Broadwater County adopts $10.35 million fiscal 2025–26 budget, uses $614,000 from reserves
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Summary
The Broadwater County Board of Commissioners on July 2 adopted a $10.35 million fiscal 2025–26 operating budget, reducing reliance on reserves from the prior year and maintaining a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees.
The Broadwater County Board of County Commissioners on July 2 adopted the county's fiscal 2025–26 final operating budget, authorizing $10,353,233.45 in appropriations and using $614,000 from the general fund cash reserve to balance the plan.
The budget adoption came after a public hearing and a presentation by Bill Jarocki, the county administrative officer, who described the county's approach as an "expense driven" budget that aims "to have an expense driven budget that is very accurate and that we do not put into a budget all the money that's available, only the money that we need." The resolution adopting the final budget cites Montana law (MCA) and was approved by voice vote at the meeting; commissioners indicated unanimous support.
The budget reduces total appropriations from the previous fiscal year, when the county's FY25 budget reached about $14.9 million because of a one-time aeronautics project at the airport that exceeded $4 million. For FY26 Jarocki said the projected expenditures total roughly $10.35 million and that the county is using about $614,000 from reserves, about $300,000 less than the previous year.
Public safety and related law-enforcement functions account for the largest share of spending. Jarocki outlined that roughly 35% of the overall budget goes to public safety and that personnel costs account for about 60% of total spending. The commission approved a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees this year, a move discussed by elected officials as a balance between fiscal restraint and employee compensation.
Clerk and Recorder Angie Paulsen asked that readers consider total revenue sources when reviewing department budgets, including floating mills, property tax and the general fund cash reserve, saying the combination of those sources represents the income for each department and urging people "to look at the total expenditures." Jarocki and the finance office said they will post the detailed budget worksheets and roll-up summaries online to improve public accessibility.
Commissioner Rick Meyer noted Broadwater County's largely residential tax base and said attracting larger commercial or industrial valuation would help expand the tax base and lower mills for residents. Meyer also commented on pending state-level tax changes and said local impacts will depend on the county's existing commercial assessment mix. Commissioner Spencer praised staff for work that reduced dependency on cash reserves, saying that "cutting a third of the cash reserve dependency from last year was a big big step for us."
During the same meeting the commission approved several consent items and other formal actions by voice vote, including a memorandum of understanding to allow a grant pass-through for Big Elk Divide Restoration Committee administrative support (no county funds), a grant award for the county victim's advocate totaling $117,930 if fully funded, a state-county cooperative fire protection agreement, multiple sets of claims (including a $630,526.25 payment tied to airport construction), and minutes from prior meetings. All consent items and claims were approved as presented.
The commission identified next steps for budget oversight, including August reviews with department heads to assess FY25 performance, and said staff will continue budget monitoring throughout the year. Officials reiterated that detailed worksheets will be made publicly available on the county website and that residents should contact the finance office with questions. The board announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16 at Headwaters Livestock Auction.
Votes at a glance: the Board adopted the fiscal 2025—26 final budget (resolution), and approved consent items including the MOU with Montana Forest Collaboration Network/Montana Watershed Coordination Council for Big Elk Divide Restoration Committee support (pass-through), the state Board of Crime Control grant for the victim's advocate (total award if fully funded $117,930), the state-county cooperative fire protection agreement, multiple claims (largest $630,526.25 for airport construction), and meeting minutes. All recorded motions passed by unanimous voice vote at the July 2 meeting.
