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Commissioner reports highlight PILT uncertainty, forestry discussions and planned mental-health grant follow-up
Summary
Commissioner Amos summarized takeaways from the MAKO conference including PILT and BLM/forest issues, mentioned interest in local biomass/sawmill opportunities, and asked the board to place a crisis diversion/mental-health grant and drop-in center operations on a future agenda for follow-up.
During the Oct. 1 meeting, Commissioner Amos reported on sessions at the MAKO conference and discussed developments relevant to rural counties, including national forest management updates and uncertainty about PILT funding for the coming cycle.
Amos said representatives and federal agencies such as the DNRC and BLM provided updates on timber-cutting plans and that the county is watching PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) levels closely because current amounts may be lower than last year. He told colleagues that representatives engaged on SRS and PILT funding questions and that the governor discussed efforts to spur investment in Montana.
Amos also said he was approached about locating a sawmill in Libby and noted county interest in exploring biomass options. He asked staff to add a discussion of a crisis-diversion/mental-health grant and the drop-in center to a future agenda so the board can determine matching requirements and next steps.
No formal action was taken on these items at the meeting; commissioners agreed to schedule the matter for a subsequent session and to coordinate with the clerk and other officials for follow-up.
