[{"_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",6187050,"mediaKeyId","5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a","parentId",5072307,"title","Granite County delays final decision on removing study-commission member; hearing set for July 1","audioSeconds",556,"startMs",4959000,"endMs",5515000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a&start=4959&end=5515","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a/thumbnail_4959000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187050/Granite-County/Montana/Granite-County-delays-final-decision-on-removing-study-commission-member-hearing-set-for-July-1","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187050-39a094a732371e67e0ee1b85b24c6e55/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566776&Signature=OgCEsOOp-uhYhxOJ9pPPZmuC09hjvPyuD-aI7yR3sv~v4hSQk854KCJCBjjZ5ILmtvkzvuNzhrROgeA6Ie2KKwf-SLRVwUTZpxDXfUUpUleyZ3PyU3uo8ZjUg4QmaDsXWVSHHLWCKrle4wBp~flxPtxqwmPt0m4xfhyxXj7F4kJX~o17R2O0mCPnxu547jUA-oFwy5gdUbAkf1iO3rJwQrby7k8F8Q~eScn2pDA~XsgS8q9hErJuriTIFRoxB5s6Px5zoO5CYridISfibn3g77cyFI94qCLqEqbZc6-ZNZTZaOYR8V-xvKjBw5u55Y7Yv7LtS9YesHUraBsBBoDJoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Granite County, MT","date","2025-06-24T18:43:09Z","article","Granite County commissioners discussed potential removal of Dr. Gary Snyder from a locally formed study commission after Snyder declared himself acting chair and attempted to post meeting notices, prompting legal concerns and a lawsuit filing.

County staff reported that two study-commission seats had resigned and that the commission had advertised for appointees. Staff said Dr. Snyder sent emails asserting he was the acting chair and asked county staff to post notices for a July meeting; staff declined to post a notice. The county reported that Dr. Snyder had filed a lawsuit and attempted personal service improperly, according to staff remarks.

Commission discussion centered on whether Snyder’s actions—self-designating as chair and directing public meeting notices—constituted grounds for removal under county code. One speaker referenced Montana statutes and county code (including a provision allowing removal for cause under county rules) and advised that the commission should give Dr. Snyder an opportunity to respond in person.

Decision and next steps: commissioners agreed not to remove Dr. Snyder immediately and scheduled a final decision and possible removal hearing for 10:30 a.m. on July 1, 2025. Commissioners requested staff prepare documentation and legal citations and to notify Snyder so he can appear and present his side at the July 1 meeting.

Why it matters: study commissions are often the first step in citizens’ efforts to consider governmental changes; membership disputes can affect the commission’s ability to function and raise legal exposure for the county.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners discussed whether to remove Dr. Gary Snyder from the county study commission after Snyder sent notices and threatened litigation; the commission set a July 1 hearing to decide removal.","taxTitle","Granite County , Montana","taxId",79639,"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},6187055,"Commission decides to maintain lake outflow at 30 CFS amid irrigation and order concerns",343,2343000,2686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a&start=2343&end=2686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a/thumbnail_2343000.jpg","/articles/6187055/Granite-County/Montana/Commission-decides-to-maintain-lake-outflow-at-30-CFS-amid-irrigation-and-order-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187055-9af8fe7621fd3bc5fedece1e94d3dfb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566776&Signature=T4X-ZOFfUE249F0j0vj1gQ0yGX8NvGMVwFUgBwYHlu5m1ITG8kX~Hr1whj7SoT3Pm~a6HgE-iJiKwQ1~AF4fb35KTFwiaF1OrBWu7qxYVuhdmrg-2Vc6Fh1iX4AIqWUMEUSkfaoMWSdhCzgwAAB5224tl7ePV75bC9KPvNLkPZ1eysNx~xqmR5Nh9XB0yGCTchWGoUPsFQo2ZnbwioBVHm5Crk4nCDDSTbyQU8SgKc583YcVWRlljJZVsqXgScnOsEAkafuWAi1HIEFFZ77T7k~2BEBKDp72XnGjqUstDxIlZvHx2VuXcPU9kPJbGpZv~bYCnbqDeq2mKBLhUXxZsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Granite County commissioners voted to keep the lake outflow at 30 cubic feet per second (CFS) after discussion with stakeholders and reference to a prior order limiting reductions.

Commissioners referenced correspondence about managing lake levels and irrigation demands and debated whether lowering outflow below 30 CFS could violate a standing order. One county official advised that dropping below 30 CFS could place the county in noncompliance with a “third order” cited in correspondence. Commissioners said maintaining 30 CFS struck a balance between providing water for irrigators and staying within legal constraints.

Why it matters: lake-level and outflow decisions affect downstream irrigators, local recreation and reservoir management. Commissioners noted that reducing flows now could require “payback” later in the season when water is scarce.

What happened: a commissioner moved to keep the outflow at 30 CFS and another seconded the motion. Commissioners discussed possible temporary increases later in the season but emphasized the need to avoid violating any order cited by state or adjudicating authorities. The motion to maintain 30 CFS was carried in the meeting minutes and the commission said it will monitor levels and consider adjustments later this year.

What’s next: staff will continue to monitor lake levels and to coordinate with irrigators; commissioners asked staff to follow up on communications with interested parties and to document correspondence and decisions.","Granite County commissioners moved to keep the lake outflow set at 30 cubic feet per second after discussion about irrigator needs, legal limits and downstream requirements.",{"_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},6187060,"Residents urge Granite County to regrade, crown and dust-control Piney and Bonnie Bowen roads",261,299000,560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a&start=299&end=560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a/thumbnail_299000.jpg","/articles/6187060/Granite-County/Montana/Residents-urge-Granite-County-to-regrade-crown-and-dust-control-Piney-and-Bonnie-Bowen-roads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187060-04dcc31e2abd09a3981ca33db8ad5398/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566776&Signature=ZWFYPPa-mYXBKrIKhm46uYUpVy5qH2mIja-g-7GONwiWRqN8mG8HQPl5p8jv1jpBJdHNjvHF2mQpBo0evxHvuuqE7BSIIyzs8eiwmGEOF4cd-enoWyGbxPrTrtzGeZYjyzD05CvrxvAfWPDEbIQF8xYfa1UCMSxw1SVXBam0DpSX7h-kcD4sFRQUKDsZEQA9Bcy0dpz0r1mVQ~T6fsG5Yh8e66BRXB~xUJHYjWHNchY3E1~gVSD21rFUl0l~Vb-Tc1viufybiP4LBr6hYi9wZfSDil3AGncpnGxW7Evoh2-STB1gkWKPZgCLXFHNMZiqZ4YUnFVsyE11UTFGrmU7Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of the Badger Bay Homeowners Association asked Granite County commissioners to restore proper crown and grading to Piney Road and Bonnie Bowen Road and to resume twice-yearly dust control treatments.

David Jespero, speaking for the Badger Bay Homeowners Association, described repeated washouts and potholes on Bonnie Bowen Road and nearby development roads. He said a grader visited “about a month ago” but did not reestablish the crown that directs water to ditches, and recent rain washed out those repairs.

Jespero asked the county to regrade road sections, reestablish crowns on a scheduled basis and resume dust control treatments, which he said should occur twice per year. Commissioners acknowledged the complaints, asked the resident to leave contact details and said they would have road crew staff inspect the area and add the road to the maintenance schedule if appropriate.

Additional residents and staff in the meeting discussed Lakeshore Drive, gravel needs and ditch work. County staff said crews have been prioritizing lower-end roads that had longer deferred maintenance and indicated they would inspect Piney Road and coordinate scheduling.

Why it matters: residents said running water down the road is accelerating erosion and creating safety and access issues; commissioners said they would assess resources and coordinate grading and dust control based on available gravel and crew schedules.

What’s next: county staff will inspect the roads and inform the homeowners association of scheduling; residents requested a report to present at their August community meeting.","A homeowners association member urged commissioners to reestablish road crowns and resume twice-yearly dust suppression on Piney Road and Bonnie Bowen Road after recent grading failed to address erosion and water flow.",{"_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},6187065,"Granite County to eliminate solid-waste manager position; commissioners to assume duties and press for dump cleanup",1662,2187000,3849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a&start=2187&end=3849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5072307-d64c728bc8f48b95f7b50d5fcd0cad8a/thumbnail_2187000.jpg","/articles/6187065/Granite-County/Montana/Granite-County-to-eliminate-solid-waste-manager-position-commissioners-to-assume-duties-and-press-for-dump-cleanup","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187065-ab678016379e218a9e4dd0360c9648b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566776&Signature=jo6tnYybgpr1cqMi2xdd7XdVqp~DCbYtDJyPDp3~2ttXc9DzWKXbKHyRlhK4yjkulU6UF6QVYHt6hnaFO7sUAdPxDUFWZ4R9wLlkMVlu-9UnO1h6Fy0fT3Mi5D1cF94Rj4J0GqJ7l1n7Mw~FYd0fiQWXrYZ2wMtjP0bwHX~KtIhw86GdXbrmyt2zC6ux71CQpoCgS~vc3VsqWgvFwLLzfeQHGegLEZrpsFUzaWLDe~1fyTy-C26UandkCnQKo0UMKgimNd3LfL7lXtW-1IFLFBM02sjd~q9xRToLlXNQltGNnA4o-aTtZw6XUGJwZW0G7f63I9DrbAB00mwpVlAuHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Granite County commissioners voted to eliminate the county’s solid-waste manager position effective July 1 and said the board will assume management duties while staff rewrite job descriptions and seek budget adjustments.

The change, proposed as a cost-saving measure, was presented at a public meeting where commissioners said eliminating the position would save roughly $26,000. A commissioner made the motion to remove the post and another commissioner seconded it; the commission later confirmed a plan to absorb the manager duties into the commission’s responsibilities and to review clerk and job-description updates for related positions.

Why it matters: county officials and residents raised operational concerns about the county landfill during the same meeting, including delayed private hauler pickups, overflowing metal containers, litter blown from dump sites and safety hazards. Commissioners linked the personnel change to a need for clearer oversight and for immediate cleanup steps.

Solid-waste supervisor John Kendall described repeated problems at the county sites, saying metal recycling containers had not been emptied for “three weeks” in some cases, that litter was accumulating on adjacent hillsides and that private contractors had reported equipment and staffing problems. Commissioners proposed budgeting extra relief hours for landfill relief staff, asking the supervisor to identify how many relief hours would be needed to maintain litter pickup, and directing staff to pursue better service agreements with private scrap haulers.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and contract remedies. One commissioner asked staff to pursue alternatives to the existing scrap-metal contractor if pickups did not become timely, and to consider placing additional containers or a separate contract so large items like refrigerators could be removed promptly.

Public-safety concerns were raised by a county safety officer and echoed by commissioners, who said the county needs visible progress within a short timeframe. The commission asked the solid-waste supervisor to begin a “good-faith” cleanup and to report back; commissioners set a 10-working-day expectation for substantial progress and discussed possible disciplinary steps if conditions did not improve.

The commission also told the supervisor he should bring a specific hour estimate for relief workers during the next budget cycle; commissioners said they would consider adding those hours in the coming fiscal-year budget to sustain ongoing cleanup.

What’s next: The personnel change becomes effective July 1. The commission instructed staff to send a written notice to affected employees, to prepare updated job descriptions for administrative roles, and to bring options for alternate scrap-metal contractors and a relief-hours budget request to a future meeting.

Speakers quoted in this story spoke during the commission meeting; quoted attributions reflect the meeting transcript.","The Granite County commissioners voted to eliminate the solid-waste manager position effective July 1 and directed short-term steps to address litter and delayed contractor pickups at county landfill sites.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Granite County delays final decision on removing study-commission member; hearing set for July 1

Commission decides to maintain lake outflow at 30 CFS amid irrigation and order concerns

Residents urge Granite County to regrade, crown and dust-control Piney and Bonnie Bowen roads

Granite County to eliminate solid-waste manager position; commissioners to assume duties and press for dump cleanup