Bob Ferris

The Board of Commissioners discussed various county project updates including road maintenance activities and department status reports from facilities, landfill, extension services, land use, schools, the county attorney, sheriff, and other administrative offices. The board also held a discussion and took action on the Syck Family Transfer, approved an irrigation progress report, and reviewed a presentation from the National Weather Service regarding drought conditions. Additionally, the board processed and approved the payment of invoices.

The board discussed several operational and administrative updates across various county departments, including road maintenance reports, facility repairs, landfill permitting processes, weed control grant activities, and local school evaluations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the open burn season regulations and the coordination of local fire departments. The commissioners also addressed contractual matters, specifically opting to maintain the current insurance agent agreement regarding MACo PCT bylaws, and formalized the award of the bid for the Brownes Bridge Decking project. The session concluded with the review and approval of county invoices.

This document is an annex to the Western Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, detailing hazard mitigation strategies for Beaverhead County and its participating jurisdictions. Key focus areas include comprehensive hazard identification and risk assessment, evaluation of social vulnerability, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The plan outlines six goals to reduce hazard impacts, protect essential services, enhance public awareness, strengthen local capabilities, integrate mitigation into planning, and foster regional cooperation, with specific actions to achieve community resiliency and continuous compliance with programs like the National Flood Insurance Program.

The meeting included updates on county projects from the Road Supervisor, detailing ongoing shop work, equipment maintenance across Dillon, Lima, and Wisdom areas, and efforts to hire a new operator. Other department heads provided updates on landfill status, the potential relocation of the shooting range, facility staffing changes, permitting processes, subdivision review, and the upcoming Ambulance district hearing. A City/Chamber update noted that the growth policy for Dillon is currently in the public comment period. The Board held a discussion with the MACo Health Care Trust regarding plan summaries, renewal rates, and benefit changes. The Commissioners also engaged with representatives from the US Forest Service concerning updates on Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest projects, including hiring seasonal employees, the need for road and bridge improvements (potentially using Title 3 monies), timber management strategies, fuels reduction projects (e.g., French Creek, Birch Creek, East Pioneers), and the status of active/upcoming mines. The County Treasurer submitted a cash report for November 2025 which was not accepted because it was not in balance. The meeting concluded with the review and approval of numerous invoices.

The session included updates on various county projects and departments, such as Road Department activities, jail staffing, public health inspections, and facility maintenance updates regarding HVAC replacement and generator scheduling. Key actions included the approval of Resolution 2026-10 for a Sheriff grant application to purchase a new Coroner Vehicle, which will also serve as a crime scene vehicle. The Commissioners appointed Olie Else to the Fair Board following a resignation. A discussion was held with the Montana Vehicle Division representative regarding a proposed reduction in service hours for the Dillon MVD office due to decreased appointment volume. A local government study report presentation was discussed, noting it was not yet finalized. Public comments covered a discussion regarding a joint fence replacement project between a solar farm owner and the county, and a request for a letter of support for the Beaverhead County Wood Bank Ministry, Inc. to aid in acquiring surplus property. Finally, several invoices were reviewed and approved.