[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300968,"mediaKeyId","2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58","parentId",2490778,"title","Butte‑Silver Bow chief executive outlines duties, Superfund challenges and governance changes he recommends","audioSeconds",4113,"startMs",2789000,"endMs",6902000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58&start=2789&end=6902","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58/thumbnail_2789000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300968/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/ButteSilver-Bow-chief-executive-outlines-duties-Superfund-challenges-and-governance-changes-he-recommends","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300968-64c83f37c54b0ff2a395705e15941684/orig.mp4?Expires=1775197274&Signature=SHoPzIbmtkHq~DTC7txAYviBrAU4kQ4pzy9iz8Hb7vJqHA2wlmdrbX8GwOx8NsuP5uosfaydtPATdoPv56Md27xCajVdPFy2V2XJnhu2FrXRFVMvMVBhJE58J6scykSj5hG~H0B7Kj6W1u0QvGD4jvyzplfZRx3w-tXYNehpgrLJ2D9NgLSkPon~LpEPCg6AhWB8L42ZwwF8eLMCWkIa6b5vR~pkRiyI~ETwQF2Qa4gNvCGsLiyRqBItzdouZBxVTL0atTrHu0VgST7ybn2FhY8jFTTklCtN44bqZAHMDajUVoDSbamEQgshygvYo3jPI6GqOaqRu8NjPRrzPRZyTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Butte-Silver Bow County, MT","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher told the Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission on the evening’s first substantive agenda item that the elected chief executive combines the responsibilities of a mayor, a city manager and a county administrator and described day‑to‑day duties, budget and staffing issues, and several governance changes he said could improve efficiency.

Gallagher said the job includes preparing the city‑county budget, supervising department directors, representing the consolidated government on regional boards and negotiating labor contracts. “The chief executive is like a mayor, a city manager, and a county administrator all rolled into one,” Gallagher said.

He told commissioners the county’s largest immediate public challenge is Superfund cleanup and public communication about it. “One of the biggest challenges is to show the community that progress is happening within our Superfund work,” Gallagher said, adding that Butte‑Silver Bow must hold outside agencies accountable for timely public explanations and progress updates.

Gallagher also identified the county’s many boards and commissions — which he said are “into the mid‑40 range” — as a recurring administrative problem because some meet infrequently and oversight is inconsistent. He said his office is working to publish up‑to‑date meeting information on the Butte‑Silver Bow website.

On staffing and budgets, Gallagher said the total workforce “fluctuates” seasonally and estimated about 480 employees overall, including seasonal hires, and said some positions are grant‑ or fee‑funded rather than paid from the general fund. He described using outside professional contractors for technical work — for example, stormwater engineering reviews — to avoid permanently adding staff that would otherwise sit idle.

Gallagher offered several structural changes he said would likely increase efficiency if the commission and voters choose to pursue them. He recommended placing the coroner position under the sheriff’s office, saying it would allow deputy coroners to be deputized and create 24/7 coverage. He also proposed establishing a professionally qualified administrative aide or deputy (a manager with city‑management training) who would serve at the chief executive’s pleasure to provide continuity and handle technical decision‑making between chief executives.

On the commission’s size and role, Gallagher said 12 part‑time commissioners poses communication and coordination challenges and suggested the study commission examine whether fewer commissioners with a greater time commitment would improve governance — but added any change would require public review and voter approval. “What you bring to the public, just understand what the changes could mean to our structure,” he said.

Gallagher described other operational issues raised by commissioners, including volunteer vs. paid firefighter relations, a fire mill cap that limits the department’s revenue options, and the need to maintain grant‑writing capacity to capture federal infrastructure and recovery funds. He also described SARTA (the local trust board) as publicly posted on the county website and said the trust funds support festival and program funding as well as the Superfund oversight structure.

Gallagher repeatedly urged the commission to approach charter review with an open mind and to interview a broad set of stakeholders. “Come to this with an open mind of what can be done for local government, not to have preconceived notions,” he said.

The session included back‑and‑forth with commissioners on specific questions of compensation, staffing, and whether some positions are paid through trust or enterprise funds rather than the general budget. Gallagher said the chief executive salary was about $124,000 and that the chief of staff salary was in the high‑$80,000s to about $90,000, and added that many chief‑executive office staff are covered by the clerk’s union collective bargaining agreement.

Gallagher concluded by offering additional records the commission requested, including a review of boards and commissions and funding sources, and invited the panel to contact his office for follow‑up materials.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Butte-Silver Bow March 3, 2025, Government Study Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher told the Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission the position blends roles of mayor, city manager and county administrator and highlighted Superfund cleanup, boards oversight and budget uncertainty as top challenges.","taxTitle","Silver Bow County, Montana","taxId",29956,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300958,"Study Commission plans outreach: Party Line radio, MSU briefing and department interviews",34,7378000,7412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58&start=7378&end=7412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58/thumbnail_7378000.jpg","/articles/6300958/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Study-Commission-plans-outreach-Party-Line-radio-MSU-briefing-and-department-interviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300958-a7fdb2ba90aac215493bf314a864139b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775197275&Signature=NRXnL8Shjc4osX-U0yF0Dm9nvsyGHQ33FQeank5eI1etaSnDtfPK6GruLfujTf9wTzrZZusf1Bap~vnlE4QcAq6PyO-5yTTI2LNtiGiBEAuP6S2d90KWG-p9XgvgfdKLKljQ0INH468Lc3LmV5bAVmscCZ~6hAn-kMcv6MzZ0aT-iIodVWaTgTBewvuzcdd0kDlI4u4Ipjv~i~oTf5WUg2P9E3~x6yMqCxUWwCUyztnKkpF0Ku9LuyZOPnYpbBnyQ7pp5UGX0sfI44z1iWHg7zDIQ~z3TY7c8WGbApqB4mnjlIAwd2F~ZrSM0EbQsEbovOusnbCkjyEWo7VoJUJRWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission discussed a multi‑prong public outreach plan that will include appearances on the radio program Party Line, a briefing from Montana State University law or governance experts, and a schedule of department‑head interviews to inform the commission’s charter review.

Commissioners said Party Line — described on the record as a long‑running local call‑in radio program — could give the commission predictable monthly access to listeners and allow the panel to explain its scope and invite public questions. Commissioner Cindy Perdue Dolan said the host offered monthly slots and that the commission should provide consistent content.

Staff and commissioners also asked the clerk to contact MSU’s Law Center or governance experts to arrange an informational briefing about forms of government; staff said MSU agreed to a Zoom session and the commission will coordinate with county IT for that meeting.

Separately, the commission discussed plans for a series of department interviews to gather operational information. Commissioners and staff recommended inviting entire department teams for large departments such as public works (parks, roads, landfill, cemetery) and grouping smaller departments when appropriate so that a single meeting can cover several agencies. The commission also agreed to solicit availability from all department heads and schedule multiple interviews per meeting when feasible.

Commissioners and staff suggested additional outreach tactics including op‑eds, press notices, PSAs and social media postings; staff said they will compile a media list and follow up with dates and a proposed schedule. One commissioner proposed hiring a contractor to assist with public engagement once the commission reaches the phase of seeking broader community input; staff noted budget authority exists for outreach if the commission recommends it.

Commissioners also agreed to circulate the interview questions already drafted by the subcommittee and to allow department heads sufficient lead time to bring supporting staff and materials.","The commission discussed radio outreach, an invitation from Party Line, a planned MSU Law Center briefing (via Zoom), and scheduling department‑head interviews, including a plan to invite multiple staff from large departments such as public works.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300962,"Study Commission told proxy votes should be avoided; remote participation requires IT support",124,7337000,7461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58&start=7337&end=7461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58/thumbnail_7337000.jpg","/articles/6300962/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Study-Commission-told-proxy-votes-should-be-avoided-remote-participation-requires-IT-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300962-473265b3a548597e798a9a9cbdb5328e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775197275&Signature=B8x66K8WQ5GDZjfZi8loohBlQX0~H3TKYydEyQ2PQEnFss2nfNfh-sa7CD75YyeUDELkyU0yY5Ywok9B~ga5nCED6LHosYhX~68nV~yyoA5opbUdP-pmqxiwCUrAe-hyZ39DuiIr7pVDvur33cIfn~AfuXJYeXlCB0kAnq3vypjygV7-l3GHY7M6P2Muv3GfFFbtH2nI-J70SC2ehgybYKNdBTRIYW~EWOFcFT3C3Z6zcC-D4wtbGVyfnLI762JWqaK3C5xgom4cc8Zs2Epz0yBwXwLYVMBuGRpd6IcWDaYfA6nfn05OPusJL4drTDQpan4hoVkVulJAMX9scdHOrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Legal staff advised the Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission that proxy voting is not recommended and that while appearing remotely is permitted, practical limitations with county IT mean remote participation will require advance coordination.

Counsel reviewed practice in the state legislature and county rules and said proxy votes are generally used in legislative committee settings but are not appropriate for the commission’s bylaws because they risk misconstrued transfers of voting authority. “I highly recommend that the council does not use proxy votes,” counsel said.

Commission staff also said appearing by Zoom is allowed under current rules but warned that county IT is “stretched thin” and would need to support any remote participation, especially if the meeting is streamed for YouTube viewers. Commissioners discussed whether the bylaws should explicitly permit remote participation and whether to require in‑person attendance except for excused absences; the commission agreed to bring finalized bylaws back for a formal vote next week.

A commissioner asked whether appearing by Zoom would allow a member to register a vote remotely; staff said it is technically possible but implementation (e.g., simple yays/nays, electronic roll call) would be an IT coordination task. Commissioners discussed the likely additional expense if IT must staff evening remote participation.

The commission also agreed to review the draft bylaws in packets before the next meeting and to consider a policy that favors in‑person attendance unless a member is excused.","Legal counsel and staff advised the Study Commission not to allow proxy votes and noted remote participation via Zoom is permitted but will require coordination with a stretched IT staff; commissioners will vote on bylaws next week.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300965,"Study Commission amends and approves Feb. 24 minutes after adding presentation summary",327,2363000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58&start=2363&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2490778-c4ea7d6004d07c4d1f9e9ce35dbf3f58/thumbnail_2363000.jpg","/articles/6300965/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Study-Commission-amends-and-approves-Feb-24-minutes-after-adding-presentation-summary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300965-70c71952c62b964341bada3938c5629d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775197275&Signature=bo-7l35chfvjwwK1veDwuvkyI8P-9asv3fEJRKYRMuwVZ~NtKKZAEXzUl9gotr7r5K7Y29BFd32ao2F5joWiYjebxmIbsMVJ1-7UpB4dTvhCx0MKIE8~XBuAuZiPn9-zhTQljnsRYI59Zh1~PWjxzfGR2gyYYYF4OINjiRH59lbzP7iMxNmg6Df-JZ~5VEnQwiZzTdb0iJtHuMbjaFi0L8zitFJPpVSuHynGbmNg4zFdE4HKXFwMCe0~4twmYBtdNQR7cxFmRJ8vVyTsRZ66WTI5D2rIaESeiTLC8J33uFOrCYl2xKOgXdJrV~JDOtQEakjNl2lMZ37gu0Ej3pBTgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission approved amended minutes from its Feb. 24 meeting after members requested corrections and the addition of a short summary of a presentation by Bob Worley.

Commissioner Mary McCormack asked that the minutes contain a summary of Bob Worley’s presentation so the public and commissioners can review key points without a verbatim transcript. Clerk staff indicated the summary had been intended for the packet but was not inserted; the clerk said she would add the summary.

Commissioner Cindy Shaw moved to approve the minutes as amended to include Worley’s summary and housekeeping spelling corrections; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Matt Thielen. The chair called for the question and those present voted in favor. The motion carried.

The commission directed staff to amend the published minutes online to reflect the additions and spelling fixes.","The Study Commission unanimously approved minutes from Feb. 24 after an amendment to add a summary of a presentation by Bob Worley and correct spelling errors, the commission recorded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Butte‑Silver Bow chief executive outlines duties, Superfund challenges and governance changes he recommends

Study Commission plans outreach: Party Line radio, MSU briefing and department interviews

Study Commission told proxy votes should be avoided; remote participation requires IT support

Study Commission amends and approves Feb. 24 minutes after adding presentation summary