[{"_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",6168272,"mediaKeyId","5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e","parentId",5408296,"title","Council places Phillips 66 foreign-trade-zone operations agreement on file; annual fee and one-time application to fund local program","audioSeconds",2908,"startMs",3476000,"endMs",6384000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e&start=3476&end=6384","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e/thumbnail_3476000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6168272/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Council-places-Phillips-66-foreign-trade-zone-operations-agreement-on-file-annual-fee-and-one-time-application-to-fund-local-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168272-86dc8e54ccc5d68aea2483b50113378b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969905&Signature=Z~nQycOpzqshNPr6y97KUVCtvYM816O9fcqgG4kfF30CD0yTIgMyEEw2iEseyOGO~G3i4tgHE7xjE8atzHuE2xwK9e9EiHWsvw~gC2eV7bU0y8hwFAqjzoel-c9t7l~FEqJZ9RFEgJZEekiVkK9u2R04G0AxvPLnWmrL15sDzYxrkMzq1AE1BgoaEUCJ9jIJbqCJpTpd9Xroz1W4O7hOSAcZaMzMYXlarbAjbRj~buDRALHfzWfvHqU6DmhZLiaz6CWLKt6y86WHXjhpeC~xyv51F94-GzSaJh4mf43dZYYJrP7mdvvupKIjAhw2-FjYaNbUlROSt--kqoAup4Vueg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Butte-Silver Bow, MT","date","2025-07-17T01:04:44Z","article","The Butte-Silver Bow Council on July 16 placed on file a proposed foreign trade zone operations agreement between the county and Phillips 66. Commissioner Thatcher moved to place the communication on file and the council voted 9-0 in favor.

City-county staff said the FTZ is a federal designation that can be used by companies to reduce tariff burdens and facilitate certain import/export and storage activities. Director Karen Burns told commissioners the $3,000 one-time application fee and the $2,500 annual fee in the agreement would be paid to Butte-Silver Bow. Burns said the county takes on no additional liability under the agreement and that the fees are intended as nominal charges to support the local FTZ administration. “We are really taking on no further and no more responsibility,” Burns said.

Attorney Scott Taylor, who worked with the county when the FTZ district was created in 2008–09, told commissioners that a modest annual fee is customary for smaller jurisdictions and can help attract users: higher fees deter participation by small and medium businesses. Taylor said most U.S. refineries and large processors that participate in FTZ programs also operate under strict federal customs and security protocols.

Commissioner Thatcher asked whether petroleum products or other materials would be moved to Butte; staff answered that Phillips 66’s refinery operations are in Billings and that the company’s use of the FTZ will not bring product to Butte. Burns also noted the FTZ structure previously supported REC Silicon and the Port of Montana for businesses seeking zone designation.

Decision: The council placed communication 2025-5376 on file by unanimous vote; no new financial obligations or changes to local policy were adopted at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 16, Regular Meeting Agenda","oneSentenceSummary","Butte-Silver Bow will accept a foreign trade zone (FTZ) operations agreement with Phillips 66 and place the item on file. The agreement carries a $3,000 one-time application fee and a $2,500 annual fee payable to Butte-Silver Bow; staff said the FTZ is a regional designation and Phillips 66’s planned activity will not move product to Butte.","taxTitle","Silver Bow County, Montana","taxId",29956,"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},6168278,"Butte-Silver Bow finance director: taxable value roughly unchanged; budget presentations rescheduled",651,4584000,5235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e&start=4584&end=5235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e/thumbnail_4584000.jpg","/articles/6168278/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Butte-Silver-Bow-finance-director-taxable-value-roughly-unchanged-budget-presentations-rescheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168278-30f835c93a8b967c69d4c650cffb3af0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969905&Signature=LZfPBK-7KFKs7j78CJqP0q~Nj7RDILFpPrzp0TuwVwWVd10lzRB2eHDufHyoFJAkh-KcvdRqsWt2yEA5XLwXjnyIPnBaO1SZFgLJVsn64Hc5wpwxZxnDxX3nyaiyLY7NAQQomnIiHjI6~aUYi0kJ2LQzIlGlFnTI9R6NNSHiDMC4PGKVQ-6JKY~kVjIxRQkjSwigGni-NJXvKQQC-XFnnPL7uoNPFPBRPXOUTh1G~ijq5IITBBsPG8D0CdwToDQu0XiN7Zo3jkKEpLCFLPiYnv5OYnD4uYOnf9ChI7Lv33oBWMXf-zIJ0V18rKZ05blKs2VlNWcIhD12kLI-FvKA4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Karen Hassler, Butte-Silver Bow finance and budget director, presented preliminary property-valuation figures from the Montana Department of Revenue at the July 16 council meeting and explained how recent state law changes affect taxable value and local budgets.

Hassler said market value for the taxing jurisdiction rose from about $5,000,168,000 in tax year 2024 to roughly $7,000,000,000 in the preliminary 2025 numbers, but that taxable value (the number used to calculate most levies) fell slightly—about $327,000—because the 2023 legislative session changed tax-rate tiers that reduce the taxable portion of market value. “We are at 99.5% of what the taxable value was last year,” she told commissioners, and said the administration based early budget planning on a status-quo assumption.

The council moved multiple budget items and public hearings at the request of Director Hassler and Commissioner Thatcher. Commissioners voted to reschedule the fiscal-year 2026 budget presentation to Aug. 6, 2025, and to move public hearings on metro sewer rates and solid-waste rates to Aug. 13 and Aug. 13 respectively; the motions passed by recorded votes.

Hassler cautioned the numbers were preliminary: centrally assessed values (large utilities and other state-assessed properties) were not yet included and property owners may file valuation protests that could change final taxable values. She said department staff will receive certified values in August and will follow up with updated, certified figures.

Questions from commissioners focused on the drivers of value change in specific taxing jurisdictions and whether new construction or depreciation (in the case of certain industrial districts with personal property) explained the variances. Hassler said some districts reflected commercial development (for example, a Harrison Avenue URD showed an increase) while others with high personal property content showed declines because of depreciation.

Action and next steps: The council formally rescheduled the FY26 presentation and associated public hearings; staff will return with certified Department of Revenue values when available and proceed through the normal public process for final budget adoption and rate-setting.","Finance Director Karen Hassler told commissioners the county's preliminary market value rose but taxable value was essentially flat due to recent state legislation; the council moved several budget hearings and the formal FY26 presentation to August dates.",{"_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},6168282,"EPA updates Butte-Silver Bow commissioners on Superfund work, residential sampling and repository siting",1768,1113000,2881000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e&start=1113&end=2881","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e/thumbnail_1113000.jpg","/articles/6168282/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/EPA-updates-Butte-Silver-Bow-commissioners-on-Superfund-work-residential-sampling-and-repository-siting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168282-6a6e3f5682ddf6721d31a8ad7a73635e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969905&Signature=QaBWOlOPbcQ8H4H-DasmVStd2nLp35JZJWijQeKDtzYC6L2BM9WoOgjIj5C02h94dxYOBcgP0oqT3fWO12uQiCPutOg4TDsTLtLiiePZjvh1jOLQr6TknHtuPCTdxhQttkhje4gAkdGa4lSqSVguQZu0pubWf8mhxJTFOdkmRvv7ZsKXchhZ1fYpjNMDcv59OhM4RwB1Qc2fttT0rcKeP69x4bO9uzYKSwRp08KJXVNqEHouQ3Zm79BlRydovUETaIMRgICGzmzSMUS-NZ1d2XNfShtCCw0LbDaJxULpzACbWnbzwdKGtmB4e0Wl4AGpSS4QiT5-T4Igt~NmClF~gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","EPA project staff gave a detailed presentation to the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on July 16 covering the status of several operable units at the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund site.

The agency described three operable units that most directly affect the Butte community: Westside Soils (characterization phase), Butte Priority Soils (remedial action and post-construction in many areas) and the Mine Flooding Operable Unit (Berkeley Pit remedial action). “The Mine Flooding Operable Unit's currently in remedial action,” Jason Rappi, the project manager for the mine flooding unit, said. Rappi said the Berkeley Pit pilot project met its objectives and the team expects to complete the pilot’s steady-state assessment this summer and to begin a remedial-action-adequacy review.

Work in Butte Priority Soils continues under two enforcement mechanisms: a 2020 consent decree that governs corridor and large-scale projects and a 2011 unilateral administrative order (amended 2020) that covers residential cleanup. EPA staff said responsible parties are conducting many of the design and construction projects under EPA oversight; examples include the Grove Gulch stormwater sediment capture project (under construction, expected to finish this year) and other corridor stormwater basins such as Diggings East. Emma Rott, who supports Westside and Butte Priority Soils, said Grove Gulch will not be open for public use, though other corridor projects will be developed into public parks with walkways and benches when complete.

On Westside Soils, EPA said a remedial investigation published last fall found lead, arsenic and manganese in soils, groundwater and surface water across approximately 6,000 acres. A feasibility study is in draft and targeted for completion by the end of 2025. The agency is still completing a potentially responsible-party search in that operable unit.

Residential metals abatement remains a priority. Molly Roby and team members reported an expanded sampling effort: they expect to have sampled roughly 470 residential yards by Aug. 1, with more field work continuing into fall. Roby emphasized EPA is reviewing hundreds of public comments on a 2024 proposed plan that lowered the prior lead cleanup level and is coordinating with EPA headquarters (Office of Land and Emergency Management) before issuing an amended Record of Decision. “We are working as fast as we can, but we are definitely waiting for some additional guidance,” Roby said.

Repository siting: EPA staff said a repository siting committee — convened after the 2020 consent decree — narrowed candidate locations and that Atlantic Richfield and Butte-Silver Bow expect to issue a final recommendations report soon; EPA will review and concur as regulator. Staff said roughly 1,100,000 cubic yards of corridor material will require placement in a repository to complete corridor construction.

Community engagement: EPA summarized outreach the team has expanded in 2025, including revamped web materials, monthly emails, school outreach packets for families, coordination with the Butte-Silver Bow health department and planned public interviews as part of the five-year review process. EPA also noted work with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and local medical providers on health-provider outreach and the Medical Monitoring Working Group.

What the council asked: Commissioners asked about domestic wells in the Westside area, counts and status of unreclaimed and insufficiently reclaimed sites, headquarters' role in the lead-level decision, and repository timeline. EPA staff answered that residential wells (about 40 sampled in the area) were used for characterization and that unreclaimed/insufficiently reclaimed areas are progressing through remedial design and construction; staff offered to follow up with detailed counts. On lead cleanup numbers, Roby said EPA is coordinating with headquarters and awaiting national guidance before finalizing decisions.

No formal council action was taken on the presentation; EPA staff said they would continue outreach and return with milestone updates, and that the site’s five-year review process will begin to solicit public interviews next year (due summer 2026).","EPA Region 8 staff briefed the council on multiple operating units at the Silver Bow Creek/Butte area Superfund site, reporting progress on residential sampling, design work for corridor stormwater controls, Berkeley Pit pilot objectives and an imminent repository siting recommendation.",{"_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},6168287,"Butte-Silver Bow refers urban camping ordinance to judiciary after months of complaints in Emma Park",5398,178000,5576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e&start=178&end=5576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408296-6817ea81b0e10c33a95b72d0d7d1665e/thumbnail_178000.jpg","/articles/6168287/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Butte-Silver-Bow-refers-urban-camping-ordinance-to-judiciary-after-months-of-complaints-in-Emma-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168287-b5b3577937e10b280a4c21c6e4d89075/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969905&Signature=L5hl~hX3LQi84868hNNLfGpPpNP0BdER2cV050tjfW79jJTmJkEh58JccaoOMMBHPzsu4jMEaLDf9sCDtDHHtA5DyWmyq9WPmDtzRP8qN3D8v3X4CgHOHuCmGksXo9K~o9ogIucAJnHQsnSKAWcivLhp7C6UJXzWRT7XHS0pVcz~BSInU6Cu1UopQZl-92mECb0TSES3JvdL-MJyFvr1pFwJLSEGx0p3BRTMgC4qgFMMuX8T-DEVob~A4dYdltYWDKy-p39n4ZcrPXMWeqo4F4iLxyBu7Aotwj~DN~ZdRTTTYwURximNudnUoEbPJf0zK~IqwI4l7VJ6qwHEUsbu0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","When the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners opened public comment on July 16, multiple neighbors urged the council to act on unsanctioned camping and encampments in and around Emma Park and other public spaces. Commissioner Trudy Healy moved to refer the matter to the Judiciary Committee; the council voted 9-0 to send the item for drafting and review.

The referral grew out of public testimony describing repeated incidents in the neighborhood. “It doesn't feel safe,” James Madison, 116 West Silver Street, said of camping near Emma Park. “There's no sanitary facilities. It's just something needs to be done.” Dave Hutchins, who also identified himself as an Emma Park resident, said the issue is homelessness and urged services rather than a simple regulation: “We need to provide mental health care. We need to provide affordable housing. We need to provide dignity with things like public restrooms.”

Why it matters: Commissioners and residents said repeated calls to law enforcement have not resolved recurring encampments, and some neighbors described theft, threats and vandalism they attribute to people camping nearby. Commissioner Healy told the council she had received more than 75 calls to law enforcement about campers in and around Emma Park over the previous year and referenced two individuals charged with felonies in those incidents.

Discussion at the meeting emphasized legal and practical limits on enforcement. County Attorney Ann Ruth cautioned the council to consider enforcement capacity and program design before adopting an ordinance: any new permit or camping-permit program will require a local administrative system to issue and renew permits, and it could increase burdens on law enforcement and the jail. Ruth said, “If we're going to start looking at arresting people and putting them in jail for camping… [we must consider] the strain that it will put on Sheriff Lester's police force and the jail.”

Commissioners also noted experience elsewhere. Chief Executive Gallagher referenced Bozeman and Missoula, saying those cities have had to “rethink” approaches because congregating people in designated encampments can mix unhoused people with those who have mental-health or criminal issues and create new problems.

Decision and next steps: The council voted to refer communication 2025-5374 to the Judiciary Committee for ordinance drafting and legal review. County Attorney Ruth asked committee members to prepare questions about permit terms, enforcement mechanisms, who would administer permits, and the operational impacts on law enforcement and corrections before the item reaches committee. The referral does not itself create a permit program or new penalties; it begins a drafting and review process.

Community context and trade-offs: Public speakers framed the topic as both a public-safety and a humanitarian issue—some asked for clearer rules about where camping is not allowed, while others urged more services, housing and sanitary facilities. The council and staff flagged trade-offs the Judiciary Committee must weigh: enforcement capacity, potential displacement of encampments, the county’s legal authority after recent U.S. Supreme Court guidance referenced during the discussion, and the need to coordinate social services and law enforcement. The County Attorney emphasized the need to draft an ordinance that aligns with local enforcement resources.

Provenance: Public comments by James Madison (s=178–202), Dave Hutchins (s=364–378), Rusty Esterbrook (s=535–579) and others; formal referral motion and vote recorded at (s=5438–5760).","Commissioners voted unanimously to refer a proposal to draft an ordinance regulating urban camping to the Judiciary Committee after multiple residents described safety, sanitation and enforcement problems around Emma Park and other public spaces.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council places Phillips 66 foreign-trade-zone operations agreement on file; annual fee and one-time application to fund local program

Butte-Silver Bow finance director: taxable value roughly unchanged; budget presentations rescheduled

EPA updates Butte-Silver Bow commissioners on Superfund work, residential sampling and repository siting

Butte-Silver Bow refers urban camping ordinance to judiciary after months of complaints in Emma Park