[{"_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",6187003,"mediaKeyId","5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d","parentId",5073100,"title","Public and commissioners press for clearer oversight of advisory boards, contracts and spending","audioSeconds",7443,"startMs",143000,"endMs",7586000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d&start=143&end=7586","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d/thumbnail_143000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187003/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Public-and-commissioners-press-for-clearer-oversight-of-advisory-boards-contracts-and-spending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187003-a4515cd6b3783f58f75012894d16cfb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775075355&Signature=CTlFTFfTNW~E7En1z~dE~1ZwhRtM1kDOCsGG1-hTmkb2X~7nnWuTSQ-COwNkPNSiA4CChU0F9q9sM7NVLwPuLYQ-hQ4SuTdVhHz~2DXuRm6hX2G3XDK0DHDnqgVFa~YS5GKwDrH2730m-shPW4DYspokxd~ZliKz9wvtBPE0zCzWjEboE11xToDsDolTy46E38u2-elsjsZhljDF3HAR8b3~vsDvRPIPQR9JQTFR3VEu4qojvWZUNi5e0774um2ukFEsbrcHoa91FpDfDekftwiktS5cTb89nrXs~0gPZMRh9vdhJbtD4pbVxMjRmiBOOtAOP~0Uk0MnofZdddU~nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Butte-Silver Bow, MT","date","2025-06-25T22:56:51.61Z","article","During public comment at the June 23 meeting, Arder van Rupp, representing the Greeley Neighborhood Community Development Corporation, urged the Study Commission to clarify whether duties described in the Butte‑Silver Bow Charter are mandatory or discretionary.

\"We are still waiting for a reply as to whether or not duties as stated in this section are mandated or optional,\" Arder van Rupp said, asking the Study Commission to recommend clearer charter language if needed. Van Rupp specifically referenced \"Section 3.03, powers and duties of the Council of Commissioners.\"

In a later submitted email read into the record by a public speaker, Diana Olson McLeod asked for more transparency in county business: she urged posting meeting minutes, publishing scanned contracts, and conducting periodic external audits of county finances. The email was entered into the meeting record and will be placed with public comments.

Several commissioners responded on substance. Commissioner Russell O'Leary acknowledged the charter language but questioned whether practice matches written duties, noting the charter calls for the council to \"annually evaluate the goals set by the chief executive and publish them in the newspaper.\" Commissioner Cindy Shaw, a member of an earlier study commission, noted the charter's expectation that goals be developed and evaluated annually and said she was unsure it has consistently occurred.

Commissioner Patty Thatcher told the Study Commission that weekly expenditure lists are available on the county website, noting that the weekly claims and budget materials identify recipients and amounts. She said those documents provide a degree of transparency on expenditures.

The Study Commission did not formalize a policy change at the June 23 meeting. Commissioners and staff discussed next steps: (1) clarify charter language where ambiguous (duties vs. powers), (2) improve public access to contracts and scanned documents, and (3) explore procurement and audit processes — including whether to seek an external audit contract through a competitive bid process.

No binding action or ordinance was adopted at the meeting; commissioners repeatedly stressed that any formal charter amendments would require voter approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 23, 2025, Weekly Study Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public comment and several commissioners on June 23 urged greater transparency around contracts, minutes, and advisory‑board appointments. A public commenter asked whether duties in the charter are mandatory or discretionary; commissioners discussed posting minutes, searchable contract lists and external audits.","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},6187008,"Commissioners and study panel weigh neighborhood councils, outreach to boost public participation",10064,1598000,11662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d&start=1598&end=11662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d/thumbnail_1598000.jpg","/articles/6187008/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Commissioners-and-study-panel-weigh-neighborhood-councils-outreach-to-boost-public-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187008-df54a5b506af5f1a0b1e94fafc394a2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775075355&Signature=QZV08btUPOoF~gHZUxXx-yE1erYNiCMW78TxNO6uO0bMkSKc~ciUWPplOXXc4Hp9NYoouJ6LxgFIwduwXmdqesmGzU2TKqwkf9xxttvvcLb0caWI5HiSaRxIxUEiFdhJOunEr8ZMdw744lj4M4WURjoczWZ62meme~f~laYQYVYsAe~e4GSeb~3Cj71MUrIZyXeATTzK8XqR7ihAz~ad80eNZDak6m9BGTcVwIDWnrBFMZGjldfTQ4v0K7k66kuwFnVAX6rz384P6M0VsNnIw6VyxcVStbSWL8eRyaVlmfofv9IR3siec~28hjsCQuh6N6RXlgh9Mrzh1LhBKoxSyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several sitting commissioners told the Study Commission that low public participation constrains government effectiveness and suggested neighborhood or community councils, newsletters and online outreach to close the gap.

\"I really like the idea of neighborhood councils,\" Commissioner Russell O'Leary said, noting the charter authorizes their creation and saying well‑organized councils could help commissioners hear local concerns more regularly.

Commissioner Michelle Shea and others called public education and easier ways to engage the county \"key\" to better participation. Shea urged more visible outreach and suggested commissioners make themselves available at community events and speak plainly about how local government works so residents feel comfortable testifying.

Several commissioners proposed low‑cost outreach tools: distributing newsletters with utility bills to reach rural residents; creating county‑sponsored Facebook groups or digital neighborhood pages; and holding listening sessions around the county. Commissioner Thomas Walker, representing a rural district, said door‑knocking and walking local trails were effective ways to learn concerns in his area.

Study Commission members agreed to plan public listening sessions; the panel discussed using July for outreach rather than drafting a preliminary report. Commissioners asked staff to design formats that are conversational (not formal public‑comment hearings) and to provide short educational primers before meetings so participants understand the topics under review.

No vote or policy change resulted from the June 23 exchange. Commissioners asked the Study Commission staff to coordinate listening sessions, prepare simple informational handouts, and explore partnerships with community organizations and Montana Tech students to support social‑media outreach.","Multiple commissioners told the Study Commission they support community or neighborhood councils and stepped‑up outreach to improve public participation. Commissioners suggested digital groups, newsletters in utility bills, and in‑person listening sessions as ways to reach rural and younger residents.",{"_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},6187013,"Commissioners split on mayor/city‑manager model vs. current chief executive system",5805,2327000,8132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d&start=2327&end=8132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d/thumbnail_2327000.jpg","/articles/6187013/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Commissioners-split-on-mayorcitymanager-model-vs-current-chief-executive-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187013-6fc7cb5e7c4fdc2d9de86e6b5be3eed3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775075355&Signature=kiX-7eI-UqNgvqoR2lxexAjqCsPcqeQsu7CH1ckIcR3-879GFvUu02BIPM7qWrv9Nc~4draM2ZSA1yAjnWfs9-PtsHsXkYdftk7~QM2z4lqGn8GPARAV5SayfTgheI7ky4hpLx-IuaqSMoOVZwbFVgPH1I6PPKJMoKJecuAw5qBfnRBXjjqqojplBddqSRmoiikLeoCFj13hUe~pyEH-hq6bZ3m8A2JIJttPEXpvImkwcYdXu1Ob3Myfq4L0VDSyTkE8zJomFC940jhUvhEN-XVmXH9rFH9CIEdw4lMrXPajJhi0O3TBOxz8AQh4DOKGVJeQftQCIvkY7Bh0wKlKmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several commissioners told the Study Commission on June 23 they are open to a “city‑manager/mayor” form of government but stressed the outcome would depend on details and implementation.

\"Splitting the role into a mayor for politics and a city manager for administration would allow voters to choose a political leader while the council hires a professional administrator,\" Commissioner Russell O'Leary said, adding the manager could be evaluated and fired if underperforming.

Supporters noted potential benefits: continuity across election cycles, technical expertise for budgeting and public works, and reduced politicization of hiring. O'Leary and several other commissioners told the commission that a professional manager could improve implementation of policy and day‑to‑day operations.

Skeptics raised practical concerns. Commissioner Chad Silk said a city manager model could concentrate power in the legislative branch and warned about costs, recruitment and turnover: \"The average tenure of a city manager is 3 to 4 years,\" Silk said, noting smaller municipalities can become stepping stones for managers seeking larger posts. Several speakers said the county would need clear hiring, evaluation and dismissal processes to maintain accountability.

Other topics during the exchange included contract terms (3–5 years spaced off election cycles was suggested), whether the mayor should be full‑time or largely ceremonial, and staffing implications for council support. Commissioner Jim Fisher and others said the mayor could serve as the council chair and be elected at‑large, with managerial oversight handled by the hired manager.

The Study Commission did not take a vote or set a recommended path. Commissioners emphasized next steps: public outreach and financial analysis to estimate costs for salary, benefits and transition operations. Several members asked the Study Commission to include staggered contract proposals, evaluation requirements for a hired manager, and explicit council oversight measures in any draft charter language.

No formal legal change was proposed at the meeting. Commissioners and public commenters noted that any change to the county’s charter would require voter approval and that the Study Commission’s task is to present options and analyses for public consideration.","At a June 23 Study Commission session, sitting commissioners described pros and cons of shifting to an elected mayor and an appointed city/county manager. Supporters said professional administration could reduce politicized hiring and improve continuity; skeptics cited turnover risk, cost and uncertain local fit.",{"_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},6187018,"Butte-Silver Bow commissioners debate shrinking 12-seat panel in favor of fewer, paid members",9531,653000,10184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d&start=653&end=10184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073100-3a13b0088831aa1756af9b873e26a81d/thumbnail_653000.jpg","/articles/6187018/Silver-Bow-County/Montana/Butte-Silver-Bow-commissioners-debate-shrinking-12-seat-panel-in-favor-of-fewer-paid-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187018-e203d49a9f0887e8995deb4efd5586df/orig.mp4?Expires=1775075355&Signature=iFJnI5HPLws5g2xne3Ff7UMXZTLUXKygr--8SgAtJi6idYHXRqpcZNuh4nrWnLR7jUQbA5QLVMCxvEKNaN8yB0QONRv~GsKFRhlEDukTUYPuE~7-ksoxIRrzr3MvRQrnyE2CaSGvFv5xv4sBCDBwjJHYOJZ8LmkG82Zabov0YnJM8TBEavrQBzdneR8DH3lRwekKgfUUQikiiPl7tI2~xSEwuitlubWuw3x3mhkkAgi0qxisg4wGJgBqQ~SIAMWytZArLBHbVF6T5-48uSxnKLByp8ctA3Asbt8uC77fqT8YxOQELemMKDTru0~VLLfGzsY52TLpso4abwU5ck1PjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Russell O'Leary, a member of the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners, told the Study Commission on June 23 that the county's 12 part‑time commissioners struggle to do the work the public expects and said a smaller, paid council would be more effective.

\"I believe 5, maybe 6, full time or 3 quarter time commissioners will be much more effective than 12 very part time commissioners,\" O'Leary said, arguing commissioners now have insufficient hours to review technical materials or follow up with staff between meetings.

The comment came during a round‑robin of sitting commissioners invited to discuss charter change options. The discussion focused on two central tradeoffs: whether fewer commissioners who are paid a living wage would improve oversight and policy development, and whether reducing seats would weaken geographic representation.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the current, largely volunteer model forces members to rely heavily on department staff and limits time for policy development and constituent outreach. Multiple speakers tied the capacity question to pay: O'Leary suggested a living wage in the $60,000–$80,000 range to attract qualified, full‑time candidates; others said any pay increase must be evaluated against county budget constraints.

Commissioner Jim Fisher (District 6) and Commissioner Chad Silk each said they favor fewer commissioners but differed on electoral structure. Fisher argued at‑large elections would encourage commissioners to serve the whole county, while O'Leary and Commissioner Michelle Shea said at‑large seats risk privileging the areas with higher turnout and could dilute rural representation. O'Leary proposed “pie‑shaped” districts — radial slices from a weighted population center — as one alternative to preserve rural voice.

Cost and representation were recurrent themes. \"If we go that route, I think we do need to pay a living wage to attract talented and hardworking people,\" O'Leary said. Several commissioners countered that raising pay and reducing seats would increase the county payroll materially and should be presented transparently to voters. Commissioner Patrice (Patty) Thatcher, representing a mixed urban district, said she worried that fewer seats would reduce opportunities for new entrants and could accelerate turnover in institutional knowledge.

No formal motion, vote or ordinance was proposed during the meeting. Commissioners generally agreed that any change would require voter approval under the charter and that the study commission should surface multiple options — including keeping 12 part‑time seats, moving to a smaller full‑time council, or creating a hybrid (part‑/full‑time) model — for public consideration.

Discussion points recorded by the study commission included: the proposed salary range (discussed at $60,000–$80,000 by several commissioners), options for district mapping (retaining wards, at‑large seats, or radial \"pie\" districts), and the fiscal impact of adding salaries and benefits. Commissioners also emphasized transition planning, with multiple speakers asking how representation would be protected during any redistricting.

The Study Commission did not set a timeline or vote on a recommendation at the June 23 meeting. Members said they will keep gathering testimony at upcoming public listening sessions before finalizing options to put before voters.","Multiple commissioners told the study commission on June 23 that the county's 12 part‑time commissioner model limits oversight and policy work, and several said a smaller, paid council (five to eight members) would permit deeper engagement. Speakers disagreed about district vs. at‑large election methods and warned of costs and loss of local ties.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public and commissioners press for clearer oversight of advisory boards, contracts and spending

Commissioners and study panel weigh neighborhood councils, outreach to boost public participation

Commissioners split on mayor/city‑manager model vs. current chief executive system

Butte-Silver Bow commissioners debate shrinking 12-seat panel in favor of fewer, paid members