Lewistown commission approves interlocal agreement to form multi‑jurisdiction planning commission

The City of Lewistown commission voted to approve an interlocal agreement to create a multi‑jurisdiction planning commission that will consolidate city/county planning work and the board of adjustments.

Holly, the city manager, introduced the measure as “step 1 of approving this interlocal agreement,” saying the document “contemplates the composition of the planning commission” and must comply with the Newmont County Land Use Planning Act and state law.

Commissioners debated the commission’s size and representation. Commissioners proposed reducing the membership figure listed in the draft from 13 to 9 and striking references that would permanently label the body as the “2024” planning commission. The amendment also clarified that membership will include representatives from the Lewistown Board of Adjustment and the city‑county planning board, and that each jurisdiction represented must have members on the commission.

After discussion and a motion to approve the agreement as amended, the commission carried the measure on a roll call vote. The approval advances a formal consolidation step that the city will forward to county commissioners for signature and implements state law requirements for an odd number of members and minimum voting membership.

The action does not yet set specific appointed seats beyond the amended membership total; commissioners said appointments will follow advertisement, vetting and the procedures specified in the agreement. No effective date for appointments was stated at the meeting.

Next steps: the interlocal agreement will be forwarded to the county for signature and the city will begin the public process for filling the approved seats, including any required advertisements or vetting described in the approved agreement.