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Study Commission plans outreach: Party Line radio, MSU briefing and department interviews
Summary
The commission discussed radio outreach, an invitation from Party Line, a planned MSU Law Center briefing (via Zoom), and scheduling department‑head interviews, including a plan to invite multiple staff from large departments such as public works.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission discussed a multi‑prong public outreach plan that will include appearances on the radio program Party Line, a briefing from Montana State University law or governance experts, and a schedule of department‑head interviews to inform the commission’s charter review.
Commissioners said Party Line — described on the record as a long‑running local call‑in radio program — could give the commission predictable monthly access to listeners and allow the panel to explain its scope and invite public questions. Commissioner Cindy Perdue Dolan said the host offered monthly slots and that the commission should provide consistent content.
Staff and commissioners also asked the clerk to contact MSU’s Law Center or governance experts to arrange an informational briefing about forms of government; staff said MSU agreed to a Zoom session and the commission will coordinate with county IT for that meeting.
Separately, the commission discussed plans for a series of department interviews to gather operational information. Commissioners and staff recommended inviting entire department teams for large departments such as public works (parks, roads, landfill, cemetery) and grouping smaller departments when appropriate so that a single meeting can cover several agencies. The commission also agreed to solicit availability from all department heads and schedule multiple interviews per meeting when feasible.
Commissioners and staff suggested additional outreach tactics including op‑eds, press notices, PSAs and social media postings; staff said they will compile a media list and follow up with dates and a proposed schedule. One commissioner proposed hiring a contractor to assist with public engagement once the commission reaches the phase of seeking broader community input; staff noted budget authority exists for outreach if the commission recommends it.
Commissioners also agreed to circulate the interview questions already drafted by the subcommittee and to allow department heads sufficient lead time to bring supporting staff and materials.
