Commissioner Proceedings

Monday, July 8, 2024

Commissioner Chair Lee Randall called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioners Lori Fortner and John Olson were present.

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda. The minutes from the previous meetings were read, approved and ordered published.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, stopped in to discuss the gravel hauling project.

Jackie Beardsley, Extension Agent, met with the board for a meet and great and to discuss her goals for the near future and focusing on the fair.

Hattie Arithson, County Treasurer, met with the board to conduct her FY24-25 budget meeting.

Christy Olson, Transportation Director, met with the board to conduct her FY24-25 budget meeting. Christy also reported she will be out of the office July 11 through July 23.

John Olson did not return to the meeting after lunch.

A local resident stopped into the office to request the county to consider placing one to two loads of gravel on the Moore Cut Across Road. It was estimated this would be ¾ of a mile. The board will reach out to the road supervisor.

Kylie Randall, Nursing Home Administrator, met with the board. There is a 15 mph speed limit sign placed in the back parking lot.

For the remainder of the morning the board conducted various administrative duties. After hearing no further public comment, the board adjourned at noon.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Commissioner Chair Lee Randall called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioners Lori Fortner and John Olson were present.

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

The scheduled EDA Bridge Project meeting was cancelled and moved to July 22, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.

The scheduled John Trusler meeting for renewal of road maintenance contract was cancelled and will be rescheduled later.

Teel Mullanix stopped in to update on the gravel project progress with Melgaard and setting up the fair.

Taylor Price, Powder River Clinic nurse, stopped in to request the board to sign the PHEP (Public Health Emergency Preparedness) transit and laboratory deliverable plan. Commissioner Randall read and signed the plan.

The fire department FY24-25 budget meeting was held with Raymond Ragsdale, Carey Trumps, John Herman, and Clint Pedersen attending.

Teel Mullanix stopped in to discuss the gravel hauling project.

Cynde Gatlin met with the board to present journal vouchers for approval, present the SF-PPR Flap grant progress report to be signed and discuss the changes in the Ambulance Department credit card program for receiving payments.

The FY24-25 Compensation Board meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. with Devin Boman, Todd Gardner, Ann Emmons, Hattie Arithson, Lee Randall, Lori Fortner, John Olson, Levi McEuen, John Wilson and Floyd Huckins present. Cynde Jo Gatlin read the previous meeting minutes and Devin Boman motioned to approve the minutes, Lori Fortner seconded the motion, and motion carried. A review of the CPI and the annual elected official salary survey was conducted. Commissioner Randall opened the floor for public comment and no public comment was heard. Devin Boman expressed concerns for deputy wages and the need to bring these wages up to the Montana average. Jeff Noble and Cathy Landa joined the meeting. Public comment was heard by Floyd Huckins and John Wilson. Commissioner Randall opened the floor for any motions, Todd Gardner motioned a 6% raise for elected officials, Ann Emmons seconded the motion, motion went to a vote, and failed 5-No to 4 Yes. John Olson then motioned for a 12% raise, Hattie Arithson seconded the motion and it failed 5-No to 4 Yes. Cynde Jo Gatlin then motioned for 10% raise, and Devan Boman seconded the motion, motion passed Yes-6 to No 3.The elected official’s stipend then went to vote. The stipend of $2000.00 was requested by Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, Clerk and Recorder and District Court Clerk, and Superintendent of School for $400.00, John Olson made motion to approve all stipends, Lee Randall seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried. The Sheriff and Commissioners are required by statute to take the $2000.00 stipend. Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

The meeting with Julie Stoddard was cancelled.

Libby Nisley, Pool Supervisor, met with the board to conduct the FY24-25 pool budget meeting.

The board then conducted administrative duties until the adjourned at 5:00 p.m.