Commission approves grants, contracts and bids; highlights funding requests for law enforcement radios and local trails
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Summary
Commissioners approved routine minutes, claims and multiple grants, promoted a probationary firefighter, authorized a trails RFP, approved an MOU tied to a federal funding request for radios and awarded a concession contract; the body also passed a resolution seeking prosecutorial assistance in a criminal case.
At a regular meeting of the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission, members approved a slate of administrative items, funding requests and community projects and heard public comment on procurement and board processes.
Minutes, claims and contracts: Commissioners approved minutes from the March meetings and authorized payment of claims numbered 149106–149228 in the amount of $263,969.66; that claims motion passed 4–1 after a question from Commissioner Bodette about attorney-fee charges to the fire fund. The commission also approved an election contract to use ExpressVote machines for the 2026 school district election and several Certified Local Government grant items, including a grant agreement amendment and the application for the 05/01/2026–04/31/2027 period.
Public-safety funding and MOU: Tony Hoplin, clerk and recorder, told the commission the county applied for an appropriation through Congressman Zinke’s office to the Department of Justice COPS program to address radio and dispatch communications. Hoplin said the request was for "just under 1000000 $47,000" (verbatim from the transcript) and, if awarded, would fund upgrades at multiple sites plus 30 APX Next radios. Commissioners praised Hoplin’s rapid preparation and the eight community-support letters obtained; the commission approved a memorandum of understanding for distribution of any awarded funds unanimously.
Trails and parks: The commission approved a 2026 request for proposals to build trails on Spuffy Ridge in the Anaconda Uplands using natural resource damage program funds. Commissioner Bodette emphasized connecting new trails with other local trail work. The commission also accepted the resignation of Chad Gokenhauer from the Parks and Recreation Board and approved a special-event permit for a Fred Mudry Intermediate School fundraiser pending insurance.
Personnel and concessions: Fire Chief Cody Tahir recommended promoting Peyton Rowe from probationary firefighter to full-time firefighter after a successful probationary period; the commission confirmed Rowe unanimously. The commission considered two bids to operate concessions at the Charlotte Yeoman complex—Jordy’s Cantina and Sports Bar (Jenna Rowe) and the Anaconda Hurricanes (Bob and Mary Sandoval). Commissioners debated whether to prioritize highest bid or a youth-serving nonprofit; after public comment urging nonprofit preference, the commission voted 4–1 to award the concession to Jordy’s Cantina and Sports Bar.
Legal assistance and proclamations: The county attorney said the commission should authorize the Prosecution Services Bureau (Attorney General’s office) to act as special deputy county attorney in the State v. Michael Paul Brown case; commissioners approved Resolution 26-12 unanimously. The commission also approved proclamations for Fair Housing Month, National Dispatchers Week and Arbor Day.
Public input and procurement notes: Local commenters urged the commission to consider weighting concession bids toward nonprofit groups that operate and staff venues for youth benefit rather than selecting strictly by dollar value. Adam Marie asked the commission to add explicit purpose-driven language to future bid documents to ensure long-term use of public spaces aligns with community goals.
Votes at a glance: minutes approved (unanimous); claims payment approved (4–1); election contract (unanimous); CLG grant amendment and application (unanimous); Keep Kids Reading $1,000 grant (unanimous); promotion of Peyton Rowe (unanimous); 2026 trails RFP (unanimous); MOU for law enforcement funding (unanimous); concession award to Jordy’s Cantina (4–1); Resolution 26-12 prosecutorial assistance (unanimous); resignation acceptance (unanimous); proclamations (unanimous); special event permit for Fred Mudry fundraiser (unanimous).
What’s next: Staff will publish the trails RFP, record personnel changes and the concession award, and—if federal funding is received—execute the MOU and proceed with procurement for radios and tower/site work. The commission also recorded the removal of a tax appeal board member earlier in the meeting.