[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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],{"_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",6056887,"mediaKeyId","3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12","parentId",3308504,"title","Broadwater County canvasses sheriff mill-levy results as sheriff warns of service cuts after levy failed","audioSeconds",1233,"startMs",75000,"endMs",1308000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12&start=75&end=1308","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12/thumbnail_75000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056887/Broadwater-County/Montana/Broadwater-County-canvasses-sheriff-mill-levy-results-as-sheriff-warns-of-service-cuts-after-levy-failed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056887-f9178cce25e1904c673f962e57f28704/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159749&Signature=FPhElGM~YNpsVVuUWm2yU413mj8qwlQzgSn1pmlkFM9jIU~ZWY12rqtcPArwWu0aITCxYeT20lOwDT0PwWuzt~BAb237cWD6fG8bUFW7W1gVdvHMI48noNpAFflMiJtX-J~PwDhTEUV-ys0m2HIlWjlzenNE0Y3yPE~GcrQdz2iSA-xysyMPcHs3x5xE6QUalXsluOVGiDGXwOtk8pz1G0JRGytKYJwxHduj50IU5pqMB0ZW5THK8-R7kBiY67gPCyTjHubwdIyKN184vgn6blHwN4BMLEMIs2evrWj5JY4zbWLsRnVLlTegoUGiIqfSTP3QY~FZ4-rvxp6uJW6FtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / Broadwater County","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Broadwater County Commission on May 14 appointed Treasurer Melissa Franks to replace Commissioner Jesse Swenson on the three-person canvass board and formally canvassed and declared the vote on the county’s public-safety mill levy.

Clerk and Recorder Angie Paulsen said state statute requires three elected officers to canvas official results and recommended the substitution because Commissioner Swenson was at an out-of-county event. The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to appoint Melissa Franks and then to accept the canvassed results.

The canvass came amid public comment and warnings from Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rausser about near-term service cuts after voters rejected the sheriff’s mill levy proposal. During public comment resident Steve Kirk urged the commission to improve outreach in the county’s south end and to hold more meetings there so residents would better understand levy language. “They did not see physical support for this mill levy from the commissioners,” Kirk said, urging more local engagement.

Sheriff Nick Rausser told the commission the consequences of the levy failure are already in effect. “Sergeant Cordova is out of the school as of Monday. We no longer have a presence there,” Rausser said. He said the sheriff’s office lost roughly $1,200,000 from its budget tied to the levy, that a south-end deputy posting that had been filled contingent on passage was cut, and that planned hires and jail staffing changes will be delayed. “We are lost $1,200,000 out of our budget, which is huge,” he said. Rausser said four to five deputies will be assigned to the jail at times and that patrol capacity and proactive policing will be reduced because of lower fuel and operations funding.

Rausser said the department plans to try the levy again next June and urged residents to become informed and vote. The sheriff also described specific operational impacts — for example, declining the request to close a road for a community memorial because of insufficient staff and fuel resources.

Clerk Paulsen clarified turnout numbers referenced in news coverage, saying that for this type of local election turnout typically runs 38–42% and that the sheriff’s election had about 52% turnout. Paulsen also explained how residents can sign up for county text notifications via the county’s MyGov service (instructions to text “BC notify” to the service number to opt in).

Actions during the meeting included the formal motion and unanimous vote to appoint Treasurer Melissa Franks as a canvasser and a subsequent unanimous vote to accept and declare the canvassed results for the Broadwater County Sheriff public-safety mill-levy election.

Commissioners and members of the public discussed better notification methods for rural areas, including text messaging, printed materials and increased in-person presence. The commission agreed to explore holding more meetings in the county’s south end, though logistical costs and recording requirements were noted as constraints.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Broadwater County Commission Board Meeting 2025 May 14","oneSentenceSummary","The Broadwater County Commission on May 14 appointed Treasurer Melissa Franks as a substitute canvasser and formally canvassed results of the failed public-safety mill levy, while Sheriff Nick Rausser warned the levy’s defeat has already forced staff and service cuts.","taxTitle","Broadwater County, Montana","taxId",76384,"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},6056868,"Broadwater County approves 2.5% COLA and will cover health-insurance premium increase",1073,5172000,6245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12&start=5172&end=6245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12/thumbnail_5172000.jpg","/articles/6056868/Broadwater-County/Montana/Broadwater-County-approves-25-COLA-and-will-cover-health-insurance-premium-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056868-152f268b2ecb88824501d599853813e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159749&Signature=e7T4-qV2MO0uRLGIybI414yp1ZUVNYOaSfpeUhB44q2k4zcGKoliWOSSuLWwCJKApBHM8H9zVkZpKpPXHCar2kGBHsF5ejc-5qRu97Z5ch1QDhDfHa63dsquea9gO6Tr-RDScCdXMYDlj5w6yWU4zPrWTpdwhx4BTxn6OYtalzKA-3BAkNjBj-TpUWX~R-6Ps6EAukq6piidvyF10HvCAvX3FmTTsK9Q87hfJVyDOGmWKguQQ1Wb3PUf-Sjv2FF-BZSy9u7pzRtr0GYcZ7RMnwiAzlgexUXP3G~RJJbsNXIXjwMVa1pD7WsvgpyzqOaQyE~vMpkr7noge9Qru4G2eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Broadwater County commissioners voted May 14 to grant a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees for fiscal year 2026 and to have the county pay the recent increase in health-insurance premiums.

Commissioners, county finance staff and department leaders reviewed several options, including a 3.5% COLA recommended by the compensation board that would have required employees to pay the insurance increase out of their paychecks. Finance Officer Debbie Kelly and commissioners said the county’s insurance-trust premium rose significantly this year (an increase described in the meeting as about $74 per month per covered employee), and the county would cover that premium increase for the 68 employees on the plan. “That increase is a total of about $60,384 for the 68 employees using that health insurance,” a commissioner said during the discussion.

The discussion balanced net take-home pay under different scenarios and the administrative impact to departments that must budget personnel costs. Commissioners and staff noted the county’s insurance package is valuable and that covering the premium increase reduces out-of-pocket risk for employees.

After deliberation a motion to set the COLA at 2.5 percent and authorize the county to pay the health-insurance premium increase was made, seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote.

Commissioners said they will reassess insurance and COLA decisions in future budget cycles and monitor the county’s cash balance and revenue changes before setting future increases.","After weeks of modeling and discussion the commission on May 14 approved a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees for fiscal year 2026 and agreed the county will cover an immediate health-insurance premium increase for current employees.",{"_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},6056873,"Broadwater County approves Albie Minor Subdivision final plat with road and utility conditions",915,3309000,4224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12&start=3309&end=4224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12/thumbnail_3309000.jpg","/articles/6056873/Broadwater-County/Montana/Broadwater-County-approves-Albie-Minor-Subdivision-final-plat-with-road-and-utility-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056873-b4a0b87755e7cc404dc93d67e089cb3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159749&Signature=HI~SejFdMFgP7wKZrzMtKZ4EHi6cHs3TqXhjknbhDmrvGvDf~1WvHHv2Z1-M9iN4iXMMeQXU2ATO-noCNOz86~AyCJ3a8sP-G4gUjIGbB2P-OCAch0eyW-ORMI-4WbAVNirvGDBs~BThIZsPCvRPmpLuYvt5l57xvtXVwO-42f5dUxy~mgHMLNcSJyrVV-mGWqxZ1QN5AqRogdVS57ftN3niYIXPd8JWiuw7IDq5IoDEcxKQdWPKD4P60kX3uzGZlE2LqIDSz31kWYkhBjq1SA2eDuaU3IhmCTYVkqY~U04i7DEfmg9yASxhlLZJZ6GMcTC8kul4U3E-u~ua5Miueg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Broadwater County Commission on May 14 approved final-plat approval for the Albie Minor Subdivision (final approval following preliminary approval given Feb. 14, 2024), adding conditions on utilities, road improvements and covenants.

Nicole Brown, community development and planning director, read and distributed a 17-point list of conditions that must be satisfied prior to recording the final plat. Key conditions include DEQ review and certification of sewage and water plans, a preliminary engineering report (PER) estimating required improvements to Foster Drive and Antelope Road, and creation of either a rural-improvement district, a property-owners association or a road-user agreement for maintenance of Foster Drive.

Brown summarized the PER and the road-cost calculations presented by the applicant’s representative. The report estimated the cost to improve Foster Drive and Antelope Road; using the linear footage the subdivision will use, the developer’s proportionate share was computed at $1,187.11 for Foster Drive improvements. Brown said a check for that amount had been deposited into a treasurer-held account devoted to Foster Drive improvements.

Brown emphasized that Foster Drive is not a Broadwater County road and that county road crews will not perform the improvements; work will need to be done by private contractor(s) and the cost apportionment follows the county’s subdivision regulations. Other conditions include a signed driveway-maintenance agreement for Lots 2 and 3, postal-service approval for mailbox placement, an approved fire-protection plan with concurrence from the Broadwater County Fire District, a signed no-access restriction for Lot 4, and a noxious-weed management and revegetation plan to be recorded with the final plat.

Commissioners asked about unsigned documents; Brown said unsigned items (for example, a right-to-farm declaration) will be signed by the developer before recording. When asked, the sheriff noted that more development places additional demands on public safety resources.

A motion to approve the Albie Minor Subdivision final plat passed unanimously. Brown noted utilities had been paid for and scheduled with Northwestern Energy but that timing of installation could be affected by weather.","The commission granted final-plat approval for the Albie Minor Subdivision on May 14 with 17 conditions, including DEQ approvals, a preliminary engineering report, road-maintenance agreements for Foster Drive and a requirement that developer funds be placed in a treasurer-held account for Foster Drive improvements.",{"_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},6056877,"Broadwater County reviews proposed solid-waste business assessment schedule; public feedback and clarifications requested",707,2129000,2836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12&start=2129&end=2836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12/thumbnail_2129000.jpg","/articles/6056877/Broadwater-County/Montana/Broadwater-County-reviews-proposed-solid-waste-business-assessment-schedule-public-feedback-and-clarifications-requested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056877-be5227f038ba54501af49ed85f2fcb18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159749&Signature=QD16gUkwZSJKfvUoqhtw09YchgwOg9W2~u9W-LIghFX~gVLY8iJwvW8SsyjkvRaTClHPBguZnYBExFBq8iQcDGBevGvcx72ExDrQdJc75v74Rpq2t0-0LuEQnednPzAWwoLBN~MoPgfkf76tFVpDVIxBTS~2BB57r-h0dCSSW857Hr3gntmaRR64EJL0M0AivvktID1yZdmzT~yLEvGRdXPH6P7SVG~nLLiwEgV0dXLdWQRTOoxMIFMbCx4D5vXPUzz1yRrmOd-1ZDR5JwJ4v3HJTCY2lX~MsNU8tWAOXuxn~fEyJ69RXJLV837wlVxi-HhWk817ES~a4jAQhNn2kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works Director TJ Gravely presented an updated business-assessment fee schedule for Broadwater County solid-waste services on May 14 and asked the commission to review clarifications developed over an eight-month process with the solid-waste board.

Gravely said the draft schedule does not anticipate raising assessment rates immediately but is meant to clarify which properties and businesses receive which number of assessments. The proposal defines a dwelling unit broadly, sets a minimum of two assessments for most businesses, and creates specific tiers for uses such as bars with restaurants (minimum of eight assessments), hotels and nightly lodging (one assessment per five rooms), schools (one assessment per 35 students) and mini-storage units (a sliding scale from 1 assessment for up to 100 units to 6 assessments for 501+ units). He said veterans who are 100% disabled would receive a solid-waste decal free of charge upon verification.

Gravely said new construction wishing to use county facilities would pay a full fee in the year of construction (prorated to a half fee if within six months of the next assessment cycle) and that a protest window exists under Montana law (he referenced MCA 02/2007) and must be filed in writing with the Public Works office prior to the final decision.

Commissioners asked about specific classifications and edge cases: whether home-based businesses could be assessed (Gravely said state code under MCA 2007 prevents assessing a home-based business unless it generates at least 20% more waste than the average family residential unit), how short-term rentals (VRBO/Airbnb) should be handled (classification is still pending Department of Revenue rules), and whether the schedule will be easy for the public to find online (county staff described the county’s MyGov text-notification option and other outreach plans). Gravely corrected a drafting error in the published packet that named the wrong county office for a contact and confirmed it should read “Broadwater County Public Works.”

The solid-waste board plans to present a final resolution at a future meeting and to solicit public feedback before adopting the schedule. Gravely and commissioners noted the county will need to make administrative clarifications and accept that some appeals or amendments will arise when property owners request reassessment.

No final vote was taken on May 14; commissioners scheduled further discussion and a public comment opportunity at the next meeting cycle.","Public Works Director TJ Gravely presented a revised solid-waste business assessment fee schedule May 14 that assigns assessment units by business type, clarifies protest procedures and proposes modest reclassifications. Commissioners and the solid-waste board will finalize the resolution at a subsequent meeting after public feedback.",{"_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},6056882,"Broadwater County approves DPHHS workforce grant to fund nurse and medical assistant",363,1716000,2079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12&start=1716&end=2079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3308504-d427d1f359dac3ce66f6d3d090a0ee12/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/6056882/Broadwater-County/Montana/Broadwater-County-approves-DPHHS-workforce-grant-to-fund-nurse-and-medical-assistant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056882-50d29325b4a52b53b4b58e6f9eea42ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159749&Signature=CTriEvLyr-JlenviecutU2ainSN3i2jKhdQ~64AK4MW4DXGViH6f5zj-aK0gTYZn5RQq-uY8muaEDV4PUgRg6fBC7b2h5j08W71vcnWD57iEnaCg3obfmEMOzv38D9uBnxNTBqSUT2jDdW5dU779cmLWREjvvzU~T5oao4JNws9wAEP0hLoggfx86dEeeV-FqeK3SC17yVk3vyifKnnU9E0QjK0GRCGZuvNOHw0iiIGHYLbQ~e-GyGhI5wabJrAV0Ie3lMRSO9n8EXJz8~Ldzr1MbwiXEOFAhhLqVUDAXVBuxXmKClj~v7UkZvylA4AGz9O~yXOO0znMbGgmE4f4TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Broadwater County Commission on May 14 approved task order number 26-07-1-01-105-0 between the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and Broadwater County to fund public-health staffing.

Ruby Taylor, Broadwater County public health director, told commissioners the workforce retention grant pays two employees at 0.5 full-time equivalent each (a total of 1.0 FTE) and reimburses the county for wages and benefits via quarterly invoices. “It funds 2 of my employees at a 0.5 FTE, for a total of 1 FTE. It's for the amount of up to 53,000, for 12 months,” Taylor said.

Taylor described how the funded nurse and medical assistant increase clinic capacity for routine vaccinations, allergy injections (which require a 30-minute monitoring period), foot care and intake services such as help applying for Medicaid or SNAP benefits. She said the grant’s reimbursement model requires quarterly invoices to DPHHS.

There was no public opposition during the vote. The commission moved, seconded and unanimously approved the task order for up to $53,000.

Taylor also noted the county’s homemaker program has one open slot following a recent death and that the county has provided callers with alternate home-health referrals while capacity is limited.","The commission approved a Montana DPHHS task order to reimburse Broadwater County Public Health for up to $53,000 over 12 months to fund two staff at a combined 1.0 full-time equivalent (two 0.5 FTE positions). Public health director Ruby Taylor described increased service capacity for vaccinations, foot care and other clinics.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Broadwater County canvasses sheriff mill-levy results as sheriff warns of service cuts after levy failed

Broadwater County approves 2.5% COLA and will cover health-insurance premium increase

Broadwater County approves Albie Minor Subdivision final plat with road and utility conditions

Broadwater County reviews proposed solid-waste business assessment schedule; public feedback and clarifications requested

Broadwater County approves DPHHS workforce grant to fund nurse and medical assistant