Butte-Silver Bow council places ARCO budget amendment on file after hearing on increased weed control

Butte-Silver Bow County commissioners held a public hearing May 14 and voted 11-0 to place on file Communication 2025-236, a request to amend the fiscal year 2024–25 ARCO source areas and stormwater budget to cover additional weed-control work.

The amendment seeks money to pay costs tied to enhanced weed control at reclaimed "breeze" sites after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality requested additional treatments. Brandon Warner, operations manager for the Department of Reclamation and Environmental Services, told commissioners the request came mid‑fiscal year and that a budget amendment is required to cover the unplanned work.

Warner described the sites as four quadrants of reclaimed areas on the Butte Hill and beyond: "These breeze sites are divided into 4 quadrants with quadrant 1 being near the the top of the Butte Hill, essentially, Walkerville. Quadrants 2 through 4, continue, their way south towards the BIPSU southern boundary." He said the department traditionally applied herbicide in one quadrant per year, but that the EPA and DEQ requested additional weed control across multiple quadrants on an annual basis.

Warner confirmed the work will be paid from ARCO trust funds. "The program budgets are provided through a trust account with, funded by Atlantic Richfield," he said. Warner also explained that routine vegetation maintenance is done by in‑house crews, while the application of herbicide will be contracted to a private firm.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about funding and contracting. Commissioner Shea asked about the source of funds; Warner answered they come from trust accounts funded by Atlantic Richfield. Commissioner Fisher asked whether the herbicide application would be performed by staff or a contractor; Warner said in‑house crews handle seeding and soil amendments but the herbicide application "will be through, a contract with a private contractor." Commissioner Callahan praised the move to increase treatment frequency, saying the previous schedule of spraying once every four years "wasn't enough."

One member of the public, Freddie Frost (2000 Roberts Avenue), spoke in support: "I'm a proponent of this. Great." After the hearing the council voted to place the communication on file; the clerk recorded 11 yays, 0 nays.

The budget amendment request was recorded and placed on file for the record; further formal action would require a new communication or a subsequent agenda item if the council chooses to adopt the amendment formally.