Granite County commissioners press for airport grant records, schedule discussion for Jan. 7

Granite County commissioners on Dec. 30 faced public requests for documentation and written answers about airport grants ahead of a scheduled public meeting on Jan. 7. A caller who identified herself as Elena said a letter requesting missing records had been circulated and asked the commission to supply the documents and any written explanation by Jan. 5.

Commissioners and staff confirmed that some materials — such as grant applications and award letters — exist in county files but that signed grant agreements and formal acceptance or notice-to-proceed paperwork were still being located. Commissioner discussion and public commenters focused on whether a Beacon grant carried conditions that would require the county to repay funds if the beacon were not activated.

Derek, a remote participant, said he had reviewed administrative rules from the Montana Aeronautics Division and could not find language that automatically required repayment if a beacon were not turned on; he said the division’s materials suggested a signed grant agreement and sponsor-attorney approval should be on file. Derek also said he had filed a FOIA request seeking grant closeout documentation dating back several years to fill gaps.

County staff and commissioners said files should be available through the clerk and recorder’s office, that some airport-board submissions remain in hard copy, and that staff were investigating whether a Google Drive maintained by Donovan Jones holds additional materials. The board agreed to direct staff to assemble the available application, award letter and closeout materials and to place the airport item and supporting documents on the Jan. 7 public meeting agenda so the public and commissioners can review them in advance.

Votes at a glance - Motion to accept board minutes from Dec. 23, 2025: moved by an unidentified speaker and seconded; chair called the question and the board recorded ‘all in favor.’ (approved) - Motion to maintain flow at 10 CFS: moved and seconded; vote recorded as ‘Aye’ (approved).

What happens next Staff said they will attempt to locate the signed grant agreement and any acceptance or closeout paperwork and will email materials that can be shared in advance of the Jan. 7 public meeting. Derek said his FOIA request is pending; the county is expected to report at the next meeting on what additional documents are available.