[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-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",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_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",6056739,"mediaKeyId","3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852","parentId",3308949,"title","Commission appoints Michael Theven to fill commissioner vacancy","audioSeconds",113,"startMs",4536000,"endMs",4649000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=4536&end=4649","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_4536000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056739/Daniels-County/Montana/Commission-appoints-Michael-Theven-to-fill-commissioner-vacancy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056739-69806e0895038d8a99193a02d1a4e4de/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=Q1ig1NXc0wSt16EQJUMSkQwdWKHiFpCfD~PWXBEVotOUMlf0AG4UThm8Okf-hoFNLLjDACyo7QOBVOp9P3Obzr4zImQekxWiCBEAAuipiEiyjcEFhZRD8B46leWiavIW27doF-ejbAXbl7F6b683kCD4K3-DtWLSI~VK8mxzmfUuf7DsRHHqATUYo-9kwkhMuTRknNvD6X5Mm6OqjK-FM4NgjR9OGdZU-GzwtC4oQqfRIESX3KZ75iWBv033~-ZZg4wAte8tHdiiU3qYF-2EoDxWKFaHTHCF6CV5sAIXDrdTWNbpZFehCCv99K5SUNC4nEA7L93wPQHN4MvFk50csQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / Daniels County","date","2025-05-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Daniels County Board adopted Resolution No. 25-7 appointing Michael Theven to fill the vacant commissioner seat created by the death of Commissioner Lee Humbert. After discussion and the requisite motion and second, commissioners voted in favor of the resolution and the appointee was announced.

The appointment follows the process described in the resolution language presented at the meeting; staff circulated the draft resolution and the board recorded the vote approving the appointment. The minutes indicate the motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: Michael Theven was welcomed and seated as a commissioner; staff will provide orientation materials and next steps for the newly appointed commissioner.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Daniels County Commissioner Meeting May 5, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","By resolution the board appointed Michael Theven to the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Lee Humbert; the motion passed and Theven took the oath to serve as commissioner.","taxTitle","Daniels County , Montana","taxId",79604,"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},6056744,"Ambulance and communications: county explores new defibrillators, autopulse and awaits radio tower completion",659,6623000,7282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=6623&end=7282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_6623000.jpg","/articles/6056744/Daniels-County/Montana/Ambulance-and-communications-county-explores-new-defibrillators-autopulse-and-awaits-radio-tower-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056744-2de826262a7724becad0311cb823c65d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=TgqS~2b5nOML7X0FqlvYvcvTZOYUmc~JCPfGMFdCs0EmlHPOeznxVSzP6BZ6xdYXZsYUYuODJN964sMVVpttT1z-CLjufcxOXYsOI3Gjgog~9FlRnaSkIQ18km8t0jPHSidAKz8nu0IGa67ps3ETfeuiTZ3A9vgqOd-W~d4HhsTuoCLDqgyekbxEfHrA-nMqlge3SGklxEI8~qIwNLdsxOtqG1-v33rCWIMgXrSHZDKfBgjttCwfbni0vKuE~IH2GgBqgIDIRRUg40v5KNHInvn8XIM-lOmVHvfONRNM9Ljm~pbTJIhQwhUDQoxx2KfCpLbNej0s1q8mPBWzdGquaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","EMS staff told the commission they are reviewing replacement options for defibrillators after manufacturers indicated older units are no longer serviceable. Budget estimates presented to commissioners included a primary unit price (brand/model packet supplied) and optional maintenance plans; staff highlighted line items they consider nonessential (extra pediatric pads, extended on-site service) to reduce cost. EMS asked the commission to consider grant or partial funding sources before committing to a purchase expected to be a significant capital expense.

Staff also raised the automatic CPR device discussion: the county currently has an older device that staff do not favor; automatic devices on the market use different compression methods and purchase-plus-maintenance costs were reviewed.

On communications, county staff and EMS discussed an outstanding radio/tower project facilitated by a regional contractor. Staff said the project stalled because federal FCC coordination on the tower site needed mapping and paperwork; contractors and county staff said that issue has been addressed and completion is expected once the tower foundation cures and equipment is installed. Commissioners reiterated long-standing concerns that radios intermittently fail in some areas, and asked engineering and dispatch partners to verify coverage after the tower is activated; Nemont and other microwave/backup paths were discussed as contingency options.

Ending: EMS will continue to seek grants and pricing options for defibrillators and autopulse devices; county staff will coordinate with radio vendors and regional partners to confirm completion schedule and to test radio coverage once the tower is on-line.","EMS staff presented estimates for new defibrillators and an automatic CPR device, and commissioners discussed a pending radio tower and siren project and continued concerns about inconsistent county radio coverage.",{"_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},6056750,"Daniels County clerk's office seeks guidance on part-time staffing and authorizes up to 10 hours of outside bookkeeping help",1010,4838000,5848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=4838&end=5848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_4838000.jpg","/articles/6056750/Daniels-County/Montana/Daniels-County-clerks-office-seeks-guidance-on-part-time-staffing-and-authorizes-up-to-10-hours-of-outside-bookkeeping-help","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056750-6aeb3e4c637776a1f0c08d57d513a373/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=Rdf9~zoQY3vmRxLIXvK~P09Rq~9ioeI4LioBKiplgEUSsaWdA-SIenbL7DFvqBmoRUZpnBKYlJ4X9Xd7Sl91meQ3M65fChx3gPteIJX7cvWkdYO4mRabGx1DoKxfzjwEsS4kdDlIiC1KQKUMsz4EJC8ywkBtfki3KZZwrZDyjrmVbn5FL6~fp5CB30ERNG2iYFtWyR5vyNwSm6jQb2OjS28V-rY~RvEoXyz3dJ8aT0NNW5dFmwbI9dBLAweUIvDC2rtIRVyCcujL7WjbDZNE9PbAOd1v9GkpDcABraGTaDynGUQaLuT5ehNywnCvouT-CXoHRA~O63eVK3lU8K4UXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Clerk staff notified commissioners that a part-time clerk resigned and the clerk's office is short-handed. Commissioners discussed whether to refill the position full-time, part-time, hire a PRN/call-in worker, or hold the position open until budget season. Commissioners and the clerk weighed the trade-offs: coverage during busy tax season, continuity for counter service, and existing periods when the office had operated without a third person.

The clerk also requested help to resolve a repeated monthly reconciliation discrepancy and proposed hiring an outside retired treasurer/bookkeeping consultant familiar with the county's Tyler system. The commission approved a motion authorizing the clerk to hire the consultant for up to 10 hours at a rate discussed with the vendor, to analyze bookkeeping spreadsheets and identify the persistent difference in month-end reconciliations.

Commissioners asked the clerk to identify whether the vacancy should be advertised and whether the hours could be reduced or restructured, and they agreed to revisit hiring decisions after the budget review. The clerk said she is training another staff member to prepare month-end reports to increase redundancy.

Ending: The board approved up to 10 hours of consulting assistance to resolve reconciliation issues; hiring or restructuring the vacant clerk position will be revisited in the near-term budget cycle.","Following a resignation, the clerk asked the commission whether to refill a part-time clerk position, to reduce hours, or to use call-in coverage; the board authorized up to 10 hours of outside consulting to resolve recurring reconciliations.",{"_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},6056755,"Commissioners discuss road-naming policy draft, propose $500 petition fee with partial refund if denied",182,3960000,4142000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=3960&end=4142","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_3960000.jpg","/articles/6056755/Daniels-County/Montana/Commissioners-discuss-road-naming-policy-draft-propose-500-petition-fee-with-partial-refund-if-denied","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056755-e58f532c0833d8ba229094033aa8792a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=MdZqK-YLhKCRSe~~jbk8zAmekJc1tmGBplUJ8wIBE6H0a38ygRHUgYArNjLBtZRGTxHHUldvCr1CWGHWVRpLrKKMKS6BcySXOeCF4SRDDAJyVQpMMI7be3IcLgr4-zFtJ9MunoUIpqh0lE8yz4iTxRztlDCwsX2Ob3Arkl4r0-kQpwsIfzN7RJevDkqItyIAxsu-6ApH3WAcrhnxngQLqDFGw3yup-CgF1C0rsdpTeBcvz1TlU33If3Id1hTNSr44pf4GyuT0yXj7qV2Q4OEZcEeDzQxmy8bg1ABJ3uVADnDXLr5GB8~po3qepdCqXxgqG0xIgLmHd~JUSwnMvWFqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daniels County staff presented a draft road-naming policy, a petition form, and sample approval/denial letters. The proposal includes a $500 processing fee and a suggested partial refund of $300 if a petition is denied, reflecting staff effort split between clerk/recorder functions and road-department costs.

The draft spells out a procedural workflow: petition submitted to the clerk and recorder, commissioners review within 60 days, sheriff's office updates GIS on approval, and the petitioner must coordinate with the road department to install signage that meets county specifications. Commissioners and staff discussed practical sequencing concerns: whether GIS should be updated before signs are installed, who will place and pay for signs, and how long the road department needs to order and erect signage.

Commissioners asked staff to consult the county road department and the sheriff's GIS staff to establish realistic turnaround times for sign ordering/installation and for the state mapping update. Staff was asked to clarify where collected petition fees would be posted in county accounting (for example, a designated revenue code split between clerk/recorder and road fund) and to confirm statutory authority for any fee allocation.

Ending: Staff will bring back an updated draft that (1) identifies the revenue allocation and the statutory basis, (2) records expected lead times for sign procurement and GIS updates, and (3) proposes enforcement language if required signage is not installed by the petitioner within a defined period.","County staff presented a draft road-naming policy and petition form proposing a $500 processing fee and a partial refund if a petition is denied; commissioners asked for input from the road department and sheriff's GIS office on timing and workflow before adopting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056760,"Daniels County approves payroll and journal vouchers, reviews intercap draws and investment strategy",3676,436000,4112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=436&end=4112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_436000.jpg","/articles/6056760/Daniels-County/Montana/Daniels-County-approves-payroll-and-journal-vouchers-reviews-intercap-draws-and-investment-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056760-b95d8f2798d38f7084a5561e98a047f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=FbS2PCjkJqK0LBK~a6lg0xE6gHvzPKTSS7AzeU-ES5re0e2aOgfU~zQEY6TxU0GyXQGTqHIWSwsW9jkWcwsjcVJt4~Sc6SYxPsX7lO7AGUlT3uWgqM7A2gttP5TScDRNyo2sN4ez4zbBwrUmWgBu3TWq0XDzqlIlIAnTiIrsv00OqrKqPG7tGXCi7MDghzW8kqmremZASAR1cj~ongV2IkmX0UvOG1Zj9zx8SxY-AOidoBWS0a1Jf3H~l8gIx9FLve8F01GPSZF5BpWTI8YdTA-y1TvIuSg~v-dv6ov7TMhjsxLOwiF7ebZMSDuyDPftMp6-cdZfooDttk3~KJcfuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Daniels County Board approved payroll and moved several journal vouchers during the meeting while also discussing near-term borrowing and investment options. Staff reported the county is temporarily short in some operating accounts until the next round of property-tax receipts arrive; a pending intercap loan was cited as a source of near-term liquidity.

Financial items on the consent portion of the meeting included motions to approve payroll and to process an intercap payment; both passed by voice vote. Staff presented a CAP loan disbursement request (the packet noted $82,000 for gravel and related site work) and said two intercap loans exist (one equipment and one site project). On the intercap lines, staff read a remaining availability figure from a ledger showing roughly $6,000 available on a particular intercap line at the time of the meeting; commissioners asked staff to verify balances and report back.

Commissioners and staff also reviewed investment options: the discussion covered STIP (state treasury investment pool) and the county\u0000CDs held for the landfill/closure account. Staff said CD yields at a local credit union appeared meaningfully higher than the county's bank on several short-term maturities and asked whether, at next renewal, certificates could be placed where they yield more. Commissioners asked staff to compare options and bring recommendations, noting they did not want to reduce operating liquidity.

The board also considered a request to pay approximately $288,000 of site-related financing (noted in staff comments as a separate intercap draw) and approved an intercap payment motion. Commissioners asked staff to return with exact balances and a pull schedule tied to expected tax receipts.

Ending: Staff will confirm intercap and bank balances, circulate a written recommendation for CD vs STIP allocation, and return to the commission with a detailed cash plan before making any transfers or new long-term commitments.","The board approved payroll and several journal vouchers, discussed an $82,000 CAP loan disbursement for gravel, a remaining intercap borrowing capacity and options for CD/STIP investment to improve returns.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056765,"Daniels County delays landfill fencing, prioritizes culverts and grader replacement amid tight cash flow",485,272000,757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852&start=272&end=757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308949-af468990780d4efb4c4fb0d2d333c852/thumbnail_272000.jpg","/articles/6056765/Daniels-County/Montana/Daniels-County-delays-landfill-fencing-prioritizes-culverts-and-grader-replacement-amid-tight-cash-flow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056765-8a4bc0757d891c8a9f5d718e61cffaca/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129776&Signature=PBTc3JLc6TvggqZbZA5Os9k3oc~kvqKrEFCj1lG-QX8rRJOuz4iUwOFANPFPkWYajmQMtF4SSkQTZ9vyOFWp773FZV7UDv8u~Sn7j7SFa~V3yjpVSRLyhUbRDRF~m8Szg~hNy7PpwSQXjvkbU8gNOJ07s3IX7t2Z83W12sLKsXoG4~t9WPUcOuiLPpsTqu0aHa9z8QYXywXdjxgjih~wtu3pzeoDPWxNfzRyFU7rlCD1eBhAsvTo8nLiCp8WoE6gHpCdrwfUxli0NqAgxcqVfaQP9zrtwS-r2vRPv2klngLHEsEMxcqafhxzkO3BJWh5dcMOQR90gFUDTxhLPCZr2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daniels County commissioners and public-works staff decided to delay a contractor\u0000start on fencing at the county landfill and reconfigure the site gate until the county has a clearer picture of cash flows from the next round of property-tax receipts and an expected intercap loan.

County road staff told the commission the landfill account is currently short and that tax receipts expected later this month, plus a pending intercap loan, will determine which projects can proceed. Road supervisors pressed for reshuffling work so low-cost actions such as moving an existing gate could be done now, but larger efforts requiring contractor mobilization will wait for funding confirmation.

The meeting expanded into a detailed discussion of road infrastructure needs across the east and central districts. Staff reported multiple water-crossing slabs and culverts that are severely undermined by erosion: at least one concrete slab near Whitetail/Bakers and the crossing on the road identified as the Baker location have extensive scour under the culverts, and staff recommended full slab replacement rather than another overlay band-aid. Road staff described options including full replacement with angled profiles to direct flow across slabs, using culvert liners (UV resin relining) as a maintenance option for less-severe culverts, and replacing eroded culverts outright.

Equipment planning also featured heavily. Staff said the county operates two motor graders currently and is managing temporary replacements while a district grader was in transmission repair; they discussed the timing of a multi-year procurement (the existing five-year lease term ends this year) and whether to place orders now or to delay to avoid a midwinter delivery that complicates snow-service needs. Staff described a typical lead time of 12\t2 months for new machines and noted Sourcewell as a procurement pathway that could bypass a full competitive bid process.

Commissioners asked staff to: (1) hold the fencing/construction work at the landfill pending tax receipts and the intercap draw; (2) prioritize assessment and immediate temporary fixes for the most undermined culverts and crossing slabs; and (3) return with cost estimates and procurement timing for grader replacement, including options under Sourcewell and standard competitive processes.

Ending: Staff will return with updated cost estimates and a recommended procurement schedule once the May tax receipts are posted and intercap availability is confirmed. Fencing at the landfill and major slab replacements remain on hold until that financial update.","Commissioners and road staff put planned fencing and other work at the county dump on hold until a tax payment round and an intercap loan clear, while discussing extensive culvert repairs, water-crossing slab replacements and timing for motor-grader procurement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission appoints Michael Theven to fill commissioner vacancy

Ambulance and communications: county explores new defibrillators, autopulse and awaits radio tower completion

Daniels County clerk's office seeks guidance on part-time staffing and authorizes up to 10 hours of outside bookkeeping help

Commissioners discuss road-naming policy draft, propose $500 petition fee with partial refund if denied

Daniels County approves payroll and journal vouchers, reviews intercap draws and investment strategy

Daniels County delays landfill fencing, prioritizes culverts and grader replacement amid tight cash flow