Town Council Meeting Sparks Debate Over Member Conduct and Budget Workshop Minutes

During the recent Town Council meeting in Stevensville, Montana, held on July 26, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding council conduct and procedural matters, reflecting the community's expectations for transparency and professionalism.

One of the most notable moments came from public comment, where resident Sue Deborah expressed her concerns about a previous meeting incident involving Council Member Barker's public accusation against Council Member Smith for allegedly falling asleep during a budget meeting. Deborah criticized Barker for addressing the issue in front of the public rather than discussing it privately, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and respect among council members. She referenced the council's own rules regarding behavior, highlighting that such public disputes could undermine the council's credibility and the trust of the townspeople, who ultimately pay their salaries.

The council proceeded to approve the minutes from previous meetings, including the town council meeting on June 26 and the budget workshop on July 8, 2025, with minimal discussion. The motions passed with votes reflecting a consensus among council members, although some members were absent or abstained.

Financial matters were also a focal point of the meeting, particularly the approval of biweekly claims. Council Member Brown raised questions about claims related to water rights and the costs associated with IT services, indicating ongoing concerns about the management of municipal resources. The council discussed the status of water rights filings and the need for clarity on contracts related to IT services, particularly in light of cybersecurity considerations.

The meeting concluded without major resolutions on some issues, particularly regarding the ongoing discussions about IT services and water rights, suggesting that these topics will require further attention in future meetings. Overall, the council's discussions underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism and transparency in local governance, as well as the community's active engagement in holding elected officials accountable.