The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution of intent to consolidate the county Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustments and set a public hearing for Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. in Room 3108.

Miss Vickers, planning department staff, told the board the joint body would carry out the same functions the separate boards perform now but would reduce the county’s reliance on volunteers by creating a single panel. "This gives you the opportunity to hear public comment at your September 16 meeting," Vickers said, emphasizing the resolution of intent does not itself enact the consolidation but moves the proposal to a formal public hearing.

The commission voted to set the hearing; no public testimony was taken at Tuesday’s meeting on the consolidation item. Commissioners said they sought to improve efficiency and address ongoing difficulty filling volunteer positions on both boards.