Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners Regular Meeting – September 3, 2026

The Council of Commissioners held a regular meeting on September 3, 2026, with 11 commissioners present and one absent (Commissioner Fisher). The meeting included public comments on multiple agenda items, approval of the FY2027 final budget with a 9–2 vote, and a unanimous decision to refer a temporary moratorium on data center development to the judiciary committee. Several other resolutions and agenda items were also addressed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoe Axel (West Broadway and Crescent Street) expressed support for making Crescent Street a one-way street, citing safety concerns for emergency vehicles due to parking on both sides.
• Anna Nugent (Mercury Street) opposed vacating the Alabama Street right-of-way, arguing it is a public asset and that the public continues to use the path despite signs discouraging access. She urged the council to preserve the open space.
• Unnamed speaker (Mercury Street) also opposed the Alabama Street vacation, stating the petitioner can develop the lot without the right-of-way and that noxious weed control is the owner's responsibility.
• Stacey Henderson (Western Avenue) opposed adoption of the FY2027 final budget, citing lack of accountability in her son's death investigation and requesting that the budget include measures for oversight and corrective action.
• Brian Bigelow (Granite Street) supported a temporary moratorium on data center development, citing concerns about AI, job loss, surveillance, and environmental impacts.
• Connie Thompson (Kenyon Street, District 4) supported the moratorium, urging caution and allowing time for research before approvals.
• Joel Wir (2416 South Main, union representative for Carpenters Union) opposed the moratorium, pointing to construction jobs that data centers would bring.
• Julie Crowley (2901 Harvard Avenue) supported the moratorium, citing data security breaches and lack of AI regulation.
• Jessica Jones (800 block Granite Street) supported the moratorium, referencing Butte's mining history and potential environmental harm, and noted that AI can be used to create child pornography legally.
• Jesse Gonzalez (District 9) supported the moratorium, raising concerns about water, power, utility rates, and the need for a framework. He referenced Missoula County's interim moratorium.
• Curse Astoria (Trudy Healy's district) supported the moratorium, citing unknown impacts on children's future, water, and the environment.
• Evan Barrett (807 West Silver Street) supported the moratorium and urged the council to consider settling a related initiative petition case to allow a ballot vote. He noted the initiative is under appeal.
• Unnamed speaker (2000 Roberts Avenue, carpenter) opposed the moratorium, advocating for direct regulation instead of a pause.
• Elena Moore (2620 St. Anne's) supported the moratorium, emphasizing the need for reflection and regulation before making long-term decisions.
• Alison Anderson (District 9) spoke during the public hearing on the FY2027 budget, opposing approval due to insufficient accountability and service standards.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of August 19, 2026 (11–0).
• Approved Section 2 consent agenda (committee reports 1–4 and communications 1–20) with the exception of items 8 (2026-438), 14 (2026-444), and 19 (2026-449), which were segregated for separate discussion (11–0).

Discussion Items

• Petition 2026-02 (Berlin Street vacation): Referred to the Public Works Committee (11–0) after a staff report by Will O'Connor.
• Communication 2026-438 (Alabama Street right-of-way public hearing): Held in committee of the whole pending a public hearing scheduled for September 16, 2026 (11–0).
• Communication 2026-444 (Crescent Street one-way designation): Referred to the Public Works Committee (11–0) after concerns about the proposed south-only direction were raised by Commissioner Gerbrand.
• Communication 2026-449 (Prado Verde Estates Minor Subdivision): The preliminary plat for a two-lot residential subdivision off Terra Verde Drive was approved (11–0) following a detailed presentation by Planning Director Crane and Planner Joella Thomas on the subdivision process, conditions, and staff recommendations.
• Communication 2026-435 (Data center moratorium request): Commissioner Shea's request to direct the county attorney to prepare a temporary moratorium was concurred and referred to the Judiciary Committee (11–0). Discussion included definitions, scope, and comparisons with Missoula County's approach.

Key Outcomes

• FY2027 Final Budget (Resolution 2026-36): Approved 9–2, with Commissioners Callahan and one other voting no. Commissioner Callahan cited concerns about insurance rate increases and percentage-based raises widening the wage gap.
• Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund (Resolution 2026-35): Established for FY2027 pursuant to Senate Bill 117, adding 0.45 mills (about $1.29 per year for a median home) with the option to opt out annually. Passed 11–0.
• Other budget resolutions (2026-37 through 2026-57): Passed unanimously (11–0) after suspension of rules, covering levies, rates for solid waste, stormwater, street maintenance, fire districts, sewer, school districts, and salaries.
• Metro Sewer rate increase (3%): Public hearing held; the increase will result in an additional $10.88 annually per single-family unit. The resolution was later passed as part of the budget package.
• Public hearing on Alabama Street right-of-way vacation: Scheduled for September 16, 2026, pending further discussion.
• Data center moratorium: Referred to Judiciary Committee to draft an interim zoning ordinance with a possible duration of up to 2.5 years.