The Butte‑Silver Bow Council on Nov. 25 voted 9–3 to concur with Communication 2025‑570 and direct staff to prepare a draft resolution and purchase and sale agreement for 305 W. Mercury Street, an uptown building that drew extended debate over its condition, price and future use.

Karen Burns, Community Development Director, told commissioners the RFP recommended awarding the sale to Jeff Riggs and Keith Waring. Burns said the county has some underutilized office space elsewhere and that a draft resolution would follow the council’s direction.

During public comment and the council exchange, Ben Carr, a tenant of the Business Development Building, warned that selling the property at what he described as a reduced price could jeopardize mental‑health providers who lease space there: “If we sell something at half the value … and push all of us out who are trying to make a difference, I’m not sure that makes sense,” he said.

Jeff Riggs, the proposed buyer, answered concerns about tenant space and building condition. He said his firm would prioritize security, provide conference‑room access through a shared online sign‑up and had experience accommodating mental‑health providers in other properties. “We’re trying to change the neighborhood and change the narrative there,” Riggs said, adding that his Thornton Building currently houses about 15 mental‑health counselors and that the buyer would work to make space available.

Several commissioners pressed for stronger contractual protections. Commissioner O’Leary and others asked whether the draft resolution could include timelines, milestones and clawback provisions to require investment or allow the county to reclaim the property if conditions are not met. County Attorney Ann Reuther explained that tonight’s vote did not transfer ownership; it authorizes staff to negotiate terms and prepare the resolution and purchase and sale agreement, which would then return to the council for formal readings and a final vote.

Commissioners also cited a walkthrough that identified likely near‑term repairs including a full roof replacement, boiler work in 7–10 years, parapet and window repairs. Commissioner Anderson proposed a substitute motion to deny the communication and place it on file; that substitute failed 3–9. The council then voted 9–3 to concur with the communication and authorize staff to proceed with drafting the resolution. Commissioners directed the drafter to include timelines, milestones and accountability measures where feasible.

Next steps: staff will draft the resolution and a detailed purchase and sale agreement, which will be returned to the council for formal readings; commissioners suggested including clawback or milestone language and clear timelines before final approval.