Commission OKs $50,000 URA grant for historic projects, certifies November canvas and accepts tourism pilot contract

Anaconda — At its meeting the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission unanimously approved a $50,000 grant agreement from the downtown TIF/URA to the county Historic Resource Board, certified the November election canvas after an elections office report and approved a Department of Commerce pilot community tourism contract.

Tammy Matson, a member of the Historic Resource Board, and Gayla Hess, the county historic preservation officer, both urged commissioners to accept the grant. Matson said the board has used prior funds for oral histories and continued preservation work and that the $50,000 being accepted is the original grant amount. Gayla Hess told the commission she supports the agreement and encouraged acceptance.

County attorney reviewed the agreement and reported that it "appears to be in order" and complies with state and local laws. CEO Everett described the historic projects and congratulated community volunteers for fundraising; he noted the URA/TIF arrangement presented is limited to a downtown TIF allocation and does not expand county governance over the board.

The commission also heard from Tony Houghland, the county election administrator, who reported the official canvas and thanked staff and election judges. Houghland said county turnout after provisional ballots was 81.3%, compared with a statewide rate of 76.33%. Commissioners praised the elections staff and approved the canvas unanimously.

Finally, commissioners approved a Department of Commerce pilot community tourism contract for the first year of a multi‑year program; CEO Everett described the county as an early participant and recommended approval. That motion also passed unanimously.