Commission adopts draft timeline for public outreach, plans department interviews and MSU training

The Butte-Silver Bow Study Commission reviewed a draft timeline on Feb. 10, 2025, that lays out training, department interviews, public outreach and hearing dates leading up to a tentative report in November 2025.

Ms. Casey, speaking for the timeline committee, proposed early March training from Montana State University (MSU) staff to clarify the commission's authority and forms of government the public may consider. The committee recommended March–April meetings with elected officials and department personnel, May–June public outreach and listening sessions (not formal public hearings), an August first formal public hearing, and adoption of a tentative report in November 2025. The draft notes the deadline to publish the timeline is April 7, 2025.

Commissioners discussed logistics: how many listening sessions to hold, whether to schedule some meetings at noon to accommodate department heads, and whether to contact neighboring jurisdictions about different government forms. Commissioner Dennehy and others stressed flexibility in the timeline, noting the key statutory deadline is the date needed to place measures on the ballot (a July 7, 2026, reference in the draft provides the 120-day lead time before a general election). The commission asked staff to begin outreach to department heads and to check MSU availability for a training session; legal and publication requirements were noted as prerequisites for formal hearings.

The commission left specific dates open in several slots so the timeline can be adjusted as department availability and outreach plans are confirmed.