Granite County commissioners move to remove study‑commission member amid complaints of disruption

Granite County commissioners opened a prolonged discussion on complaints about Dr. Gary Snyder's conduct as a member of the Local Government Study Commission and moved to remove him for cause.

Commissioners described meetings of the study commission as repeatedly disrupted by Snyder, citing accusations that he diverted meeting topics to the Montana Constitution, declared himself chair without quorum and threatened litigation against the county and county attorney. Several commissioners and the county’s ex‑officio representative said the conduct led two commission members to resign.

A motion to remove Dr. Snyder was made, seconded and carried; commissioners instructed staff to draft a removal letter for signature and return the item to the agenda next week for finalization. Commissioners discussed attaching recorded meeting audio to the county’s materials and noted a pending motion to dismiss related litigation.

Commissioners also debated appointment of new study‑commission members. After public comment that included an applicant disputing prior public statements, commissioners amended a prior decision and voted to accept Elena Gagliano’s application to join the study commission; they agreed to keep the application process open for an additional week to solicit one more applicant and to confirm quorum arrangements.

No court action was taken at the meeting; commissioners said a formal letter of removal will be drafted and reviewed before final action next week.