Commission approves construction bid, contracts, HR changes and multiple plats; several administrative items passed by voice vote

The Flathead County Board of Commissioners approved a series of administrative and land-use actions by voice vote at its regular meeting on Jan. 8, 2025, including a construction contract award, a design agreement for a new justice center, a CIP amendment, HR staffing changes in the sheriff’s detention unit, two final plats, a zone change and approval of a preliminary subdivision.

The most immediate approvals were the award of the Blankenship Erosion Control Project to Olympus Technical Services of Helena for $529,345.70 and the county’s signature of an Elevatus Architectural agreement for programming and conceptual design of a new justice center and adult detention center for $128,000. Commissioners approved a CIP amendment to buy a heavy-duty toolbox for the Weed and Parks mechanical shop for $11,000.

The board also approved HR transmittals to convert five part-time detention officer positions to full-time positions and to add a detention sergeant (support services) job description; commissioners were told the change reflects hours already being worked by the existing officers and that DOC contract revenue has helped offset the cost. The board adopted Resolution No. 2628 to increase membership of the Tax Appeal Board from three to five members to reduce quorum risks.

On land-use matters commissioners granted final plat approval for Rufus Meadows & Oppenland and Mountain View…