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Study commission sets public open houses, frames questions on charter and fire services; schedules Sept. 22 public hearing
Summary
The commission approved a series of public open houses to gather community input on charter form and structure and on the organization of fire services, discussed outreach materials and survey timing, and agreed to schedule a formal public hearing for Sept. 22, 2025.
Shanna Adams, staff for the Local Government Study Commission, presented draft outreach materials and a proposed open-house format at the commission’s July 28, 2025 meeting. Commissioners reviewed a draft tri-fold flyer, an online survey and a plan to run ‘‘stations’’ at open houses covering: an overview of the commission’s work; form and structure of government; fire services; the commission’s role and next steps; and an ‘‘other topics’’ station for miscellaneous input.
Adams said the open-house format would allow residents to arrive anytime during a two-hour window and visit staffed stations or leave written comments. The commission discussed location choices and timing and agreed to advertise broadly via the county website, social media, local radio, local business groups and flyers. Adams said a QR code linking to an electronic survey could be available at the first open house if commissioners submit survey edits promptly.
Commissioners debated how to handle the contentious issue of fire services—whether to provide structured background and panels of paid and volunteer fire representatives or to keep the event more open. Several commissioners argued for an explanatory board that lays out options (for example, maintain current charter language, create an independent fire services structure, or clarify budgetary authority). County Attorney Matt Enruth explained that state law and charter language affect how volunteer fire districts and career (paid) departments may be structured; he advised that the charter must be explicit if the county wants a single department or different budgetary authorities. Commissioners discussed inviting representatives from Anaconda-Deer Lodge (an example cited in meeting discussion) to describe their model.
After discussion the commission agreed on an initial schedule of public events and a formal public hearing date. Commissioners expressed a preference for evening open houses for the first two sessions to maximize attendance and to place a noon event at a later session targeted to campus or daytime audiences. The meeting recorded these target dates and locations on July 28: an open house in Melrose on August 7, an open house in Butte on August 12 (tentative), a work session on August 18, an open house at the emergency operations center (EOC) on August 26, and a formal public hearing on September 22, 2025. Staff said they would confirm dates and spaces and finalize flyer text and the survey for online distribution.
Commissioners also debated who should staff the fire-services station. Some members said having knowledgeable representatives at that station was necessary to answer detailed questions; others warned that participants paid by the county could create a perception of bias. Several commissioners suggested having both paid and volunteer representatives and simplifying handouts so attendees without technical background could read key options in 10–20 minutes.
No ordinance or charter changes were adopted at the meeting. The commission concluded by directing staff to finalize outreach materials, prepare comment forms and QR-survey links, post the open-house notices in the same manner as regular meetings, and gather written responses at the events for later deliberation and possible recommendations to the council.
