Butte–Silver Bow study commission schedules May public hearing, votes to close survey May 7

The Butte–Silver Bow Government Study Commission on April 27 set a May 4 public hearing and voted unanimously to close its public survey on May 7 as it moves to finalize recommendations on possible charter changes.

The action came after commissioners reviewed public listening-session feedback and preliminary survey results indicating roughly 52% support for a City-County Manager model and 456 electronic survey responses. Chairperson Brandl reported attendance at outreach meetings ranged from 10 to 50 residents across four venues.

The commission discussed whether a retained Chief Executive position would coexist with a mayoral office; Commissioner Dennehy said the commission must make clear that “if the Chief Executive position is retained, there will not be a mayor.” County Attorney Matt Enrooth clarified fiscal and ballot rules, saying fiscal notes are not legally required for Study Commission recommendations and that "each ballot option must receive majority Commission approval." He also advised that retaining existing charter language must remain an option on the ballot.

Why it matters: The commission’s recommendations would affect the county’s charter and the structure and staffing of county leadership and the council. Commissioners emphasized transparency about fiscal impacts while noting the commission lacks budget authority and that any specific budget or salary changes would be implemented later by the Council of Commissioners.

Public engagement and hearing format Commissioners said turnout and engagement at listening sessions were positive. Brandl reported counts of Melrose (10), Northwestern Energy (37), Ramsay (18) and Butte Brewing (50) and noted there were 456 electronic responses with additional paper responses pending. Commissioners debated whether the May 4 hearing should use an open comment format or be structured by topic; Casey recommended an open format to avoid leading participants. Perdue-Dolan and Enrooth recommended allowing four to five minutes per speaker with ADA accommodation. Brandl proposed a brief slide overview summarizing the ballot items at the start of the hearing.

Ballot options and fire services Perdue-Dolan raised concern about removing fire service ballot options and flagged that the printed survey used red and green coloring that could subliminally influence responses. McCormick and others stressed the need to present clear alternatives to voters. Enrooth reiterated the procedural point that options placed on the ballot require majority commission approval.

Survey timing and next steps Dennehy moved to close the survey on May 7, 2026; Shaw seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Commissioners said they need survey data to inform deliberations scheduled May 11, with May 12 reserved if needed. The commission set internal targets: finalize ballot language by June 15 and deliver a final report by July 7. Enrooth urged clear decisions by May 11 to meet ballot deadlines.

Commission structure debate Commissioners discussed whether the charter should specify full-time or part-time commissioner positions. Casey and Silk suggested leaving the detail to later ordinance or council decisions to preserve flexibility; Brandl and McCormick said public feedback and workload support moving toward full-time commissioners. Enrooth noted that if the charter is silent on the matter, pay and time status would be determined later by ordinance or resolution and that commissioners presently vote on their own salary.

Actions and procedural notes The commission approved the March 23 minutes (motion by Dennehy, second by Shaw) and later voted unanimously to adjourn (motion by Shaw, second by Silk). The public hearing is scheduled for May 4 at 5:30 p.m.; deliberations are set for May 11 with May 12 as a possible continuation.

The study commission emphasized its role as an educational body, not an advocate, and said it will continue public outreach and refine ballot language before the June 15 target date.