The Butte‑Silver Bow Study Commission voted Dec. 15 to include several major governance changes in its preliminary charter report, adopting language that would reduce the legislative body to four full‑time, paid commissioners, retain an at‑large voting mayor and add a city‑county manager model with a removal process governed by ordinance.

The chair opened final deliberations by noting the commission needed to present a clear preliminary report and a public education process ahead of listening sessions. Commission members then voted, by voice, to adopt three interlinked positions: that commissioners be full time; that there be four commissioners; and that full‑time commissioners be paid. Commissioner Shaw moved to approve four full‑time commissioners and asked the body to "approve the minutes as discussed," a motion that passed by voice vote. The chair recorded one nay on the minutes roll call earlier in the meeting.

Commissioners said they favored full‑time, paid positions because the consolidated government work — including Superfund oversight and ordinance drafting — requires sustained attention. "If you want people to work more, you have less commissioners," Commissioner Shaw said, arguing that fewer seats with full‑time pay would be fiscally and operationally feasible. Commissioner Dennehy, who led the motion to make commissioners full time, said reduced headcount with full‑time duties would allow more substantial oversight and accountability.

On the governance model, the commission voted to include a city‑county manager option in the preliminary report so the public can weigh the form of government. Commissioner Stepen moved to include the manager model and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Commissioners emphasized they would bring in outside speakers and material to educate voters before final decisions.

A central procedural decision addressed how a future manager could be removed. After discussion about litigation risk and due process, Commissioner Dolan moved, and Commissioner Shaw seconded, language that the council "may remove the city‑county manager with cause by a majority of the full council as per the provisions of the ordinance." The motion passed; commissioners said the ordinance would set specific procedures and that the charter should not leave removal entirely at‑will.

The commission also debated whether to keep an elected at‑large mayor as the council presiding officer. Supporters argued the mayor provides an at‑large representative recognized in state law and performs ceremonial duties; opponents suggested a council chair could serve those functions. Commissioner Casey moved to retain the mayor section as drafted (elected at large, voting member), and the motion carried.

What happens next: the commission will incorporate these decisions into the preliminary report to be adopted in January, hold public listening sessions in February and a public hearing in March, and aim for a final report by July 7 to meet ballot timing. The votes recorded on Dec. 15 set the commission’s recommendations, but specifics such as salary levels, ordinance removal procedures, and final charter text will be developed with legal counsel and presented for further public comment.

Quotes in context

"If you want people to work more, you have less commissioners," Commissioner Shaw said in favor of four full‑time commissioners, noting past part‑time stipends had been too small to make the role a living wage.

Commissioner Dennehy, who moved the motion to set commissioners as full time, said the change would "memorialize" the level of engagement expected of elected officials under consolidation.

Commissioner Dolan urged clearer procedural protections on removal, saying the charter should require due process and that the ordinance can set the detailed steps.

The commission adjourned after agreeing to the Jan. 5 schedule for follow‑up work and to compile ordinance language with the county attorney before finalizing the report for the public.