Big Horn County commissioners adopt travel and jail rates, set Jan. 21 hearing on First Street in Fort Smith

The Big Horn County Board of County Commissioners met in Hardin on Jan. 8, 2026, and approved several administrative resolutions including a county travel reimbursement schedule and an annual credit rate for incarceration, while scheduling a Jan. 21 public hearing on whether to make First Street in Fort Smith a county road.

Commissioner Larry Vandersloot moved to approve Resolution 2026-6 setting travel reimbursement policy; Commissioner Lawrence Big Hair seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Accountant Mike Opie told the board that employees "ask for state rates and use the county credit card to book the rooms," and that it is "very rare that anyone is reimbursed for lodging." The resolution sets lodging at up to $110 plus tax per night and ties meal allowances to state rates for specified time windows; it also permits requesting actual-cost reimbursement for conference site rates above $110 with prior commissioner approval.

The board also adopted Resolution 2026-7 to establish the daily rate for credit for incarceration at $196.78. Commissioner Vandersloot moved the measure and Commissioner Big Hair seconded; the vote was unanimous.

A separate jail-related resolution was tabled for further consideration after discussion; the board voted to table that item by motion of Commissioner Vandersloot, seconded by Commissioner Big Hair.

Under personnel, Teresa TurnsPlenty reported that employee Lawrence Killsback negotiated a $1.00 wage increase at six months and a $1.00 post-probation increase at one year. That personnel matter was recorded under the meeting's personnel/legal agenda item; no formal action on the wage schedule was recorded in the public portion of the transcript.

The board discussed an amendment to the county's property-sale procedure (an amendment to Resolution 2025-18) to allow unsold tax-deed property to be offered by bid or via direct negotiation. Presiding Officer George Real Bird III said he would "like to look at taking a lower price." Commissioner Vandersloot moved to table the amendment (referred to in the transcript as resolution 2025-184); Commissioner Big Hair seconded and the board tabled the matter unanimously for later review.

Regarding county roads, Deputy County Attorney Heather Ready explained notice and location requirements for proceeding with a resolution of intent. The board approved Resolution 2025-37A (declaring intent to make First Street in Fort Smith a county road) and passed a separate resolution (recorded as Resolution 2026-8) authorizing an off-site public hearing. The board set the public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2026, at the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, 2222 Access Rd., Fort Smith, to receive public comment on making First Street a county road; the motions were seconded and approved unanimously.

Other routine actions included unanimous approval of claims numbered 1168 and 1169 and approval of the Jan. 2, 2026 meeting minutes.

Commissioner Real Bird noted that the treasurer plans to schedule a second tax-deed sale in March, and staff asked the board to review the step-and-grade wage scale from AE before budget season so it can be applied in the coming budget.

There being no further business, Presiding Officer George Real Bird III adjourned the meeting.