Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Weed Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pondera County approves $19,000 MDT weed-spraying contract; commissioners raise staffing concerns
Summary
The commission approved a $19,000 annual contract with the Montana Department of Transportation to spray noxious weeds along state route rights of way in Pondera County for the 2025–2026 year, and discussed staffing and prioritization for the county weed coordinator.
Pondera County commissioners on July 2 approved a $19,000 contract with the Montana Department of Transportation to spray listed noxious weeds within the rights of way of state routes in the county for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 term.
The contract, described as an annual agreement, increases the county payment from $18,000 in prior years to $19,000 for 2025–2026. It includes a clarified requirement that prioritization of rights-of-way or any excluded areas to be controlled for noxious weeds will be agreed upon by both parties prior to initiating the spraying season.
During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about the county weed coordinator's available staff and whether the MDT contract — which requires reporting and is paid based on completed work — could prevent timely spraying of county roads. One commissioner asked whether the coordinator had already completed last year’s work and noted that quarterly submission of work is required to receive funds. Commissioners discussed meeting with the coordinator to set priorities and establish a timeline; the transcript indicates a plan to meet on the 10th to follow up.
The contract allows either party to terminate with or without cause by providing written notice at least 30 days before the desired date of termination. Commissioners moved and seconded approval; the motion carried on the record. No roll-call vote was provided in the transcript.
