Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Public Works Committee met on August 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Courthouse Council Chamber to consider petition number 2026-01, requesting the closure and vacation of portions of a public right-of-way to facilitate development of a residential lot in Uptown Butte. The committee heard from the petitioner, Mr. Berg, and from commissioners, and voted 5-0 to forward the petition to the full council with a recommendation that the vacation include a three-year stipulation requiring construction to begin within that timeframe. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Berg, the lot owner and petitioner, explained that the vacation would allow him to build a house that better addresses neighborhood concerns, such as preserving views and the rock formation, and resolving issues with the required 35-foot setback from an unused right-of-way. He noted that the lot has been subject to illegal activity and trash, and developing it would improve the area. He acknowledged that the neighbor Heidi alerted them to problems and that they have worked with the sheriff's office to address trespassing. - Commissioner Callahan reported that he visited the property and spoke with a neighbor who expressed interest in the project. He noted the lot is currently attracting illegal activity and that development would be beneficial. Discussion Items - Commissioners discussed the merits of the vacation. Commissioner O'Leary raised concerns about noxious weeds and asked about the timeline for construction. Mr. Berg stated his intention to build within three years, likely starting foundation work in spring 2027 or 2028. - Commissioner O'Leary proposed a motion to approve the vacation with a stipulation that construction must start within three years, otherwise the property would revert to the county. He cited previous cases (Praxis vacation and Up Top) where properties were acquired but not developed. - Commissioner Callahan suggested amending the language to "under construction" to "purchased and permits" to account for permit delays. After discussion, the motion was amended to include the three-year stipulation in the resolution forwarded to the full council. - Commissioner O'Neal commented that a three-year timeline seemed reasonable, and if construction started (e.g., a foundation) within that period, it would suffice. - Mr. Berg indicated no objection to the three-year stipulation, assuming provisions for delays beyond his control. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to forward petition number 2026-01 to the full council with a recommendation to include a three-year stipulation that construction must commence within three years or the property reverts to the county. - The stipulation will be incorporated into the resolution presented to the full council for a public hearing.

This meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Present were Commissioners O'Leary, Walker, O'Neill, and Thatcher. Commissioners Shea and Boyle were absent and excused. The sole agenda item was review and approval of the expenditure list. Discussion Items - Commissioner Walker questioned claim 1283 on page 44, specifically contract payment number four for $41,905 and $23,887. Commissioner O'Leary explained these are payments for the chronic disease grant (cancer and tobacco prevention) that flow through the health department and subcontract with Anaconda-Geological Lodge County and Madison County. The state pays Butte-Silver Bow, which then pays those counties. - Commissioner Walker also asked about another claim (possibly claim 1289) for St. Mary's Church, inquiring if it was for a roof replacement. Commissioner O'Leary confirmed the address corresponded to St. Mary's Church but did not have the specific purpose at hand. - No further questions were raised. Key Outcomes - Commissioner O'Leary made a motion to approve the expenditure list as of August 26, 2026, in the amount of $725,843.28 for fiscal year 2027. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (4-0). - The meeting was adjourned.

The Butte Silverbow Council of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 1:29 AM UTC (transcript timestamp). All 12 commissioners were present. The meeting covered the fiscal year 2027 budget adoption process, a presentation on the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), and several consent agenda items including a retirement notification and a fire station alerting system contract. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda items during the designated periods. Two public hearings were opened (budget and metro sewer rates) but no proponents or opponents came forward. Both hearings were left open to allow further public participation until the final adoption of resolutions. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Adoption (Communication 2026-366): Finance and Budget Director Karen Hassler presented the amended budget totaling $168,269,621, a decrease of 9.55 mills from the previous year to 360.45 mills. The mill value is $103,912. Key changes included an additional $110,000 for radar speed signs near schools, $17,125 for an agenda module, and a $480,000 intergovernmental transfer from the URA debt service fund to the URA for grant projects. The budget also accounts for a potential decrease in tax revenue due to two pending tax protests (Northwestern Energy and Intermountain Infrastructure). Director Hassler highlighted that the certified values from TIFF districts (3MCT/Montana Connections and South Butte TED) were lower than expected. The council discussed Senate Bill 117, which allows the creation of a large taxpayer reserve fund ($39,129 from reduced mills). Commissioners debated whether to leave the public hearing open until the regular meeting on September 2, 2026, for final adoption of resolutions. Commissioner Morgan preferred the regular meeting to maintain public awareness. The hearing was left open. - Metro Sewer Rate Increase (Communication 2026-367): Director Hassler proposed a 3% increase in user rates for Metro Sewer, equating to $3.63 per unit annually. A single-family residence (assessed at 3 units) would see an increase of $10.88 per year. The hearing was also continued until the September 2 meeting. - Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Presentation: Kelly Hazlet presented the TBID work plan for FY 2027, funded by a $2 per occupied hotel room assessment. The total budget is $672,972, covering administration ($81,800), tournaments ($75,000), meetings/groups ($21,000), leisure/travel ($56,700), festivals ($65,000), special projects ($50,000), reserves ($25,000), community marketing ($133,472), and an airport guarantee ($165,000). Commissioners questioned the assessment amount compared to other Montana cities (Helena and Great Falls at $2, Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell, Missoula at $4). Commissioner O’Neill expressed interest in increasing the assessment to match larger cities, but TBID representatives noted the current rate is competitive. Commissioner Callahan suggested expanding the assessment to include Airbnbs if legislation allows. - Retirement of Treasurer Lori Baker Patrick (Communication 2026-415): Treasurer Baker Patrick submitted formal notification of her retirement, effective December 31, 2026. Commissioners expressed gratitude for her service and voted to note the communication on file (12-0). - Fire Station Alerting System (Communication 2026-427): Emergency Management Director Lisa Carey requested authorization to sign a $199,800 contract with BRYX Inc. for a new fire station alerting system, funded by a reimbursable grant. The current system is over 30 years old and unreliable. The RFP process yielded two bids; one was disqualified for missing a bid bond. The new system is expected to be installed by November 2026 and includes 10 years of service/maintenance. The contract was approved unanimously (12-0). - USDA Forest Service Water Use Agreement (Communication 2026-424): Segregated due to typos in the agreement. The amendment will be returned at a future meeting. It does not affect current water operations. - Consent Agenda Segregations: Item 2 (Committee of the Whole minutes) and items related to the budget public hearing (2026-366), treasurer retirement (2026-415), Forest Service agreement (2026-424), and fire station alerting system (2026-427) were pulled for individual consideration. Two other items were withdrawn as friendly amendments. Key Outcomes - The public hearings for the FY 2027 budget and metro sewer rates were left open, with final adoption of resolutions scheduled for the regular meeting on September 2, 2026. - The council voted to hold the budget public hearing item (2026-366) in abeyance until September 2, with Director Hassler to prepare two resolutions regarding the Senate Bill 117 large taxpayer reserve fund (one to create, one not to create). - The Metro Sewer rate increase hearing was continued to September 2. - The TBID presentation was received and filed without a vote. - The treasurer’s retirement notification was noted on file (12-0). - The fire station alerting system contract was approved (12-0). - The Forest Service agreement was held in committee of the whole pending corrected documents. - Council Resolution 2026-34 (sale of tax-deeded properties) passed on final reading (12-0). - The consent agenda was approved with segregations (12-0), including the withdrawal of Communication 2026-421 (at the clerk’s request). - No additional public comments were received.

At the August 20, 2026 meeting of the Finance and Budget Committee, members reviewed and approved the expenditure list with a vote of 6-0. Consent Calendar - The expenditure list as of August 19, 2026, in the amount of $1,161,044.16, was approved unanimously (6-0) after no questions or discussion from committee members. Discussion Items - Director Hasser was asked if there was anything of note to highlight; he responded that nothing mattered. Key Outcomes - The expenditure list was approved by a vote of 6-0. - The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

The Rules Committee of the Council of Commissioners met on August 19, 2026, to continue reviewing the Council's rules of order, focusing on Communication 2026-270 which requests a professional outside review. The committee discussed multiple rules, identified inconsistencies, and agreed on amendments to be included in a future redline version. Discussion Items - Rule 31 – Abstentions and Excused Votes: The committee agreed to define criteria for conflicts of interest, referencing Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 2, Chapter 2, Part 1. Members must state on the record the reason for abstaining, and a majority vote of present members is required to excuse a vote. The effect of an abstention on majority calculations was discussed, with the intent to clarify that an abstention does not reduce the total number of commissioners for supermajority requirements. - Rule 32 – Signed Ballot: The committee agreed to replace “signed ballot” with “recorded vote” (e.g., roll call) to ensure public transparency, as secret ballots are not permitted for public officials. - Rule 34 – Motion for Reconsideration: Clarified that a second is not required from a member of the prevailing side; any commissioner may second. The motion must specify a time and date, but no later than the next regular meeting. The committee noted that a motion for reconsideration cannot be made after a right has vested (e.g., a signed contract). - Rule 36 – Ordinance/Resolution Introduction: The current rule conflicts with charter and ordinance requirements for two readings. The committee decided to split the rule to align with standard procedures and define emergency ordinances separately, noting that suspension of rules should be reserved for genuine emergencies (e.g., disaster response), not missed deadlines. - Contract Review Process: The rule requiring all bonds and contracts to be referred to the county attorney is not currently followed. The committee discussed the need for clear language on when and how contracts are reviewed, including the distinction between “form” and “substance.” Concerns were raised about workload and potential for attorney gatekeeping. No final decision was reached; the committee will consider options for the next meeting. - Standing Committees – Quorum and Public Comment: The committee reviewed Rule XLI (Committee on Committees) and the process for filling vacancies. They also discussed compliance with open meeting laws, noting that standing committee meetings are subject to MCA requirements for posting notices, allowing public comment, and keeping substantive minutes. The committee agreed to consider adding a public comment period and ensuring minutes capture discussion, not just action items. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to hold Communication 2026-270 in abeyance (motion passed unanimously) to allow further refinement of the rules. The next meeting is expected to produce a redline version of the rules for the full Council. - Specific directives: - County Attorney Matt Enruth to draft language incorporating MCA conflict-of-interest standards into Rule 31. - Staff to prepare a revised Rule 32 replacing “signed ballot” with “recorded vote.” - The committee will revisit contract review process and standing committee public comment procedures at the next meeting. - No formal votes were taken on the substantive rule changes; all decisions were directional and will be incorporated into the redline document.

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. All 12 commissioners were present. The meeting included a report from the County Attorney on a pending ballot initiative lawsuit, public hearings on the FY2027 budget and Metro Sewer rate increases, and a presentation from the Silverbow Developmental Disabilities Council. Several routine communications were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public questioned why new restaurants, citing Chipotle as an example, are built without ADA accessibility beyond the drive-through, expressing concern about compliance with disability access standards. - During the later public comment period on non‑agenda items, a representative of the Greeley Neighborhood Community Development Corporation Inc. addressed the council. He stated that for 13 years the organization has sought creation of a combined community council and neighborhood improvement organization structure. He noted that the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney clarified in 2014 that neighborhood community improvement organizations are not community councils. He announced that the group will submit a request to establish a procedure for recognizing such organizations, referencing the Greeley Area Plan and Montana Code. Chair’s Report & County Attorney Update - Chairman Morgan clarified that the council had no decision‑making authority regarding ballot initiative 00‑02 and that the dates/process were not set by the commission. - County Attorney Ann Ruth reported that on the morning of August 12, 406 people filed a complaint and request for a preliminary injunction to prevent Butte-Silver Bow County and the Clerk and Recorder from stopping the ballot initiative. After reviewing the petition, she advised agreeing to the preliminary injunction to allow the initiative to move forward pending a court determination on whether a disputed statute applies. Judge Joseph issued the order with both parties’ consent. A hearing on the merits is scheduled for the following Wednesday, with a possible additional briefing schedule. The Clerk and Recorder’s office has been instructed to continue processing signatures so that ballot initiative 00‑02 may appear on the ballot if the injunction remains in place. Discussion Items - Communication 2026-367 (Metro Sewer Rate Increase): Director Hassler presented a proposed 3% increase in user rates, equating to an increase of $3.63 annually per unit. Single‑family residences, assessed three units by county ordinance, would see an annual increase of $10.88. Multifamily and commercial properties would also see a 3% increase per assessed unit. The increase is necessary to comply with state and federal mandates, maintain a 110% debt service coverage ratio, and fund over $34 million in mandated facility upgrades. The public hearing was opened and closed with no proponents or opponents speaking; it will remain open until the council adopts the final FY2027 budget and sets the rate. - Communication 2026-366 (FY2027 Final Budget Adoption): Director Hassler presented a list of amendments, primarily adjustments to grant‑funded and project budgets reconciled through June 30. Discussion centered on the impact of the state’s 1.9% tax rate applied to certain properties (non‑primary residences) and the homestead exemption. Director Hassler explained that the Department of Revenue will provide a refund/rebate application process for those who should be taxed at the lower 0.76% rate but were incorrectly classified. Commissioner Mankins proposed an amendment to add 1.25 mills (approximately $110,000) for the purchase and installation of 12 radar feedback signs in school zones, citing improved driver awareness and safety. The cost is over $80,000 and would be subject to competitive bidding. Director Hassler noted that if adopted, the amendment would be included in the final budget to be voted on next week. Commissioners also discussed the ability of taxpayers to see their tax rate on bills; Commissioner O’Leary suggested adding the rate to future tax bills, and Director Hassler said she would consult with the Treasurer’s office. - Presentation – Silverbow Developmental Disabilities Council (Communication 2026-383): Executive Director Holly Bennett gave an annual update. The organization has accepted four new clients in the past six to eight weeks and continues to provide individualized one‑on‑one or group support. A free clothing exchange was launched in partnership with Butte Cares, and over three 20‑foot trailers of clothing were donated to Spokane fire victims via the Butte Fire Department. The disability truck remains a client‑operated enterprise. Clients work at local businesses such as Wendy’s, McKinsey River Pizza, Dairy Queen, Safeway, and McDonald’s (one client with 40 years of employment). The organization serves Dillon, Whitehall, Anaconda, and Silverbow, with 35 full‑ and part‑time staff and an annual payroll over $500,000. Revenue sources include county support, Medicaid, disability income, grants, and donations. The commercial kitchen is used by 4‑H youth, Native Wellness Center, and emerging businesses at minimal cost. There is zero dollar increase in service rates for the coming year. Commissioner Bennett highlighted athlete Joe Gibson, who broke a national record in the turbo jab at the National Special Olympics, featured on ESPN, and who may be invited to the World Special Olympics. Commissioners praised the organization’s work and impact. Key Outcomes - Ballot Initiative 00‑02: County Attorney agreed to a preliminary injunction; the clerk will continue processing signatures; a court hearing on the merits is set for the following Wednesday. - Metro Sewer Rate Increase (Comm 2026-367): Public hearing remained open; a vote on the rate increase will occur when the council adopts the FY2027 final budget. - FY2027 Budget (Comm 2026-366): Public hearing remained open; the council will vote on the final budget, including Commissioner Mankins’ proposed amendment for radar feedback signs, at the next meeting. - Motions Approved Unanimously (12‑0): - Cross‑reference Communication 2026‑300 with 2026‑382 (land purchase documentation). - Place Communication 2026‑383 (Silverbow Developmental Disabilities presentation) on file. - Concur in place on file as amended Communication 2026‑406 (Clark Chateau lease renewal with Butte Symphony). - Communications Held in Abeyance: Several items were continued pending future reports or dates: Comm 2026‑366 (budget adoption continued), Comm 2026‑367 (rate setting continued), Comm 2026‑381 (library presentation to August 26), Comm 2026‑384 (land purchase pending land sales committee report), Comm 2026‑409 (bid opening to August 26), Comm 2026‑410 (legal review of parking services contract). - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Judiciary Committee met on August 13, 2026, with all members present (Commissioners Shea, Thatcher, Callahan, Minkins, Healy, and Gerbrand) and County Attorney Matt Enruth. The committee discussed and voted on a proposal to allow golf carts on certain streets, a tax deed auction, a resolution, and a claim. Discussion Items - Communication 2026-207 (Melanie Watts): Proposed ordinance to allow golf carts on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less under MCA 61-8-391. Sheriff Lester expressed strong safety concerns: golf carts lack crash testing, are vulnerable to rear-end and side-swipe collisions, and occupants face serious injury or death even at low speeds. He noted the cart in question might be a low-speed vehicle but still unsafe. Commissioner Callahan agreed, but pointed out that informal golf cart use near golf courses has been tolerated. Commissioner Gerbrand reported that Mark Winnings of Mark's Golf Cars also opposed the ordinance due to safety, fearing drivers would venture onto higher-speed roads. The committee voted unanimously to note and place the communication on file. Key Outcomes - Communication 2026-207: Motion to note and place on file passed unanimously. - Communication 2026-39 (Tax Deed Auction): Held in abeyance from prior meeting; motion to continue holding passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-34: Motion to move to final reading passed unanimously. - Claim Approval: A claim from Boone Capital for $3,499.51 (refund/redemption of tax assignment) was approved unanimously.

The Public Works Committee met on August 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the courthouse council chambers to review Communication No. 2026-3-68, a petition to close and vacate a portion of the South Alabama Street public right-of-way adjacent to property owned by Mr. Berg. The petition was presented by Land Records Coordinator Will O'Connor, who explained the need for the vacation to accommodate a proposed single-family home on a lot with challenging topography and rock outcroppings. Public comment and committee discussion centered on the public value of the right-of-way, access concerns, and the process for vacation. The committee ultimately voted to hold the item for two weeks. Public Comments & Testimony - Anna Nugent (Mercury Street resident) spoke in opposition to the vacation, arguing that public rights-of-way are valuable public assets even when undeveloped, and should not be vacated without clear public benefit. She noted the existing trail connectivity and potential recreational access and stated that property owners should assess development potential before purchase. - Will O'Connor (Land Records Coordinator) presented the petition, detailing that the vacation is needed because rock outcroppings and underground mine workings limit buildable area on the lot, and that the proposed 2,465-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath house is scaled similarly to neighboring homes. He clarified that the vacation applies only to the portion of Alabama Street adjacent to Mr. Berg's property, and that the existing trail below would remain unaffected. - Public Works Director Gleason confirmed he met with Mr. Berg and the Fire Marshal on site; the Fire Marshal had no access issues for a single residence, and utilities would need to run through a narrow strip on Platinum Street. Discussion Items - Commissioner Healy questioned how the applicant would access the front of the house, given that the alley is short and does not provide direct street frontage. O'Connor responded that walking access from Platinum Street would be maintained, and parking could occur via the alley into a proposed garage. - Commissioner O'Leary clarified that the requested vacation does not include the portion of Alabama Street where the trail runs, which would remain public. - Commissioner Callahan raised concerns about alley ice in winter and limited access. - Commissioner O'Leary asked about valuation; O'Connor stated current code only imposes a $500 non-refundable fee for alley and street vacations, and no survey is required unless the committee specifies one. - After discussion, Commissioner O'Leary moved to hold the item for two weeks to allow committee members to gain additional clarity before sending it to the full council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Healy. Key Outcomes - The committee voted 6-0 to hold the petition for two weeks, deferring action until the next meeting (two weeks later) to allow for further clarity on the proposal and its implications. - No final decision on the vacation was made; the item will return for discussion and potential recommendation to the full council.

The Butte Silver Bow Study Commission met on August 10, 2026, to address critical ballot language for fire services governance, approve minutes, and discuss voter education materials. The meeting was efficient, with key decisions on ballot formatting and future meeting cadence. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 3, 2026, meeting (motion by Shaw, second by Dennehey, unanimous). Discussion Items - Ballot Language Revision: County Attorney Enruth reported that the Montana Secretary of State required splitting the original three-part fire services governance question into two separate questions. The first asks whether to retain the existing charter language or change it; the second, contingent on a vote for change, offers two options: "volunteer" or "under the county." No substantive wording was altered. Enruth noted that after repeated inquiries, the Secretary of State responded with the formatting change this morning. - Voter Education Materials: Ms. Adams presented a draft voter education pamphlet, which will be revised to reflect the new ballot language. Discussion focused on timing: materials should be printed by the week of September 14 and mailed by September 21 to reach voters before mail-in ballots (expected late September/early October). Ms. Shaw offered to confirm the exact ballot mailing date with Clerk and Recorder Cindy Sherman. The commission decided to shift from weekly to every-other-week meetings, with an education committee (including Mr. Steppen and others) potentially working in the off weeks to assist Ms. Adams. A final public educational meeting and civic group outreach were also planned. Key Outcomes - Approval of Amended Ballot Language: The commission voted unanimously (6-0, with all present members including Matt Steppen who arrived later) to approve the revised fire services questions as presented by County Attorney Enruth. The motion was made by Shaw and seconded by Dennehey. - Meeting Schedule Change: The commission will adopt an every-other-week meeting cadence, starting with no meeting on August 17. A timeline for remaining tasks will be prepared by the chair and Mr. Dennehey. - Next Steps: Ms. Adams will incorporate feedback on the voter pamphlet via email; the commission will coordinate with the Council of Commissioners for an update presentation, and respond to media inquiries.