BLDC Director Kelly Sullivan seeks bylaw change for Headwaters representation

During the June 4, 2025, Council of Commissioners Committee Meeting in Butte-Silver Bow, a significant proposal was discussed regarding a bylaw amendment for the Butte Local Development Corporation (BLDC). The amendment seeks to allow the president of the Headwaters board to occupy a seat on the BLDC board, a change that has sparked a robust debate among commissioners.

Kelly Sullivan, the BLDC Director, presented the request, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between BLDC and Headwaters. Currently, the chief executive holds four seats on the BLDC board, and the proposed change would allocate one of those seats specifically to the president of Headwaters. Sullivan argued that this adjustment would enhance the partnership between the two organizations, which play a crucial role in the economic development of Southwest Montana.

However, the proposal faced scrutiny from several commissioners. Commissioner Fisher expressed concerns about the potential conflict of interest, suggesting that the chief executive should retain the authority to appoint board members due to the financial support provided to BLDC. He argued that the proposed change could dilute the chief executive's influence on the board, which he believes is essential for effective governance.

Commissioner O'Leary echoed these concerns, questioning the balance of power within the 15-member board and the implications of transferring a seat to Headwaters. He called for a more in-depth discussion about the financial relationship between Butte-Silver Bow and BLDC before making a decision.

Despite the pushback, other commissioners, including Commissioner Morgan, defended the proposal, highlighting the value of diverse representation on the board. They argued that including the Headwaters president would not significantly alter the board's dynamics and could foster better cooperation between the two entities.

The discussion concluded with a consensus to revisit the proposal in a future meeting, allowing for further examination of the financial implications and governance structure. This amendment, if approved, could reshape the collaborative landscape of economic development in the region, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue among community leaders.