[{"_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",6145325,"mediaKeyId","5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c","parentId",5532963,"title","Granite County commissioners adjust road fund priorities, reserve funds and equipment plans","audioSeconds",1641,"startMs",571000,"endMs",2212000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c&start=571&end=2212","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c/thumbnail_571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145325/Granite-County/Montana/Granite-County-commissioners-adjust-road-fund-priorities-reserve-funds-and-equipment-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145325-ee0e942b23d96fa3712f526004b16f97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159009&Signature=Y5PEZB-dLkqC0fKjim4zTdloDE7LQTfexMcptTBK1q~W4Wrd5qCZzT21mOWnK5sBa0hPSNtVUIbaXggKAK6XL7L1rooPdh0JIw1q9~w6PheTmMOgu-OxGEPhc~EgKbNXsdqdwH22Z7jXfnr8x3nxKho0QD-hiQv7iV9Qjrc3QaUdTvGBcphVRzkSg43yyX4s8WsSomItpydn3pGVL2inuIrolnDNFkojO0TlWeUZeLY21FS5PHLynFm7QENjGscag5tXMTYtGgHzGkboyYzEGHis6K-kEUHQLAW9xi67MZPjCV5QnHmCVghzktkVHeEOKEFvULY7b3IH~CKfFkKOHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Granite County, MT","date","2025-08-05T19:01:28Z","article","Granite County commissioners and road department staff agreed this week to reconfigure the road fund budget for the coming fiscal year, shifting money between line items to cover a large jump in gravel and contracted services while holding travel and repairs near prior-year levels.

County leaders said the changes respond to higher materials and rental costs and to one-time equipment needs identified by road staff. The commissioners kept repairs and maintenance at $100,000, set travel/fuel at $100,000, raised the roads and streets line to $200,000 and trimmed supplies to $40,000; they also earmarked roughly $20,000 toward capital outlay to help buy a belly-dump truck if the county elects not to lease. The county also confirmed roughly $11,003.95 remained in a prior LATCF capital line that could be applied to equipment purchases.

Why it matters: Road maintenance is the county’s most visible operating service and is sensitive to swings in fuel, gravel and rental-equipment prices. Commissioners said the larger roads-and-streets allocation reflects this year’s unusually heavy gravel purchases and more rental of compaction rollers and drums.

Most urgent facts: Road staff told commissioners they hauled about 13,000 cubic yards of gravel last year and expect about 15,000 this year; they also reported a single-year spike in purchase of large grader tires (a single set or pair recorded as roughly $12,000) and repeated rental of a compaction roller (five rental months in the fiscal year, about $6,500 per month). Road staff asked for $200,000 in the roads-and-streets line because last year the line ran roughly $91,768 over the originally budgeted $100,000.

Key details and context: Commissioners and staff discussed a short-term plan to cover rental costs (roller rentals and occasional leased belly-dump trucks) versus buying. The road office reported it had rented a belly-dump for about $13,600 for four months in a recent period and that one leased unit later broke beyond repair. Staff said the county has about $11,003.95 available in its LATCF outlay account that could be applied to an outright purchase if leaders choose to do so rather than continue to lease. Commissioners directed staff to prioritize short-term rentals where necessary but to aggressively explore used-equipment purchases for spring when a purchase would be less rushed.

Staff and commissioners also noted one-off costs that drove last year’s overruns: extended grader warranty premiums, extra roller/drum rentals during a concentrated paving season, and larger-than-expected gravel purchases after the county’s own pit supplies were reduced. Commissioners asked staff to monitor expenditures more frequently throughout the fiscal year so unexpected midyear purchases do not create large year-end shortfalls.

What the commissioners decided and next steps: By roll-call discussion the board agreed to the revised package that keeps repairs and travel at $100,000 each, sets roads and streets at $200,000, sets supplies at $40,000 and leaves a modest capital outlay allocation to pursue a belly dump purchase or lease depending on negotiated terms. Commissioners also asked staff to return with a detailed capital plan showing any tradeoffs and to catalog rental costs (roller/drum) as part of the other-purchased services line so future decisions are clearer.

Ending: The county’s road office will continue to operate under current service levels while staff and commissioners monitor fuel prices, gravel needs and equipment availability; staff said they will bring a refined capital proposal and a quarterly monitoring schedule to the board for the next quarterly review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","August 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Granite County commissioners and road department staff agreed this week to reconfigure the road fund budget for the coming fiscal year, shifting money between line items to cover a large jump in gravel and contracted services while holding travel and repairs near prior-year levels.","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},6145305,"Commissioners and towns begin coordinated push on long-running delinquent tax rolls",693,11805000,12498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c&start=11805&end=12498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c/thumbnail_11805000.jpg","/articles/6145305/Granite-County/Montana/Commissioners-and-towns-begin-coordinated-push-on-long-running-delinquent-tax-rolls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145305-a4d472de5dbd32523e760ed180e584b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159009&Signature=o7TxD2sqqixufe6uNX1grSP3Boz5ZuioSwlGZzbDk9mfCfvOWrFKuwbICaC460RHFyoK~fNfn1eL3Dizpu19vx-GxSw7RUZuI~L3qqm6kOmAHzGHpqascAP3OJBMa8FFbh1ZHkmfYs~jUlnCP8cZF7xqC29IJb0Q2psWlA44QCil-rL0uExcGu3CGe8BWI9MWVmVOzJwBX~Q8Z695QYBNGDYFUChUWadwC34J7h8e6Ym3ytdaSoAKSLDAnJHUT~0cG34Cc8j5AHlNSFm0JUwHpTe-bqi-SqeQNlLSd0CdRIYrRCbFOUbzVH9tqPbZjKWY37UuIBjz5QnwIIknGKU7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners, the county treasurer’s office and town officials agreed to coordinate more assertive steps to address long-running delinquent property taxes after the treasurer provided an updated list of accounts that in some instances go back many years.

What prompted the discussion: Commissioners and a group of town clerks (Phillipsburg and Drummond were represented) reviewed a county-produced delinquent roll that included personal-property and real-property accounts three or more years in arrears. Several towns reported that posting the delinquent list publicly reduced the number of outstanding accounts and prompted payments; they recommended a coordinated public-notice strategy and a clear stepwise enforcement plan.

Proposed next steps and tools discussed: Participants discussed (1) sending certified delinquent notices and publishing a public delinquent list in the newspaper and on social media (town-level and county-level), (2) working with the treasurer to confirm which accounts already have county liens and which require additional statutory foreclosure steps, (3) assessing environmental or title risks that might make foreclosure and resale impractical for particular parcels, and (4) offering the public payment-plan options or escrow arrangements coordinated by the treasurer where appropriate.

Legal and administrative points: County counsel and the treasurer’s office will follow statutory procedures before any foreclosure action; commissioners were briefed that mortgagees and other senior lienholders may have priority over the county’s tax lien, which affects expected recovery. The treasurer said that foreclosing is an available remedy where liens are clear and title risk is acceptable, and acknowledged the need for a clear communications plan so residents understand consequences and options.

Outcome: The commissioners asked the treasurer to supply an updated list and recommended that the county and towns meet the following week to define a communications and enforcement schedule; the treasurer will report updated collections and any responses to the first public notices.","County leaders, town clerks and the treasurer discussed strategies to accelerate collection of multi-year delinquent property taxes, including public notices, foreclosure preparation and outreach for payment plans",{"_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},6145310,"Library board reappoints member and previews plan for mill-levy renewal to expand services",163,8212000,8375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c&start=8212&end=8375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c/thumbnail_8212000.jpg","/articles/6145310/Granite-County/Montana/Library-board-reappoints-member-and-previews-plan-for-mill-levy-renewal-to-expand-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145310-8bc3631c3b72f81d5d5a83d58ae7c537/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159009&Signature=MQLD96lVnDfWf1-nAfZcx~9vXe-Zs-KxFXa-oyPGyc0CRAT1rrg-z5CeCFvTuJeNeJDlYOZKuk~EAB8iNQ-0uSiRTy1Tqm-O7r4o~SbwSuhDvHYRbx6NXxro8LfoRYywOtTnfxUOxiQAYruwChmu4FaJq8f5BLaTYeku0obwR~d2-azRDiaWM~6V3zoWAKsIKZJovdYEMYc1ujEiS6i7mwsWFoyb6FMocX0-fz3mCqilLjbRIHVB3IUXaEx1p0QOZS5hvXD4Sotsc2TlQrRKQj2BV8hUqBG-xD0tGDXlRR3TqyodlgAR05SBVgrCLrlpQJPbJ7q~JGaGWYhLX9rXwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite County library board asked county commissioners to reappoint Linda Graham to a new five-year term and presented the library’s 2025 budget and usage numbers, which the board said support a future mill-levy request.

Why it matters: The library reported a marked increase in visits, circulation and program offerings over recent years, while operating support from the county has been stable. Library leaders said they intend to prepare a mill-levy request for placement on the November 2026 ballot so any new revenue could take effect in 2027.

Key points: The library reported visits rising from about 5,200 to roughly 14,720 year-over-year and circulation increasing from 5,318 to 8,001. Program offerings grew from about 105 to 261. The board told commissioners the library currently supplements county funds through grants and Friends of the Library donations and that a mill-levy would provide more predictable operating revenue for staffing and programming. Insurance and rental income dynamics were discussed; trustees noted donated revenue from Friends and grants covers some payroll expenses.

Action taken: Commissioners approved reappointment of Linda Graham to a five-year term on the library board. Library representatives asked the commission to help coordinate the timing and administrative steps needed to place a levy question on the November 2026 ballot; commissioners agreed to begin planning in the fall.

Ending: Library leaders said they will return with a draft ballot measure and an outreach plan; commissioners asked staff to schedule follow-up discussions before the deadline for ballot placement.","The library board won reappointment of Linda (Glenda) Graham and reviewed rising usage and program numbers; trustees said they plan to pursue a mill-levy ballot measure in 2026 to secure more stable operating funds for the library",{"_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},6145315,"Commissioners approve $9,250 amendment for courthouse roof redesign; elevator work moves toward final inspection",192,7464000,7656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c&start=7464&end=7656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c/thumbnail_7464000.jpg","/articles/6145315/Granite-County/Montana/Commissioners-approve-9250-amendment-for-courthouse-roof-redesign-elevator-work-moves-toward-final-inspection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145315-eaf19f9d44cf02656377b418eddfdc71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159009&Signature=nhKFbWiNYRvHXZXQmcprqK1pTdWMtcmJLqgBfB~YTurMNK79Tmhry~C3O0QNAxM~67z1fqQKCdxrtQ12dYEythAj1mD7tkUbV4k4Su5FSfD086yieVirymwY-sFAOARLz8ekfY2H3MEwx-eMslnjP8Nm8oLbNR6RRq4A5TSauuottnBmenGcc7xS08rHj2JD~niDOzjZulbJU60v-KjdrAtuH~bW3ThWy3dJja8lVB3e7vPqnhRlm5He9NPZUrggeeYK1hwUnd12rT2eKeoG~jTHfEEiHoocwTq6YxK2kLbWPluLp18xRXAlncUbsvZhP6wLuYRILzRA4OzdCoqKcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite County commissioners approved a $9,250 amendment to the Slate Architecture contract to revise details and prepare a re-bid of the county courthouse reroofing project. Scott Cromwell of Slate Architecture told the board that the amendment covers additional drawing time and construction-administration carryover while the design team reduces scope to lower bid prices.

Why it matters: Bids on the full-scope roof project came in higher than expected; the amendment funds a targeted redesign intended to reduce material and carpentry scope so the project can be re-bid in a less competitive season and (the architects argue) return a lower construction price.

Details and context: Slate said the new approach will avoid extensive brick reconstruction and large parapet flashings where the existing brick appears serviceable; instead the design will use termination flashing and a reduced carpentry scope to lower costs. The architects also plan to add insulation to improve building thermal performance. Commissioners approved the amendment after discussion and a recorded motion.

Courtroom and elevator update: Separately, county maintenance staff reported that elevator contractors had replaced key components and expected to complete the primary entry-phase work by Thursday of the same week; drywall and tile subcontractors were scheduled to follow. Payment applications for construction work were delayed for June and July while staff finalize administrative approvals; the county will see two pay applications in a follow-up meeting once the construction pay app is signed.

Outcome and next steps: The board approved Slate Architecture’s $9,250 amendment and asked the project manager to schedule a January re-bid for a spring construction start. Maintenance staff will continue to coordinate elevator final inspection and scaffolding removal and will bring any pay applications for commissioner approval.","Architect Slate Architecture received a $9,250 contract amendment to redraw details and re-bid a scaled-back courthouse roof project; contractors also reported progress on the courthouse elevator and interior finishes with a pending final inspection",{"_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},6145320,"Solid-waste manager role and policy gaps drawn into focus during commissioners meeting",4544,499000,5043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c&start=499&end=5043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532963-2b03e78ddff52f1fae15ca057b51e34c/thumbnail_499000.jpg","/articles/6145320/Granite-County/Montana/Solid-waste-manager-role-and-policy-gaps-drawn-into-focus-during-commissioners-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145320-02b2f39586dd8cb4c4eeece2bcf678c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159009&Signature=BbVsCGkIKZ7AIXJ1m1iTVJKKsCo1mqYCnFKZu3f4DEeV8iMKD1PGhTxTd4lsROwtKXSQsFKmqhtdMRIzccezRYhVWVfIjBTY20cs0KPB9SR4Hxiqha12GTE~NonZNuF7F4ovmk4PJG6GGKTRFzdZ2QVL3M1fD5T~xaPwVMCqFfFk3obUx2OoX6RKkgEKygjARJnAFIyLxt~5pq5o2WkgZBa1IhkaaRJbClh4IGuDw4Wu~KYqSsfZpM9xXh7pd6cxlI-DtdB7NYN3udcADatgb06njA5n2ReVAZhFx3~3vCpQfMsvd4wNi0XAnxBu5AfT1yqseYmWWP6n37owrhHXFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite County solid-waste program and its job descriptions were examined in detail at the board meeting after the county removed a dedicated solid-waste manager position and shifted responsibilities to county staff.

The county solid-waste employee described gaps between current practice and what published policy documents describe. The worker said she is following long-standing practices but found the county’s online policies had not been updated to reflect changes made earlier this year. She asked the commission to clarify who has final authority for program decisions and requested updated, actionable guidance for routine tasks such as recordkeeping, scale maintenance and billing records.

Why it matters: Solid-waste operations include public-facing hours, billing and environmental compliance. Unclear responsibilities and outdated policy documents create operational risk and public confusion.

What was discussed: The solid-waste staff noted the program’s published policy on the county website still shows a 2023 revision while a more recent update dated 03/04/2025 had not been posted; staff said that gap led to repeated questions from users about hours and fees. The staff member also described day-to-day operational needs: maintaining a scale that can freeze in winter, storing accepted appliances (doors removed) while complying with regional EPA recycling guidance, and procuring small equipment such as a pressure washer to clear debris from the on-site vehicle scale. The staff member asked for a clarified contact pathway: the board is the authority to approve policy but staff need a single, short-term point of contact for urgent repairs and purchases.

Commissioners’ response and direction: Commissioners told the solid-waste employee that routine purchasing and emergency maintenance requests can now be routed directly through the clerk and recorder’s office or to a designated commissioner contact in cases requiring immediate action. Commissioners agreed to work with staff to update the posted policies, to confirm how the 03/04/2025 update is published on the county website, and to make sure the solid-waste manager (title referenced in older documents) duties are aligned with current staffing. Commissioners also suggested the clerk and recorder can assist with procurement for small items such as a pressure washer.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to bring back a short list of specific policy edits and a prioritized equipment request list; the board also asked that public-facing hours and any changes be clearly posted online so residents calling the facility receive consistent information.","The county’s solid-waste operations and job descriptions drew sustained questioning from commissioners and the solid-waste manager, who asked for clearer policies and a defined chain of responsibility after organizational changes removed a dedicated manager position.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Granite County commissioners adjust road fund priorities, reserve funds and equipment plans

Commissioners and towns begin coordinated push on long-running delinquent tax rolls

Library board reappoints member and previews plan for mill-levy renewal to expand services

Commissioners approve $9,250 amendment for courthouse roof redesign; elevator work moves toward final inspection

Solid-waste manager role and policy gaps drawn into focus during commissioners meeting