Commissioner Callahan urges judiciary vetting; committee advances county land sale 3-2

The Silver Bow County Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 on Feb. 25, 2026, to move Resolution 2026-07 to final reading, a measure described in the resolution as completing the sale of a parcel in the northeast quarter of Section 24, Township 3 North, Range 8 West PMM, for community development.

Commissioner Callahan argued the committee had been bypassed and should resume vetting land sales before they go to the full council, saying the committee used to "fully vet them in the judiciary" and urging that process be restored. Chairwoman Sheay and other commissioners replied that the sale had been discussed and approved by the full council on Nov. 5, 2025, and that this resolution completes that purchase. Chairwoman Sheay noted the county attorney was not present to answer questions.

Commissioner Thatcher offered a substitute motion to move the resolution to final reading. Commissioner Gerbrandt said the matter had been pending since October and favored concluding it so the buyers could proceed. The substitute motion passed, three to two.

The transcript references potential buyer names in the resolution materials — "Nicole Carols or Geralts" — as noted by the chair during discussion. The recorded debate focused on process: whether land sales should return to judiciary for departmental vetting (planning, public works and others) or whether the full council's prior approval made further committee review unnecessary.

The committee did not take further substantive amendments to the resolution during the meeting. The next procedural step reported on the record was advancing the measure to final reading before the full council.