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Commission discusses county holiday resolution and places appointments, permits on next agenda
Summary
Commissioners reviewed Resolution 26‑07 to clarify which county offices remain open on county‑only holidays (Juneteenth and Heritage Day), debated whether county employees should serve on certain boards, and agreed to place appointments and the special‑event permit on the next agenda for formal action.
Chairman Newman introduced Resolution 26‑07 to update the county’s designated holidays for 2026 and to clarify compliance with Montana law for offices that must remain open. County Attorney Smith explained that Juneteenth is a recognized federal holiday but not listed as a state holiday under Montana code, so offices such as the clerk/recorder, treasurer, justice court and the county attorney’s office remain open on county‑only holidays unless state law enumerates them. "Juneteenth is a recognized federal holiday as well... it's just not a recognized state holiday," Smith said.
Commissioners discussed the historical practice of counties having a 'heritage day' or floating holidays and whether that practice remains supported by current Montana statute. One commissioner raised concerns about allowing county department heads to serve on the Board of Adjustments; public commenter Rosemary urged approval of Joe Ungaretti for the Board of Adjustments, citing his experience as a code enforcement officer. The commission also reviewed an application from Nicole Klein to fill a long‑vacant seat on the County Tax Appeal Board and agreed to place both appointments on the next regular agenda for action.
Parks staff described a special‑event permit request from the Anaconda Hurricanes travel softball organization for April–September use of the Charlotte Hillman complex; staff said games take priority over practices and the commission agreed to follow the usual bidding process for concessions and to schedule a bid discussion next week.
Why it matters: Holiday designations determine which county services operate on particular days and have implications for staffing and collective bargaining; filling board vacancies ensures boards can act. Public commenters made a case for allowing experienced county employees to serve on advisory boards.
Next steps: The holidays resolution and the appointments to the Board of Adjustments and the County Tax Appeal Board will be placed on the next meeting agenda for formal consideration; the concession procurement process will be posted for bids.
