[{"_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",6206687,"mediaKeyId","3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82","parentId",3761146,"title","Commissioners approve 2.5% elected-official pay increase, several HR changes and COLA for FY26","audioSeconds",355,"startMs",4558000,"endMs",4913000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82&start=4558&end=4913","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82/thumbnail_4558000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6206687/Flathead-County/Montana/Commissioners-approve-25-elected-official-pay-increase-several-HR-changes-and-COLA-for-FY26","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206687-e3bb42a3614fa5abab0e613af93b57e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1774861831&Signature=hM7TGYRvkO4rJ1wxMwPaR8~f5afRym5THSnEbRKbULLjToHa17hSchur3SFn-yognWaa6bWL5cQ4zp-6ahk8HHZB1hPNOc7GrULDRii0X3t3wolrOChdgc9LReDlPjX1LR-Tan8xg52U8rG5opK7KnkopVMzTxvtifA-b0mDlCR0azMargI78YegZPKDjBb15YSpPm8ovgRTzXO77GNNhkgSkXTS12EOP8boTNJ2HcR0xCANOwdK-AHfTgSiKT1RCpGmDfPc6wCVo09lpwr-g9uCCpHpcIoHeg518CQkbNpiO8qEhUdmn7TXHqW2yvpmpmxxKEKRio30lk~AhkNLqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / Flathead County ","date","2025-06-05T00:00:00Z","article","Flathead County commissioners adopted Resolution 2637 to raise the elected official base salary by 2.5 percent effective with the payroll that contains July 1, fiscal year 2026.

The board's compensation committee recommended the increase earlier in the week and the motion to adopt Resolution 2637 passed by unanimous voice vote.

The board also approved several HR transmittals tied to department-side budget changes effective July 1: creation of a radio communications administrator position in 9-1-1 (to ensure two-person tower work), conversion of a tax agent in the sheriff's office from 0.4 FTE to full-time, adjustments to seasonal equipment operator/truck driver FTEs in Solid Waste, and a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to multiple pay matrices (standard pay matrix, county attorneys, EMS instructors and elected judge matrix). Commissioners noted union contracts contain language that governs increases during active contract terms.

Separately, the board authorized signature of a Cigna LifeSource distributor payer access agreement related to organ transplant coverage in the county health plan; commissioners approved signature so staff can finalize costs for a pending situation.

All motions on these items carried by unanimous voice votes recorded in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Flathead County Commissioner's Meeting June 5, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The Flathead County Board approved Resolution 2637 to increase elected official base pay by 2.5% for FY26, added and adjusted several positions, approved a COLA matching the elected-official increase, and authorized a Cigna LifeSource agreement for transplant coverage.","taxTitle","Flathead County, Montana","taxId",56557,"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},6206692,"County's workers' compensation renewal shows improved loss history; proposed premium about $906,005",761,3744000,4505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82&start=3744&end=4505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82/thumbnail_3744000.jpg","/articles/6206692/Flathead-County/Montana/Countys-workers-compensation-renewal-shows-improved-loss-history-proposed-premium-about-906005","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206692-e5e230b37f8ff7110b804c017fe159f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1774861831&Signature=R-QYtis7TVWYiuTluPkWiP58SCBIVXj-jNFRinT3UURLkjbYNCCX7sKo46jAK8cTmIDbKuUpiaQRH6UeE3IdWyq9W-9Zz3MhfF5qqn7yvkib0Wkg3LO453BqXMNqeBHk65ihc50l-SigSVg2niO5fzqVMnhVuI~kyte362WoKEt~nL51QARwN3-XeFmjk4tTEaAZlfs12YtcdwqYS-bJNp~nvzTi8-5SoJp9XonvAU421LbK-XbistqdQQx7WAyr65Yz0fUh4y-4qMCdGIV7aJjxD~X8Yexu3yL48Nx-pzfN9BA2qoBDTbm970fvUn~6ftbwvL6mye14wMpk4y301w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marsh & McLennan representatives briefed Flathead County commissioners on the Montana State Fund workers' compensation renewal and reported a marked improvement in claims costs and the county's experience-mod factor.

Doctor Vivian Marsh McLennan and Kim Thomas presented the renewal proposal effective July 1, 2025, and said the county's experience-mod (e-mod) is projected at 1.35 for the renewal year, down from 1.52 in 2024–25 and 1.02 the year before that. The presenters noted a large spike in incurred losses in policy year 2022 (about $1,056,000) followed by $440,003 in 2023 and about $114,370 to date for the 2024 policy year.

Marsh McLennan said the reduction in indemnity and total losses is a principal reason for the improved e-mod and that continued attention to timely reporting, return-to-work and safety culture remains critical. The firm calculated a proposed premium of $906,005.26 based on estimated payroll increases of about 13.3 percent and overall remit-rate and e-mod decreases.

Presenters also reminded the board that the county received dividends from the State Fund in prior years: approximately $137,500 (policy year 2022), $196,002.56 (2023) and $193,018 (2024). Doc McLennan said she will follow up with data on average days-to-report claims three years ago versus today.

Commissioners and Marsh & McLennan discussed class-code remit-rate changes and pool performance; the presenters attributed favorable county results to improved reporting and return-to-work efforts coordinated with county leadership and HR.","Insurance brokers and Marsh & McLennan reported a declining experience-mod (e-mod) and lower incurred losses, recommending continued safety focus as renewal premium is proposed at $906,005.26 for July 1 effective date.",{"_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},6206697,"Commissioners accept $1.625 million bid for former Kalispell Feed and Grain property",133,3573000,3706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82&start=3573&end=3706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82/thumbnail_3573000.jpg","/articles/6206697/Flathead-County/Montana/Commissioners-accept-1625-million-bid-for-former-Kalispell-Feed-and-Grain-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206697-802c30b3b8d7f85332edd341cda324e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1774861831&Signature=lJdyrndOfIg~XDQ77oyrYHxloiw-kJxZT0VyAX4yH8AX13IDMJQyLdyWp4Vg1~RhS8HxBj7n5EZQ3kHP1a7tcfzRr8Rv1cULyydf5RrzjPh0SsmXKKuxFpYU-mKa0tRgNTgSkTf4tC1yDVM0K43VciKqKNUIjaYr~C9jMom0xW7wVuudaH44TBMz9~LTzWoqdorQNvZqK0CltbDUo0-pqWVzcBuFyxC-~SUbcK0L0bqv5G836bxEtJGEGKMLkZ3I1qLAaGJhXJcB0gkRBvGU-co0~yn3MUswuT2wHC3ANgl089hBfDLWnoJLGo2KgXDd6AVxmSoXReGQIyLKXNHokw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Flathead County commissioners voted to accept the highest sealed bid of $1,625,000 from Mark Bretz for four parcels on Highway 93 South, the former Kalispell Feed and Grain property.

Whitney Asherald from the commissioners' office reported two sealed bids and recommended the highest bid after reviewing addenda. A commissioner moved to \"accept the bid from Mark Bretz in the amount of $1,625,000,\" and the motion carried with unanimous vocal votes of \"Aye.\"

The board then moved to \"authorize [the] county administrator as signatory for the closing documents\" for the property sale of parcels 3444, 3450, 3452 and 3454 Highway 93 South; that motion also carried unanimously.

No additional conditions or contingencies were recorded in the meeting minutes. The county will proceed with closing paperwork and signatory authorization.","Flathead County accepted the highest sealed bid of $1,625,000 for four parcels on Highway 93 South and authorized the county administrator to sign closing documents.",{"_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},6206701,"Flathead County holds interviews for interim county superintendent; two candidates respond to duties, homeschooling changes",3227,366000,3593000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82&start=366&end=3593","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761146-ae692fc9286310f6130f5a02ace35c82/thumbnail_366000.jpg","/articles/6206701/Flathead-County/Montana/Flathead-County-holds-interviews-for-interim-county-superintendent-two-candidates-respond-to-duties-homeschooling-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206701-6aa531c5c7940daac829691528138f14/orig.mp4?Expires=1774861831&Signature=P2sqAnx~95vZiHx0jBOlrVOFZqj8v6BOPh95jKKJ2W6rU~3gBVyp0P3NkZNbwQ9JMb1R9pRvg-VHt9YbNPNi9jYElceDX7u9IKylGBQkRn8Tz5mc~E1EXinco~6s62HTag-WMvGgQ-F1VvnUWVGDIH3EkiXJYJ5U~epID~ezOnK45WRTfIbITYua9KenSufQLaVpghuKPid~-7fTb-03nnf03l9e4OJc2YfUqnmKxkwSETtb8dVmdnpEdjapwp5h-SZoiSssJFr6sgIiUJdQEmqRCSPmRgoilIg74A0p2pqKSzb8sKKWVEqFfSOPgMK0lF2iHmMmfCwXBvJr50BSyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Flathead County commissioners interviewed two finalists for the county superintendent of schools vacancy and heard each candidate describe priorities for rural schools, fiscal oversight and implementing recent changes to homeschool law.

The interviews, held during the June 5 hearing, featured Marcia Stolfes, a business manager with 28 years at Kyla School who said she \"highly recommend[s]\" the principal she worked with and emphasized working closely with school boards and legal counsel. Doctor Shannon Marshall, current principal at Kyla, said her long-term goal for the office is \"collaboration\" to help rural districts pool curriculum purchases, professional development and other services.

Both candidates confirmed familiarity with the superintendent's statutory duties in the Montana Code Annotated and said they could perform them. Stolfes told commissioners, \"I do feel like I can perform all those duties,\" referencing accounting, tuition, transportation and budgeting responsibilities. Marshall said she would \"become more familiar\" with the duties as part of preparing to serve all county schools.

Each candidate addressed rural budget pressures and strategies for preserving core academics. Stolfes said small districts should prioritize staff salaries and special-education supports; Marshall recommended creating countywide timelines for curriculum review to reduce duplicative purchases and costs.

Commissioners asked about the recent legislative changes affecting homeschooling and related duties shifted to county superintendents under MCA 20-5-109. Stolfes warned the unfunded nature of the new duties makes outreach and registration critical and said counties will need to \"get information out, make sure it's easy and accessible.\" Marshall said she supports increased accountability and suggested strategies such as periodic assessment and continued community engagement so students do not \"fall off the map.\"

Both candidates discussed community engagement, career and technical education, and staying current with state law. Tammy Skorowski, HR director, told both candidates the county was conducting background checks and expected a decision \"as soon as possible,\" likely by the following week.

The interviews were held in public session; commissioners noted the superintendent position is elected and any appointee would need to run in the next election cycle. The commission did not make a hiring decision during the meeting.","Flathead County commissioners interviewed two finalists for the county superintendent of schools vacancy and heard how each would handle duties ranging from budgeting and rural school collaboration to new homeschool requirements in MCA 20-5-109.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve 2.5% elected-official pay increase, several HR changes and COLA for FY26

County's workers' compensation renewal shows improved loss history; proposed premium about $906,005

Commissioners accept $1.625 million bid for former Kalispell Feed and Grain property

Flathead County holds interviews for interim county superintendent; two candidates respond to duties, homeschooling changes