The Butte-Silver Bow Study Commission voted to limit full-commission agendas in December to working-group updates and to meet on Dec. 15 and Dec. 29, prioritizing internal drafting work ahead of adopting a preliminary report in January. Chairwoman Randall said the commission is still in an "information-gathering" phase and described a timeline that includes public listening sessions in February 2026 and a formal public hearing in March 2026 before any ballot items are finalized.

Commissioner Mary McCormick moved the biweekly schedule and said the change was aimed at getting substantive drafting done: "We have a lot of work to do, and we don't have much time," she said. Several commissioners and the county attorney cautioned that working-group discussions must comply with open-meeting laws; the county attorney advised that working groups can meet outside the full meeting but recommended maintaining public access to updates at commission meetings.

After a voice vote the chair announced, "Motion carries," sending working groups back to complete drafts for compilation into the commission's preliminary report. Commissioners indicated the intent that each working group present its draft to the full commission at the Jan. 5 resumption, with subsequent public listening sessions planned the following month.

The commission also asked staff to prioritize collecting outstanding materials — including equipment and property-ownership lists for the fire department — so that working groups have the information needed to develop charter language. The move leaves the door open for agenda items (for example, the Anaconda fire discussion) to be placed on full meetings when public testimony is essential.