Missoula County adopts carbon neutrality plan for county operations
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Summary
The Missoula County Board of Commissioners approved a county government operations carbon neutrality plan, describing it as an aspirational menu of strategies across buildings, fleet and commutes; signatures will be added to the commission letter as recorded.
The Missoula County Board of Commissioners approved a carbon neutrality plan for county government operations during a Thursday administrative meeting, with commissioners present voting to adopt the plan.
The plan formalizes a goal the board set in 2019 and offers a menu of strategies county staff said can be refined and implemented as resources allow. "The plan is not meant to be highly prescriptive, but instead to offer an aspirational and informed path forward," the Presenter said, outlining strategies across buildings, fleet and employee commutes.
Why it matters: The plan provides a coordinated framework intended to build on previous emissions-reduction steps the county has taken, including rooftop solar installations at the county detention center, an energy-efficient building policy and in-depth energy audits. Staff described the plan as a tool to help departments prioritize projects and seek partnerships and funding.
During discussion, commissioners and staff debated whether to postpone formal adoption until all commissioners were physically present so each signature could be placed at once. Staff noted the commission letter that accompanies the plan includes signature lines and said the recorded version would show signatures; one option discussed was adopting the plan now and recording a future resolution to add or consolidate signatures. Juanita Aveiro, who joined the meeting remotely, said, "I want my signature on it, and I want us to move forward with it."
A committee member moved to adopt the plan and the Chair seconded the motion. Commissioners present voted in favor and the motion passed. Staff indicated the adopted plan and its introductory letter will be signed by commissioners and the recorded version will reflect those signatures.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: Approved (motion carried during the same meeting). - Carbon neutrality plan for county government operations: Approved; commissioners present voted to adopt and staff will collect signatures for the commission letter.
The meeting continued with closing remarks after the vote; staff will follow up to record signatures and next administrative steps for plan implementation.
