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Commission examines emergency declaration tied to mass shootings and mill timing; attorney opinion requested
Summary
The CEO told the commission he signed an emergency declaration related to recent mass shootings and that about $450,000 in claims were submitted to the state. Commissioners raised questions about the timing of the August declaration and placement of 2 mills on tax bills; they requested a written opinion from the county attorney on statutory requirements and process.
The commission reviewed Resolution No. 2,515, a county declaration tied to recent mass shootings, after the CEO told commissioners he had signed a declaration and that staff submitted roughly $450,000 in claims to the State of Montana.
"I signed a declaration, for the mass shootings we had," the CEO said, and later referenced the claims total: "I believe, is $450,000. That's what that week cost is." Several commissioners pressed on timing. Commissioner Bodette asked why the declaration — which the CEO said was signed Aug. 5 — is appearing before the commission now when the two mills related to the emergency already show on this year's tax bills.
Commissioners noted statutory language that can require a commission vote for mills and that, in at least one reading, a unanimous commission vote is required. Morgan (speaker 3) said the record-keeping before the commission should be clarified and suggested follow-up to determine any remedy. A commissioner asked for a written opinion from the county attorney on the timing and legal requirements for adding mills to tax bills; the commission placed the declaration paperwork on the agenda pending that advice.
No formal vote on the declaration was recorded at the meeting.
