Budget committee approves $1.32 million expenditure list after questions on bonds, ARPA-funded parking work and EOC grant

Chair Thatcher called the Butte City Budget & Finance Committee to order at 7 p.m. and said the meeting would focus on review of the expenditure list. Commissioners examined invoices and transfers before approving the list.

The committee voted to approve the expenditure list in the amount of $1,315,617.77. Chair Thatcher called for the question after a motion and second; the motion passed (the transcript does not record who moved or seconded or an individual roll-call tally).

Commissioner Walker raised an early procedural question about invoice 9302, noting two line items that used the same claim number but different invoice numbers. Staff explained the two invoices were billed to the same claim and dated April 15 and May 15, 2026, respectively.

Walker also asked about a $25,000 charge (claim 9160) listed as resurfacing. Finance staff said the work likely covered Parking Lot J at Hamilton and Broadway — near the former Harrington’s Cafe and adjacent to Beautiful Things — and described it as a reconstruction to address subsidence tied to demolished buildings. Staff said the parking-lot work was paid with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

On a large bank entry, Walker asked about a $269,000 line from US Bank. Staff clarified this entry represented a debt‑service payment that appears on the packet as a faxed item rather than a regular check run; interest on multi‑million‑dollar bonds is paid semiannually, staff said, and identified the amounts as related to the aquatic‑center bond and a 2017 refunding tied to a past fire‑apparatus purchase and archives renovation.

Commissioner Larry asked whether charges for steel bands used to hang graduation banners (claim 9206) are reimbursed by the school district. Staff said there had been discussions with Director Frederickson and that some banners had been handled through the Butte Education Foundation or paid for by parents; staff said they would confirm the exact reimbursement path.

Commissioner O'Neal asked about claim 9161 for the animal shelter renovation. Staff said most of that work was funded by an estate gift and other donations and that the shelter is near completion; staff referenced Director Hogart as saying the renovation looks good. O'Neal also asked about a $128,460 communications claim (9291); staff said it is part of an EOC upgrade funded through a no‑cost grant from Montana Disaster & Emergency Services and that it provides an alternate system if the primary communications system fails, but staff did not have full technical integration details available at the meeting.

After the expenditure-list vote, the committee reviewed a series of budget transfers, including $22,000 to animal services for completion of the Marovich remodel; transfers totaling about $19,376 to shore up fiscal‑year accounts; purchases of an AED and UPS backup for a water‑company building; banking fees through fiscal year end; funding for Black Mountain billing‑system support; $20,000 for Silver Lake water‑system work and legal services for water rights; $10,500 for special pay in the water utility; and smaller transfers for temporary staff, summer help and HR equipment. The Greenway planning project required additional water usage at Rocker Station, which the water company inspected without finding leaks.

The meeting concluded with the chair soliciting a motion to adjourn; the transcript ends shortly after that request with no recorded adjournment vote in the packet.