[{"_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",6183802,"mediaKeyId","5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7","parentId",5093649,"title","Missoula County health director seeks staffing and operations increases across six requests","audioSeconds",1006,"startMs",776000,"endMs",1782000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7&start=776&end=1782","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7/thumbnail_776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6183802/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-County-health-director-seeks-staffing-and-operations-increases-across-six-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183802-20bc72bb379bf30041d937b0028d4707/orig.mp4?Expires=1775065485&Signature=j71nOeR06J~5sHGy1skTqGD2iUhKwYmO98xng3edIJA~9S6jMdldi1QWSyIZRHW6sHwoRkvsrdar5k3d03RqZfUYZ-a2lq4XOzkdmNT4NWKAsMcuzTZ0IEHDv-Zzi1OgNirNa4mH~tfYQ4mQ9kY9xIfND9tN~5XLJcA0pIcoSok42fC3MdE4GXxeetQ4RIp5HAndJJGW7pD7TwqAfFbDMSO40P9HLySTuusAqm~DYlhi6DUisrbjvwQcaq3aK87L6hVmMcLf09LZ2iWLy8GEe4TuvVXOCogWSJa8bxjT6JobZbsxnInVHtnyOWPdz6-8e8YBQeDIcrMcHWxzaySI3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Missoula County, WI ","date","2025-06-26T17:06:21Z","article","Missoula County’s health director presented six new budget requests to maintain and expand public-health services, asking the county to share ongoing personnel costs while noting the department is pursuing one-time grants to offset some positions.

The six requests presented were: 1) split a single administration director role into two manager positions (a business manager and a cross-divisional programs manager), 2) two full-time community health worker positions, 3) half an FTE to fully staff the foster child health program, 4) one additional animal shelter attendant for Animal Services, 5) a small county share to cover an overrun for a communications officer currently grant-funded, and 6) one new sanitarian position funded by expected increases in state reimbursements after House Bill 853 raised license fees.

Key details and cost-sharing: The presenter said the change to two manager positions increases personnel costs by about $60,000 compared with the prior FTE budget and that the new requests are split “60% to the city, 40% to the county,” making the county’s ongoing share for that manager about $24,000. For the two community health workers the presenter gave a combined salary-and-fringe total of about $141,000 and said the county’s ongoing share would be roughly $57,000 if no additional grants are approved.

Foster child health program: The department asked for the county to cover half of a full-time equivalent staff position to restore capacity in the foster child health program. The presenter said the county’s program has served nearly 1,000 vulnerable children overall and had about 91 children on the caseload through mid‑year fiscal 2025; the role also historically generated some revenue (about $40,000) under prior contracts.

Animal services and equipment: The health director requested an additional shelter attendant (presenter noted current staffing of five attendants working 10-hour days) and explained that the county’s portion of ongoing cost for that attendant would be “just over $25,000.” The department also asked to increase the long-standing animal control vehicle line from $30,000 to $50,000 to reflect current truck outfitting costs.

Sanitarian and licensing revenue: The presenter said House Bill 853 raised state license fees and that the county estimates roughly $120,000 in new annual revenue will be available through the state reimbursement process to support an additional sanitarian focused on licensure inspections. The presenter explained these license fees are paid to the state and a portion is reimbursed to counties for inspections.

Grant timing and uncertainties: Several presenters noted that some positions were previously grant-funded and that grant decisions are pending; the county agreed to temporarily sustain two community health workers through the end of the fiscal year after an abrupt grant cut. The health director said applications for Community Assistance Fund and foundation grants were submitted and decisions were pending (timing described as late July or early August for some grants), and that if one-time grants are awarded the county will amend requests accordingly and may return next year if funding lapses.

Questions and clarifications: Commissioners asked about recruitment difficulties for managers and sanitarians, whether sanitarian pay increases after licensure (yes), and whether the communications-position grant is likely to continue (state grant manager said it was expected to continue for a few years). The presenter said that personnel and operations costs have increased while many grant award amounts have been stagnant for years, creating ongoing budgetary pressure.

What comes next: No formal votes on these budget requests were recorded during the presentation; the presenter said she could prioritize requests if asked and that the county would be notified of grant outcomes and could amend requests later.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioners' Administrative Public Meeting June 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Missoula County’s health director presented six new budget requests including managerial restructuring, two community health workers, support for the foster child health program, an animal shelter attendant, a communications funding gap, and a new sanitarian tied to higher license-fee reimbursements.","taxTitle","Missoula County, Montana","taxId",4049,"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},6183806,"Missoula County transmits letters on Highway 200 funding, cell tower and Frenchtown truck stop",108,587000,695000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7&start=587&end=695","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7/thumbnail_587000.jpg","/articles/6183806/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-County-transmits-letters-on-Highway-200-funding-cell-tower-and-Frenchtown-truck-stop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183806-4c19fcdc0d60ceea5d9615bbdc086f59/orig.mp4?Expires=1775065485&Signature=dagiIYwNwmRbKGGwst9EYDdo5P0IphQKan-nBG0oqhZkXf9fHZUmGb8W~8uj~R7DvD~aqtIhyyTkFlAvgzWe4sENXEge4ZS2GXz1nLiog3INXoPEsFJ6QZvcJyLKVQMU~OKJnrpSNypth48XsOBVrqCrCl9JuVd-0ISpBzg4JCtm03XS1SZSzQNB-gepjmsi89cwEM9rzMNKR~m8eDenMF6b8vR~Yggy3zA364zCs~EyVnDPhKvB0HbsS-CLHnYAlZF7jzEk6p5Y8cxCpA9RtuJa6OOgC-ktVhk--5CtgJlwoM7fxbjftpTAAFICnOgc-eZbP3GNi6pOM92eOd889A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Missoula County staff confirmed they transmitted three letters responding to local and federal matters: a request tied to funding for a Highway 200 reconstruction project, a public comment filed with the Federal Communications Commission about a proposed 175-foot cell tower in the Swan Valley area, and a letter outlining county authority and community options regarding a proposed truck stop in the Frenchtown/West Valley area.

Highway 200 funding: A staff speaker said the county had signed a letter asking that funding for the Highway 200 reconstruction project be moved to an alternate funding source amid the Senate’s review of a larger budget reconciliation measure the presenter described as the “big beautiful bill act.” The presenter warned the project’s fate “hangs in the balance in the next hours or days.” The staff speaker said the letter had been sent to the senator’s office.

Cell tower comment: The county transmitted a letter from the Swan Valley Community Council to the FCC’s public comment portal, raising concerns about a proposed 175-foot cell tower and its impact on the community viewshed. The speaker confirmed a copy was shared with the community council.

Frenchtown truck stop: The county sent a letter to the West Valley/Frenchtown community explaining what the county can and cannot decide about a proposed truck stop and outlining how residents can engage in local planning processes. The presenter described the letter as clarifying “what you guys have authority over, what you don't” and how communities can have a say in growth.

Why it matters: Officials said the Highway 200 project faces imminent risk tied to a federal budget process and that the cell-tower and truck-stop letters were intended to record community concerns and explain county roles and decision space to residents.

Follow up: Staff indicated the Highway 200 funding matter may be resolved quickly due to the federal budget process; no additional county motions or budget allocations were made during the meeting.","County staff reported sending three pieces of correspondence this week: a letter seeking alternate funding for Highway 200 reconstruction; a comment filed with the FCC about a proposed 175-foot cell tower near Swan Valley; and guidance to Frenchtown-area residents about a proposed West Valley truck stop and county decision-making scope.",{"_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},6183811,"Missoula County unanimously adopts resolution supporting federal public lands",67,469000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7&start=469&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7/thumbnail_469000.jpg","/articles/6183811/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-County-unanimously-adopts-resolution-supporting-federal-public-lands","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183811-a81f91c5774b03d45c7afd86d9c9ed0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775065485&Signature=PEHtCA4LgUoMqiRhSuB8pko3g2SsO6VfPsiykpQV2XuOCPdseh7cNWu28V3KM0Hu2zBCA-cTMbqwjfNQAGnNS1~KPageFod7v~CkGaMUMlyhQBffATuVyDW3dh5dNk8SwbeqMDHQiBjRKvo9pXPxjtVwigTbA3RME27x3Y4lw86NNiqeaG47BaA~wQdUt3ZiyTpTDS4wEo3Vu3EoWKsqBr8wW5C1GvIXuQEmEYCcXGAEBWW~zNXhfrJ5yrv3kgxfWml7bxL79Vi4-z88ScUdgVt9ciGFhr5NOIIUwjP2CPW5JS~XEXSosHoGtkNPdQ3hLGe3edAkpbO9emNKRYhw~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Missoula County commissioners approved a resolution declaring support for federal public lands and public access, responding to national conversations about potential federal land disposal.

Commissioner Slottnick introduced the item and said the resolution came from a request by City Councilman Eric Melson, who had drafted a similar city resolution. The item was described as “a statement in support of our public lands,” intended to affirm county values on outdoor recreation and access to state and federal public land.

Why it matters: Participants framed the resolution as a values statement tied to the county’s recreation economy and public access. One speaker said the document “basically just outlines, you know, kind of the values that Missoula County has, especially around outdoor recreation and the ability for the public to be able to access both, state and federal bridal land.”

Vote and implementation: The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote; no amendments were recorded at the meeting. The action is a formal county resolution expressing support for federal public lands; it did not direct a specific regulatory or financial action.

Context and origin: The presenter said the measure was prompted by discussions at the federal level about selling public lands and that the language mirrors a city-level resolution from Councilman Melson. The county’s resolution is intended as a public statement rather than a change to county land management authorities.

What comes next: The resolution will be entered into the county record; no additional staff assignments or budget actions were specified during the meeting.","The county commissioners approved a resolution expressing support for continued federal public land ownership and public access, prompted by concern about federal proposals to sell public land.",{"_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},6183816,"Missoula County adopts policy requiring human review, disclosure for AI-produced work",361,107000,468000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7&start=107&end=468","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7/thumbnail_107000.jpg","/articles/6183816/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-County-adopts-policy-requiring-human-review-disclosure-for-AI-produced-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183816-6db9a92451b318f9a54b9a082c2dd922/orig.mp4?Expires=1775065485&Signature=DYAHLw88UNPGg~eKbYsY2sbsQTGukM90synThZZfIqar1AOybhLrWvChATKGo~bL9yKpngJur8eJzyNj407DO2eZtlPS7QkWVEggTTeaOcT5YaUVYv5kVwUmXAwGaXaG-6BeNGrvUiTsLJUgnv5C7upoXVWwkYhDtES7yw9TyydFHyiDNTITtEw59zWqzbvec0HlSxuEgDgsoERoNuJkzYbz27YlQNdkps9s2Lfn5BVUbpOfchUHqrye~KwhjC-B0hfGuz6Fm2BYs08tqGT-cLW1NqOOc96cyVC5oE-CadXlzrkGXfd0ZUjYbyK4FseYeZBhidyVlwSygTNU3akt3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Missoula County administrators voted to adopt a new countywide policy governing the use of artificial intelligence in county work, requiring a human to take responsibility for AI-produced documents and disclosing when AI was used.

The policy, presented at the administration meeting, was pitched as a risk-management measure to limit county liability from errors or harms that could arise when staff rely on generative AI tools. The presenter said the policy “echoes the rest of, state, local government, municipal government” and aims to “effectively limit liability around the use of AI for … work product in … local government.”

Why it matters: County staff increasingly use generative AI that can create text, images or video. Officials said the law and liability framework governing AI are unsettled and that internal policy is the best near-term protection while legal standards develop. The presenter described the policy’s core requirement as assigning a human reviewer to attest that they have read and edited AI-produced material.

Key provisions and examples cited during discussion included a requirement that a person take ownership of AI outputs (described in the meeting as “human in the middle”), auditing or editing AI-generated content before release, and rules limiting where county data may be sent or stored. As one participant summarized, “It’s called, human in the middle.” Another said the policy should also require explicit attribution when AI tools create a product: “attribution that something is created with AI too.”

The board moved and seconded the item and approved the policy without additional amendment; a voice vote was taken and the motion passed.

Implementation and limits: Presenters noted the policy is intended to be pragmatic and to mirror common practices in other government offices. They emphasized it is not a technical standard or a legal determination about liability; rather, it is an administrative requirement that staff document human review and limit data flows. The presenters cautioned that technical details such as image- or video-generation raise additional questions and that further policy refinement may be needed as the technology and law evolve.

What comes next: With the policy adopted, staff will implement the human-review and disclosure requirements in departmental workflows; no timeline for training or enforcement was specified during the meeting.","County administrators approved a new AI use policy that requires human ownership of AI-generated products, disclosure when AI is used and limits on data sharing, aimed at limiting liability.",{"_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},6183797,"Community Justice seeks funding to restore victim-advocate staffing after cuts and rising caseloads",787,2171000,2958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7&start=2171&end=2958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093649-efe2a18f73d224b57e08b09b412d93b7/thumbnail_2171000.jpg","/articles/6183797/Missoula-County/Montana/Community-Justice-seeks-funding-to-restore-victim-advocate-staffing-after-cuts-and-rising-caseloads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183797-b7cdd0527a0d9cfaf3617fd5e78ecead/orig.mp4?Expires=1775065485&Signature=IEFQec-T1~AiXTaeVdKSJ-KDcMaK7KV8YON40gOvFhp-oqR-c7teUUwUINmLA5Dugop2ZvupGeXgw5v3XX~FQ~ikcNeAERbed3hWqxC-JAKD6WCUgVuSSWqSRzwXeoPcob62hyeA4irfgDMaMh9H9R9gOGNwI11Jkm15EDhK2jv8jdZXqorOUHQPVegrZweiv8qu0ajGLzhKakoatD0aQS-B8YyM1nMKd7IrK0S8SYYmeCk7muXP3yv5NM1yXzNb6uUXDngMruRm6K5kpqLjzOiX6W~LczW-BR7LKmpEKDoGxl-Yfbu9Ocviy2PV4fi-m9V8k2P~ZqSYkcyjfIC6sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula County Community Justice Department asked commissioners to approve the remainder of an FY25 staffing enhancement to expand the crime victim advocate program, citing rising caseloads, increased case complexity and reduced outside funding.

Request details: The presenter said the department had originally requested three full-time equivalents to support the crime victim advocate division in FY25; the county approved approximately half of that request last year and the department now asks for the remaining portion. The presenter listed a funding figure of roughly $128,500 (presented in last year’s dollars) and asked that commissioners allow adjustment for wage growth.

Program scale and workload: The presenter said advocates serve roughly 1,600 people annually and that there are about 775–780 additional walk-ins and calls; about 25% of callers become ongoing clients. Advocates are collocated or closely connected with law-enforcement and court offices so they can meet clients where cases are processed, but the presenter said the pandemic changed how much work can be done virtually.

Funding pressures: The department said a key federal funding source (VOCA) had a 22% reduction from the previous award cycle and that court fines and fees — another historical revenue source for operations — have been declining. Those cuts, combined with inflation and increased service demand, prompted the request for additional county-funded staffing.

Why it matters: The presenter stressed advocates’ role in safety planning for victims, including planning for household members and pets, and read a client note praising the service: “Tanya was so patient and insightful to my sensitive situation and my fragile frame of mind. She educated me, sat with me, and guided me down the path to reach the end point.” Commissioners asked questions about co-location and physical space in the new sheriff’s office; staff said interview rooms remain available though fixed desk space may be limited.

Next steps: No final funding decision was recorded at the meeting; the presenter asked commissioners to consider the outstanding portion of the FY25 request and to allow an inflation adjustment if approved.","The Community Justice Department requested the remainder of a previously proposed FY25 staffing enhancement to expand crime victim advocate services, citing growing caseload complexity, declines in VOCA funding and diminishing court fine revenue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Missoula County health director seeks staffing and operations increases across six requests

Missoula County transmits letters on Highway 200 funding, cell tower and Frenchtown truck stop

Missoula County unanimously adopts resolution supporting federal public lands

Missoula County adopts policy requiring human review, disclosure for AI-produced work

Community Justice seeks funding to restore victim-advocate staffing after cuts and rising caseloads