Bob Ferris

The Beaverhead County Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a comprehensive roadmap aiming to safeguard the community against wildfire threats, enhance preparedness, and foster a resilient environment. The plan focuses on several key areas: assessing wildfire risks by analyzing hazards specific to the region; protecting the community through fuel reduction, land use planning, home hardening, and public education; ensuring readiness to respond with early warning systems, evacuation planning, and strengthened fire response capabilities; fostering long-term resilience through post-fire assessment and recovery; and promoting implementation and collaboration among stakeholders. The plan ultimately seeks to restore and maintain fire-resilient landscapes and improve wildfire response and recovery efforts across Beaverhead County.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Road Supervisor provided updates, including a detailed report on road work completed in the Dillon, Lima, and Wisdom areas between January 11th and January 17th, 2026. Other departments provided updates: the Landfill Supervisor noted slowing garbage intake and a Sheriff's cleanup, the Extension Agent mentioned 4H project manager interviews, the Facilities Manager reported on propane hookup progress for the generator, the Clerk and Recorder discussed candidate filing for Special Districts, the Weeds Supervisor provided feedback from an EQC meeting, the County Planner discussed upcoming cell tower work and floodplain training, and the GIS Coordinator confirmed the CWPP deadline and CA office wiring. A key action was the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2026-05 to dissolve the Fox Run Special District, as there was no outstanding debt and no public objections. Discussion followed regarding future road maintenance responsibilities for the dissolved district. Resolution 2026-06, renewing the Ambulance District for five years, was approved pending future public hearing and publication. The board also discussed the process and duration for the ambulance district renewal and the use of funds. The CWPP is slated as an action item for the next week's agenda. The session concluded with the review and approval of various invoices.

Key discussions and actions included updates on county road projects, such as gravel hauling and sanding operations, with a detailed road work report submitted. Updates were provided from various county department heads regarding landfill status, election preparations, grant finalization, boiler license renewal, and ongoing GIS work. A new 4H Program Manager was introduced. Major actions involved the removal of a representative from the City/County Planning Board due to sporadic attendance and the subsequent appointment of a new representative. A public hearing was held regarding the adoption of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which was subsequently adopted by the Commissioners. An agreement to allow Healthy Is to leave an InBody machine at the courthouse for a year, with potential community monetization, was approved. Public comments addressed maintenance responsibilities for Clark Creek Road.

The Commissioners meeting included updates from the Road Supervisor regarding snow plowing, road blading, gravel hauling, and the initiation of three bridge projects, including coordinating with Great West Engineering for the Big Swamp Bridge. Department reports covered landfill operations, the status of hiring an extension office administrative assistant, and updates from the Justice of the Peace and County Planner. The meeting also addressed the minutes from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Following a recess, the Board approved invoices totaling $47,654.68.

The meeting included updates on County Projects, such as snow plowing operations, road closures, and equipment maintenance reported by the Road Supervisor. Department updates covered landfill expansion into a new pit, generator cable work potentially causing temporary power loss, year-end grant paperwork, and jail maintenance completion. A significant action item was the approval of Resolution 2025-27, ordering the consolidation of the office of County Coroner with the office of County Sheriff, effective the meeting date. Discussions also focused on addressing high county insurance claims through rejuvenation of the claims process, potential wellness initiatives involving on-site health screenings, and reviewing utilization metrics, including depression and hypertension as top prevalent conditions. A petition requesting a ban on compression breaking on Laknar and Schuler Lanes was submitted and will be reviewed. The board also approved a set of invoices for payment.