Fergus County approves February claims, appoints Lon Niemic; public‑comment updates on Fourth Avenue building and Snowy Mountain plans

Fergus County commissioners approved the claims for Feb. 26, 2026, appointed Lon Niemic to the Coffee Creek Fire board and heard public‑comment updates about the Fourth Avenue building and Snowy Mountain negotiations.

Chair moved to approve the Feb. 26 claims; the motion was seconded and the board approved the claims by voice vote. Minutes from Feb. 10 were also approved earlier in the meeting and filed with the clerk of court's office.

Chair moved to appoint Lon Niemic to Coffee Creek Fire; the motion was seconded and the appointment was approved without recorded opposition. Commissioners noted additional official appointments for Beaver Creek and Cottonwood remain to be scheduled.

During public comment, staff or a member of the public reported progress on renovations at the Fourth Avenue building: drywall and mudding were underway, and Snowy Mountain is negotiating to purchase the building with plans to occupy a small portion as public‑benefit space while they secure financing. The county said Snowy Mountain would initially rent a sliver of the building while financing is concluded and emphasized that Snowy Mountain will provide training and public programming space as part of the arrangement.

Meeting participants also described a dedicated forensic 'cert' interview room (forensic interviews and monitoring for sensitive child or sexual‑assault cases) being set up inside the building with separate access from a side street; participants cautioned about publicizing exact details because the location needs to remain secure and discreet. Commissioners closed by announcing upcoming meetings and adjourning.