Butte-Silver Bow commissioners debate shrinking 12-seat panel in favor of fewer, paid members

Summary

Multiple commissioners told the study commission on June 23 that the county's 12 part‑time commissioner model limits oversight and policy work, and several said a smaller, paid council (five to eight members) would permit deeper engagement. Speakers disagreed about district vs. at‑large election methods and warned of costs and loss of local ties.

Commissioner Russell O'Leary, a member of the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners, told the Study Commission on June 23 that the county's 12 part‑time commissioners struggle to do the work the public expects and said a smaller, paid council would be more effective.

"I believe 5, maybe 6, full time or 3 quarter time commissioners will be much more effective than 12 very part time commissioners," O'Leary said, arguing commissioners now have insufficient hours to review technical materials or follow up with staff between meetings.

The comment came during a round‑robin of sitting commissioners invited to discuss charter change options. The discussion focused on two central tradeoffs: whether fewer commissioners who are paid a living wage would improve oversight and policy development, and whether reducing seats would weaken…

Butte-Silver Bow commissioners debate shrinking 12-seat panel in favor of fewer, paid members

Summary

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