Tommy Walker (sitting in for Commissioner O'Neal). Public Works Director Mark Neary also participated. Notably, the raw transcript states the meeting took place on August 13, 2025, but the provided date is August 28, 2025; this summary uses the latter date per instruction. Discussion Items Communication 2024-544: Condition of Walk/Trail Tunnel under Harrison Avenue - This item was brought out of the suspense file. The tunnel is owned by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). A traffic study is in progress to evaluate the crossing at that location. - Director Neary will seek an update from MDT at the September 11, 2025 MDT meeting. - Commissioner O'Leary moved to hold the communication in abeyance until after the September 11 MDT meeting, with the item to be discussed at the next Public Works Committee meeting following that date (scheduled for September 24, 2025). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Callahan and passed unanimously (6-0). Communication 2025-297: Roadside Trash and Covered Load Requirements - Commissioner O'Leary originally raised concerns about roadside trash and the need for covered loads. Director Neary reported he will bring a proposal to the September 11 MDT meeting to install seasonal signs on MDT right-of-way reminding drivers to cover their loads. - Commissioners noted that public awareness and social media attention have led to some improvements in trash pickup. - Commissioner O'Leary suggested a community cleanup event in spring 2026, but Commissioner Callahan advocated for a fall 2025 cleanup to address current trash, especially on Iron Street. Commissioner Callahan also mentioned an "Adopt-a-Highway" sign near Iron Street sponsored by Montana Tech, and suggested contacting that group for help. - Commissioner Healy reminded the committee about using cameras to catch unsecured loads, an idea previously raised by Commissioner Callahan. Commissioner Callahan had discussed this with Director Gary (likely from parking enforcement), who indicated the technology is still being developed but is open to collaboration. - Commissioner O'Leary moved to hold the communication in abeyance until after the September 11 MDT meeting, with the item to be revisited at the September 24 Public Works Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Callahan and passed unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - Both communications (2024-544 and 2025-297) were held in abeyance to the September 24, 2025 Public Works Committee meeting, pending the outcome of the September 11 MDT meeting. - Director Neary will present the signage proposal to MDT on September 11 and report back. - The committee will consider organizing a community trash cleanup event, possibly in fall 2025, and explore the use of cameras to enforce covered load requirements. - The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified time, with a motion and second approved unanimously.

The Butte-Silver Bow Commission met to review and approve the weekly expenditure list. Due to a discrepancy between the transcript (which states the meeting was called to order on Wednesday, August 27, 2025) and the instruction (which specifies the meeting took place on August 28, 2025), the date used in this summary follows the instruction. Commissioners present: Thatcher, Boyle, Shea, and O'Leary. Commissioners O'Neill and Walker were excused. The meeting began with a brief discussion of line items on the expenditure list, followed by a motion to approve and adjournment. Expenditure List Review - Commissioner Shay inquired about charges from Computer Discount Warehouse appearing on multiple line items. No further explanation was provided in the transcript. - Commissioner Boyle asked whether reimbursement is received for soil testing or if it is covered by county payroll. Director Hassler explained that soil testing and related departments are funded through an agreement with Atlantic Richfield British Petroleum, with funds drawn from a trust based on quarterly expenditures. - Commissioner Thatcher asked whether all economic development expenditures were included. Director Hassler noted that some were missing proper W-9 documentation, so payments for those grant awards will be issued once documentation is received. - Commissioner Thatcher moved to approve the expenditure list in the amount of $741,480.17. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the expenditure list for August 27, 2025 (or August 28, 2025 per instruction) in the amount of $741,480.17. - Meeting adjourned after approval. Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on August 27, 2025, but the instruction states the meeting took place on August 28, 2025. This summary uses the instructed date for consistency.

The Butte-Silver Bow Study Commission met on August 25, 2025, to receive public comment, hear a presentation on the council-manager form of government, review feedback from recent public open houses, and discuss rural representation and future outreach. No formal votes on charter changes were taken, but minutes from previous meetings were approved with corrections. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 28 and August 4): The commission unanimously approved the minutes with two corrections: Commissioner Casey requested adding the reason for no minutes for July 14 (meeting was not held), and Commissioner Shaw submitted a list of typos to be fixed. Public Comments & Testimony - Bon Banderob (2601 Grand Avenue) referenced a conversation at the Melrose listening session between a resident and Commissioner Callahan. He asked the commission to consider whether six commissioner districts should be created—three from the city and three from the county—to equalize representation. - Written comment from Ken Neighbor offered several recommendations based on the open house at Butte Brewing. The commission agreed to copy and post the comment online. Presentation: Council-Manager Form of Government - Debbie Todd, a former Bartlesville, Oklahoma city council member (population 38,000), shared her firsthand experience. She advocated for a council-manager form, arguing it prevents concentrating power in a single elected executive and clearly delineates responsibilities: the council sets policy, the appointed manager handles daily operations and personnel. She noted that Bartlesville's council elected a mayor from among themselves, who casts a vote equal to other members and breaks ties. Disadvantages she identified were few, though she acknowledged that city managers may view the role as a stepping stone. She emphasized the importance of hiring a manager who prioritizes community needs. - Commissioner Thielen asked for confirmation that she believes a manager form is better than an elected chief executive; Ms. Todd affirmed. - Commissioner Shaw asked about managers using the position as a stepping stone; Ms. Todd said some do, but good managers often stay until retirement. - Questions were also asked about ward-based elections, wage concerns, and the hiring/firing process. Discussion Items - Open House Feedback: Commissioners shared observations from the two listening sessions: - Melrose: Residents expressed dissatisfaction with services (road maintenance, law enforcement) relative to taxes. Many asked about separating city and county government, though one resident reported positive service response. Others offered solutions like contracting with a local plow operator or assigning an officer living in Divide. - Butte Brewing: Attendees focused on the executive branch form of government, commissioners, neighborhood councils, and the fire issue. Commissioners noted that the structured introduction and roundtable format worked well for one-on-one conversations. - Commissioner Callahan clarified that his earlier comment at Melrose—that separation from city-country government could not happen—was based on a discussion with Dan Clark, not his own opinion. He supports looking at all options. - Commissioner Dennehy opposed separation of city and county, calling it too expensive and implausible, but supported improving rural representation. - Commissioner Steffen called for data on rural population growth and tax revenue to inform representation discussions. - Future Outreach: - The commission discussed expanding the survey via county employee email lists and large private employers. Ms. Conn reported that survey compilation is being handled by Shanna. - Two concurrent events on Thursday, August 28: an open house at the EOC and a tailgate at Montana Tech. Commissioners assigned themselves: Ms. Conn will attend the tailgate to distribute postcards; others will split. Commissioner Steffen noted a QR code for the survey will be shown on the Jumbotron, but he cannot participate as a commissioner that evening. - Party Line radio appearances were discussed for August 27 (Commissioners Silk and Thielen) and the last Wednesday of each month. - An op-ed summarizing public feedback to date is planned after the next round of meetings. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved with corrections (Casey's reason and Shaw's typos). - Total spending on open houses: $1,763 (rentals, refreshments, printing, advertising). - Research assignment: Ms. Conn will gather data on population, tax rates, and growth rates to support rural representation discussions. - Legal question raised: Commissioner Dennehy asked whether the commission would draft separate charter changes or pose a general form-of-government question for a vote. The commission noted that charter amendments go to voters, and if a form change is approved, the commission must stay on for 90 days to write a transition plan. Clarification will be sought from Sean Peterson (legal counsel) or the Anaconda Study Commission. - Next meeting: September 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. The commission hopes to host representatives from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Study Commission.

The Butte Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment met on August 21, 2025, to consider a special use permit for a short-term rental, a variance for a garage setback, and to hold elections for board officers. All applications were approved unanimously. Special Use Permit 25-12: Short-Term Rental at 810 Weskalina Street - Applicant: Kilster Holdings LLC and Christine and Michael Young. - Proposal: To operate a short-term rental in an existing residence at 810 Weskalina Street (also referred to as 810 West Galena by the applicant). The property is in an R3 multifamily residential zone. - Staff Report: Presented by Aiden (staff). Key findings included that the use is allowed as a special use, minimal impact on neighborhood, and conditions such as compliance with building codes, visible property address, occupancy limits set by building and fire codes, and requirement to obtain a business license. - Applicant Presentation: Christine Young stated she and her husband purchased the home in 2001, live there part-time, and have had short-term renters without complaints. They requested approval. - Board Discussion: No board questions or public comments. A board member noted similarity to previously approved short-term rentals and expressed no concerns. - Outcome: The board voted unanimously to approve the special use permit. Variance 25-6: Side Yard Setback at 5938 Porter Avenue - Applicants: Stephen and Sherry Kelly. - Proposal: To construct a 16x48 foot (768 sq ft) detached garage within 12 feet of the south property line, instead of the required 15 feet side yard setback in the R1S zone. - Staff Report: Presented by Joella. The report noted the property’s unique hardships: an underground sprinkling system and well on the north side limit placement options, and snow drifting considerations. The three-foot reduction would have minimal impact on neighbors; the garage would be 27 feet from the adjacent lot instead of the required 30 feet. - Applicant Presentation: Steve Kelly explained the three-foot reduction is needed to fit the garage without conflicting with an existing fence and to avoid the well/sprinkler systems. - Board Discussion: Board members commented that a three-foot variance is immaterial and raised no issues. - Outcome: The board voted unanimously to approve the variance. Board Officer Elections - Nominations: Mike McEwan was nominated for vice chair. Other nominations (for absent members) were left on the table. Nominations were closed until after the other agenda items. - Vote: At the end of the meeting, ballots were cast. The board verbally affirmed all nominations. It was noted that a formal vote would be made official in January or February (likely referring to a future meeting). - Outcome: The board effectively approved the officer slate, with a final formal vote scheduled later. Key Outcomes - Special use permit 25-12 (short-term rental at 810 Weskalina Street): Approved unanimously. - Variance 25-6 (side yard setback at 5938 Porter Avenue): Approved unanimously. - Board officer elections: Nominations approved by vote; formal confirmation deferred to a future meeting. - No public comments were received on either agenda item. - The meeting adjourned after the elections.

The Council of Commissioners met on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to address a range of issues including the ongoing water crisis response, a contentious land sale, a fire suppression system change order, and support for forest travel management planning. Key decisions included denial of a land sale proposal, approval of a budget change order, and unanimous support for a letter urging congressional action on forest travel management. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Frost (2000 Roberts Avenue) expressed concern that the county is passing a 2026 budget while contract negotiations with union employees remain open, calling the situation "confusing." - Chris Marshawn (2105 Garfield, Anaconda), member of the Beaverhead Deer Lodge Working Group, requested support for the group. He highlighted the group's role in projects like the Basin Creek development and emphasized that recreation, the number one industry in Montana, benefits Butte Silver Bow even if projects are not located within the county. - Baha Earrett (via video/telephone, Jefferson County representative) later presented the Beaverhead Deer Lodge Working Group's request for the county to sign on to a letter to Montana's congressional delegation, urging full federal funding and authorization to complete the long-delayed travel management plan on the Beaverhead Deer Lodge National Forest. Chief Executive's Report - Water Crisis Update (August 13-20, 2025): Chief Executive Gallagher provided an extensive update on the cross-connection incident at Montana Resources that triggered a "do not consume" order. He noted that within one hour of the notice, testing and flushing began; no contaminants have been found in any sample. The order was stepped down to a health advisory for vulnerable populations by August 18. Water distribution continues, and detailed sampling data (with addresses redacted for privacy) will be released in an easy-to-digest format. A "hot wash" review will follow to improve future crisis response. - SABE Data Center Visit (August 19): Gallagher and Karen Burns flew to Quincy, Washington (with Anaconda officials and NorthWestern Energy representatives) to tour the SABE data center. He described it as a low-noise, closed-water-system facility that created substantial tax benefits for Quincy: new schools, courthouse, hospital, and library. Local officials noted data centers have high electrical needs but are otherwise low-impact. Gallagher emphasized that SABE has already taken an option on Butte Silver Bow land. - NorthWestern Energy-Black Hills Merger: Gallagher reported that the merger was announced during the trip; Butte Silver Bow was not informed beforehand. He is meeting with NorthWestern Energy management on August 21 to discuss potential impacts, noting a 12–15 month process and assurances of no immediate local effects. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items A1–4, B1–13) was approved unanimously (11-0) after segregating Communication 2025-424 (land sale) and Communication 2025-435 (fire suppression change order). Discussion Items - Communication 2025-424 – Sale of 35 Acres to Corey Biggers: The proposal to sell 35 acres near Orofino Gulch Road and Browns Gulch Road for $4,000 (based on $115/acre) generated extensive debate. Planning Director Julie Crane and Treasurer Lori Baker Patrick explained that the price factored in the buyer's estimated $6,000–$8,000 survey cost and $10,000 legal retainer to quiet title. The Assessor had valued the land at roughly $8,000/acre. Commissioner O'Leary, Shea, Fisher, and others argued the price was far below market value, that the process lacked consistency, and that the taxpayer was subsidizing the buyer's expenses. Commissioner Morgan clarified that the proposal had been publicly noticed on agendas since June 18 and that the land sales committee is only advisory; a two-thirds council vote is needed to sell. After a motion to deny, the council voted 10-1 to deny the sale. Multiple commissioners called for a working group to develop a clear land disposal policy. - Communication 2025-435 – Mother Lode Fire Suppression Change Order: The change order (increase of $12,356) was explained by Finance Director Hassler and Public Works Director Nary as covering unplanned cubbyholes and stairway areas not in the original design. Funding is from contingency and the URA. The council voted unanimously (11-0) to approve and place on file. - Beaverhead Deer Lodge Working Group Letter: After presentation by Baha Earrett, the council voted unanimously (11-0) to support the working group's letter to Montana's congressional delegation. The letter requests federal funding, staffing, and authorization to complete the travel management plan on the Beaverhead Deer Lodge National Forest, which has lacked a plan for 20 years, leading to public safety, economic, and environmental impacts. - Resolution 2025-35 – Tax Deed Sale: The council suspended rules and considered this resolution authorizing the sale of tax-deeded parcels. Commissioner Morgan noted an error: the term "appraised" should be "assessed" to match state law. The resolution was amended on lines 16 and 19 of page one, then passed unanimously (11-0). Key Outcomes - Land sale denied (10-1) – Communication 2025-424 (Biggers purchase) rejected; council will form working group to revise land disposal policies. - Fire suppression change order approved (11-0) – Communication 2025-435 accepted. - Beaverhead Deer Lodge Working Group letter supported (11-0) – Council signed on to support federal action on travel management planning. - Resolution 2025-35 passed (11-0) – Tax deed sale authorized, with amendments correcting language from "appraised" to "assessed." - Consent agenda approved (11-0) – All routine items adopted after segregation of the two discussed communications. - Public hearing for the 2026 budget (Communications 2025-371, -372, -373) remains open; continued to a future meeting.

The Judiciary Committee convened on August 14, 2025, with a quorum present to discuss a communication, a resolution, and a claim. The committee held two items in abeyance and approved a tax assignment claim. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-374: The committee held this item in abeyance for two weeks to allow time for ideas, collaboration, and thoughtful progress. The motion passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-31 (Solid Waste Special District Boundary): Commissioner Thatcher moved to strike lines 5-13 from page one and hold the resolution in abeyance as amended. The motion passed. County Attorney Enright confirmed that the protest period was still ongoing. - Claim for Angel Lampert: A claim for redemption of a tax assignment in the amount of $3,793.05 was presented. A motion to approve the claim passed. Key Outcomes - Communication 2025-374 held in abeyance for two weeks. - Resolution 2025-31 held in abeyance after being amended (striking lines 5-13 on page one). - Claim for Angel Lampert ($3,793.05) approved. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met on August 13, 2025, with 9 of 11 commissioners present (Commissioners Fisher and Mankins excused). The meeting covered a range of topics including a drinking water contamination emergency, rate increases for sewer and solid waste services, the fiscal year 2026 budget, an animal control complaint, use of a parking garage for recreation, and a proposal to sell the 305 West Mercury Business Development Center. Public Comments & Testimony - Mitzi Rosillion (tenant at 305 West Mercury, 13-year resident) opposed the proposed sale, arguing the market analysis was flawed by using below-market rents and lacking comparable properties. She stated the building should have a minimum bid of $1 million, citing $1 million spent on a new heating system eight years ago. She noted the building houses 15 mental health counselors, Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities, a commercial kitchen, the county extension office, the coroner's office, and three to four state agency offices, and expressed concern that a new owner could displace them. - Jim Cambridge (former first director of the Business Development Center) provided history, noting the center opened in 1987, was funded with EDA money, and created over 130 jobs in less than five years. He stated the center has not operated as a true incubator for about 25 years and supported selling the property to a developer to get it back on the tax rolls. - One speaker commented on communication 2025-318 asking what noxious weeds are present and on communication 2025-371 (Metro Sewer rates). - Reddy Frost (2000 Roberts Ave) expressed support for the solid waste rate increase if it funds infrastructure improvements. Discussion Items - Drinking Water Emergency: Public Works Director Mark Neary reported that around 3:30 PM that day, Montana Resources accidentally cross-contaminated the potable water system by pressurizing a fire hydrant with process water (135 PSI vs. system 65-70 PSI). DEQ ordered a do-not-consume order. Samples were being taken; results expected within 24 hours. Chief Executive Gallagher announced plans to distribute water at the Butte Civic Center and through Montana Resources at McGruff Park. - Metro Sewer Rate Increase (3%): Proposed increase of 3% ($3.52 per unit annually; $10.57 for single-family units assessed 3 units) to meet debt service requirements and operational costs. The public hearing was opened and left open until final budget adoption. - Solid Waste Collection Rate Increase (20%): Proposed increase of $21.30 annually per property to cover contracted services with McGree Corporation. The last increase was in 2020. Public hearing left open. - Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: Director Hassler presented a preliminary budget requiring 370 mills (up from 301.75 mills in FY25, a 25% increase). The county's taxable value decreased 9%. She showed examples where individual residential tax bills would decrease despite the higher mill levy due to lower taxable values. Budget amendments included $115,000 for sheriff dispatch schedule changes and a detective reclassification, $57,000 for cell phone evidence recovery software, and a $136,000 cut to jail-based services grant. Public hearing left open. - Animal Control Complaint (Communication 2025-395): Colleen Boyle reported aggressive dogs at 2645 Amherst. Director Hogarth detailed 11 years of complaints, including citations, unpaid fines ($1,025 remaining), and multiple unsuccessful attempts to address issues. Commissioners expressed frustration with the system; Hogarth noted ordinances are being rewritten. The body voted to note and place on file (9-0). - Parking Garage Recreation (Communication 2025-394): David Hutchins requested clarification that law-abiding citizens may recreate on the upper level of the parking garage. Discussion centered on liability; county attorney and chief executive noted it would require a special use permit and insurance. Motion to hold in abeyance passed (9-0). - Sale of 305 West Mercury (Communication 2025-420): Director Burns requested authorization to issue an RFP to sell the Business Development Center with a minimum bid of $450,000, requiring the buyer to honor current leases and maintain the building as a business incubator. Commissioners debated the valuation (market analysis used 10% cap rate vs. 7.5% cap rate from two years ago). Commissioner O'Leary argued the property is undervalued and proposed $750,000 minimum; Commissioner Anderson moved to deny the RFP. The substitute motion failed 5-5. The original motion to concur and issue the RFP passed 6-4. Key Outcomes - Adopted: Note and place on file communication 2025-395 (animal control complaint) – passed 9-0. - Adopted: Hold communication 2025-394 (parking garage recreation) in abeyance for two weeks – passed 9-0. - Adopted: Concur with communication 2025-420 (authorize RFP for sale of 305 West Mercury) – passed 6-4. - Left open: Public hearings for Metro Sewer rate increase, solid waste rate increase, and FY26 budget, pending final budget adoption in late August. - Left open: Communications regarding land sales (2025-249, 2025-318) pending Land Sales Committee recommendations. - Next steps: Water distribution plan for do-not-consume order to proceed; county to provide water at Civic Center; Montana Resources at McGruff Park.