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Study Commission hears arguments for fewer, full‑time commissioners and at‑large seats
Summary
Commissioners on June 30 discussed reducing the number of seats, shifting some posts to full‑time paid positions, and possible at‑large/district mixes. Speakers cited budget implications, representation tradeoffs and mapping challenges for rural versus urban voters.
Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission, Butte — On June 30 commissioners debated whether reducing the number of council seats and converting some or all to full‑time, salaried positions would improve responsiveness and oversight.
Commissioner John Morgan reviewed current budget figures and said the 2025 budget shows compensation for 11 commissioners at about $103,763 and the chair at $12,569 — a total he estimated would be roughly $116,000 if recombined. “You’re not gonna get 3 full time commissioners at a 116,000,” Morgan said, adding that any move to full‑time positions would require a new salary study and additional budget allocations.
Speakers proposed different models. Commissioner William Anderson recommended a mixed model with district and at‑large seats; he suggested the top at‑large vote‑getter serve as mayor in his proposed plan. Commissioner Trudy Healy said she is “an advocate for full time commissioners” and suggested six full‑time members could better address constituent needs. Commissioner Matt Stepin and others said the community needs a careful cost‑benefit analysis before committing to larger payroll costs.
Several commissioners raised representation and mapping questions. Commissioner Dan Callahan and Commissioner Dan Dennehy emphasized the county’s geographic diversity and the difficulty of ensuring fair representation for rural residents if seats are consolidated. Chair Raelynn Bridal and others suggested outside assistance for redrawing boundaries and noted at‑large seats can concentrate power in higher‑turnout neighborhoods.
No vote was taken. Study Commission members said they would collect additional budget data, request salary comparables from other jurisdictions and include public outreach about tradeoffs in any future recommendation to the Charter review process.
