Butte-Silver Bow study commission hears former chair, approves timetable and tentative budget

Former study commission chair Bob Worley reviewed lessons from a 2004–2006 charter study and urged the Butte-Silver Bow Government Study Commission on Wednesday to engage department heads and the public as it prepares charter changes. The commission also approved a tentative timeline for its work and a tentative budget to support outreach and interviews with department officials.

Why it matters: The commission is drafting questions, scheduling interviews with department heads and the chief executive, and planning public outreach that will shape proposals voters could see if the commission recommends charter changes. Commissioners said they want to ensure department heads and the public have opportunities to comment before any ballot measures are finalized.

Bob Worley, who identified himself as the study commission chair from 2004 to 2006, told commissioners the earlier commission placed five items on the ballot and “we passed all 5 of them,” a record he said he was proud of and…