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Commission discusses hiring outside clerical help after member cites Montana statute
Summary
A public commenter cited Montana Code Annotated 7-3-1B and a commission member asked the group to consider contracting for minutes; members discussed options including court reporters, clerk/recorder assistance and budget limits.
A public commenter at the April 17 Granite County Local Government Review Study Commission meeting read text from Montana Code Annotated 7-3-1B and asked the commission to consider appointing or contracting someone to handle minutes and secretarial duties.
The commenter quoted the statute’s language about local governments providing office and meeting space and allowing in-kind services to count toward support of the study commission, and said they were “considering asking the commission to consider someone to do the minutes and releasing me of the secretarial duties.” The commission acknowledged the request and placed “discussion of potential help outside to do the minutes” on the agenda under new business.
Commission members described the current workload for producing minutes. One member said the minutes took “at least 7 hours” plus additional hours to finish and that the effort was heavy for a volunteer. Members discussed options including asking the clerk/recorder’s office, hiring a court reporter or stenographer to transcribe recordings, and checking whether costs would fit within the commission’s budget.
One member suggested asking the district clerk and county offices whether a court reporter or transcription service was available; another suggested asking the county clerk/recorder for public records or assistance. The commission agreed to check costs and availability and to follow up with the county to determine whether outside help could be arranged within budget limits.
On the agenda earlier, the commission approved the March 20 minutes. A motion to approve had been made and seconded; the chair called for the vote, and the record shows the motion carried with all in favor and one withheld vote. The commission later made and seconded a motion to adjourn, which passed by voice vote.
Ending: The commission asked staff to check with the clerk/recorder and the district court about transcription or a contracted minute-taker and to report back on costs and feasibility at a future meeting.
