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Commission approves nearly $981,000 in claims, defers $2,000 statue payment pending review
Summary
Anaconda Deer Lodge County commissioners approved claims totaling $980,747.49 but excluded a $2,000 down payment to a statuary contractor amid questions about bidding and outside funding; the commission asked staff and the county attorney to resolve the dispute.
Anaconda Deer Lodge County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize payment of claims numbered 145,767 through 145,878 totaling $980,747.49 while excluding a $2,000 down payment tied to a Marcus Daley statue pending further review.
The claim packet presented to the commission included five large items that account for roughly 70% of the total: Hoffman RM ($373,000), Sierra Contracting for Bowman Field maintenance ($225,000), Robert Petche & Associates for Bowman Field improvements ($17,000), Bear Guardian for bear‑proof trash containers ($5,000), and Vortex Services for CIPP sanitary sewer work (about $57,000). Chair called for the vote after routine discussion and the motion passed unanimously.
The commission’s decision to withhold claim number 14,872 stemmed from concerns raised by Commissioner Bodette about procurement procedures. "We have to follow the rules, and one of the rules is going out to truly competitive bids," Bodette said, urging a firmer factual record before paying an individual. Bodette asked staff to determine whether bids were solicited and whether county procurement rules applied to the payment.
A public commenter who identified herself as Rose disputed the procurement concern, saying both competitive bids had been posted online. "Both bids have been on the website since at least August 20," she told the commission, and added that the successful bidder’s price was $10,000 lower than the other bid. Rose also said she intended to mail a personal check to help the project proceed.
Staff explained the county’s involvement was a funding contribution from local entities (economic development funds or related sources) rather than the county directly conducting vendor selection, and that different bidding thresholds can apply when the county is not the contracting authority. Commissioners noted references to state and local bid thresholds discussed during the meeting and requested clearer documentation.
With the motion, commissioners approved $978,747.49 of the claims package and directed the CEO and county attorney to review claim 14,872 and report back. The chair suggested staff could present findings at the next work session or at a special meeting if a faster resolution is available.
No formal amendment or penalty relating to the statue project was adopted; the commission limited action to payment authorization and referral for legal/administrative review.
