Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission approves claims, adopts fee resolutions and sets hearings
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Summary
The commission approved claims totaling $264,218.84, appointed its 2026 chair and vice chair, adopted three fee-and-notice resolutions for 2026 and set public hearings for two subdivision/development items; commissioners also discussed sparse meeting schedules for volunteer boards and a request to audit finances.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission approved prior meeting minutes and claims totaling $264,218.84 at its session. The claims covered items including a fire station ventilation system, work at the Metcalf Center and a search-and-rescue bill; CEO Everett said the largest charge was for a new ventilation system of roughly $59,009.75 and additional electrical work of about $18,000 may still be posted.
The commission appointed Commissioner Hart as chair for 2026 and Paul Smith as vice chair, and moved to fill representatives on multiple county boards. Commissioners debated which seats are required by statute and flagged several boards that have not met regularly, saying staff will verify obligations and work to restore regular meetings.
On policy items, the commission adopted three resolutions for calendar year 2026: Resolution 26-01 establishing registration and inspection fees for Ordinance 256 (vacant registry), Resolution 26-02 adopting a building permit fee schedule, and Resolution 26-03 designating official locations for posting public notices. CEO Everett told the board that building permit fees were halved about seven years ago and have remained comparatively low.
The panel approved a package of capital and procurement steps: it approved the Glover Cabin condition assessment contract and authorized advertising for bids on the Georgetown Lake Road asphalt overlay project. The commission also set public hearings for the major development plan for King Enterprises and for the Crystal Springs Estate subdivision, both scheduled for 01/27/2026.
Public comment covered several topics. A resident urged adding the Metcalf Center as a location for posted notices to improve access for elderly residents without internet access. Rose Diamond, a frequent public commenter, urged the commission to ensure volunteer boards meet and suggested clearer agendas and outreach to appointees.
The meeting closed with announcements of upcoming task-force and board meetings and a motion to adjourn.
The commission did not take formal action on a request for a forensic audit during the meeting; one commissioner requested the review be considered as part of the CFO hiring transition.