Silver Bow County finance committee approves $995,450.48 expenditure list; several budget transfers noted

The Silver Bow County Finance and Budget Committee on May 14, 2025, approved the county expenditure list in the amount of $995,450.48 by voice vote during a meeting chaired by Hattie Thatcher.

The vote followed a motion to review and approve the list; the motion was made from the floor and seconded, and the chair called for the voice vote, which the chair recorded as passing. Committee members had reviewed individual claims and asked staff clarifying questions before the motion.

Committee members discussed a set of budget transfers accompanying the expenditure list. Staff described transfers to cover rent for May and June charged to the health department, a transfer in the public archives budget for permanent outdoor signage, a health department transfer for travel and noncapital fixed assets, and a fire department transfer to cover the cost of a dryer, a pump and volunteer background checks.

Commissioners asked routine clarifying questions about specific claims during the review. For example, a commissioner asked how merchandise purchases for resale at the county golf course are handled; staff explained that purchases are recorded as expenses on the county books, inventoried at year-end and converted to revenue when sold.

The committee began the meeting without an immediate quorum but proceeded once enough members were present. The chair adjourned the meeting after the vote and transfer review.