Butte‑Silver Bow, Mont. — The Judiciary Committee of the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners convened Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, moving several resolutions to final reading, adopting an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II self‑evaluation and transition plan, and approving a set of claims and refunds.

The committee moved Resolution 2025‑65, a budget amendment to appropriate unanticipated donation revenue from Town Pump Inc. for purchase of gas masks, to final reading; the motion passed with a recorded result of 4 to 0. Resolution 2025‑71, establishing criteria for classification of unsold tax‑deed lands and ordering certain parcels to remain in city‑county ownership for compelling public interest, also was moved to final reading and passed on voice vote.

An item to appropriate funds from the Montana Department of Commerce for redevelopment of the Phoenix Building (Resolution 2025‑72) was discussed but held pending the public hearing referenced in the agenda. The resolution would direct funds to the Butte‑Silver Bow Community Development Department for Phoenix Building redevelopment; the transcript did not specify an appropriation amount.

Following a Dec. 10 public hearing, the committee moved Resolution 2025‑73 to final reading to adopt the City and County of Butte‑Silver Bow ADA Title II self‑evaluation and transition plan. The motion passed with a recorded vote of 5 to 0.

The committee also moved Resolution 2025‑74 to final reading to authorize sale of a parcel described as 305 West Mercury, Butte, Montana (township/section/lot as listed in the agenda) for economic or community development under the municipal code; the motion passed on voice vote.

Members approved four claims and refunds presented on the agenda: $400 to Steven Mohair (demo refund), $1,000 to Elizabeth Maloney (demo refund), $1,000 to Brian Stack (sidewalk completion refund), and $8,236.78 to White Picket Fences LLC (redemption of tax assignments). A motion to approve the claims was made, seconded and passed on voice vote.

Chairwoman Thatcher noted procedural items and attendance during the meeting. The roll call recorded Commissioners Thatcher, Callahan, Healy, Walker and Boyle as present; Commissioners Shea and Mankins were absent and excused. The committee adjourned after the actions above.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 2025‑65 — Budget amendment to appropriate Town Pump Inc. donation revenue for gas masks. Outcome: moved to final reading; vote recorded 4 to 0. (Transcript: SEG 025–SEG 043)
- Resolution 2025‑71 — Criteria for classification of unsold tax‑deed lands; order parcels to remain in city‑county ownership where compelling public interest exists. Outcome: moved to final reading; passed on voice vote. (Transcript: SEG 044–SEG 060)
- Resolution 2025‑72 — Budget amendment to appropriate Montana Department of Commerce revenue for Phoenix Building redevelopment to Community Development Department. Outcome: held pending public hearing; appropriation amount not specified. (Transcript: SEG 061–SEG 077)
- Resolution 2025‑73 — Adoption of ADA Title II self‑evaluation and transition plan (public hearing held Dec. 10, 2025). Outcome: moved to final reading; vote recorded 5 to 0. (Transcript: SEG 078–SEG 099)
- Resolution 2025‑74 — Authorize sale of property at 305 West Mercury for economic/community development under municipal code. Outcome: moved to final reading; passed on voice vote. (Transcript: SEG 100–SEG 126)
- Claims approvals — Four claims/refunds totaling the listed amounts (see body). Outcome: approved on voice vote. (Transcript: SEG 127–SEG 151)

What it means: Most items on the agenda were procedural steps to advance resolutions to final reading or to approve routine claims. The Phoenix Building appropriation will return to the committee after the scheduled public hearing. The ADA plan adoption formalizes Butte‑Silver Bow’s transition planning for accessibility.

Reported quotes and attributions in this account are taken from the meeting transcript. Chairwoman Thatcher confirmed procedural direction on holding items pending public hearing and presided over roll call and votes.

The committee adjourned after completing the listed actions.