Butte–Silver Bow study commission advances multiple charter ballot questions, approves manager option and smaller council

Butte–Silver Bow — At a May 11 meeting, the Butte–Silver Bow Government Study Commission voted to advance several proposed charter questions to the preliminary report, including a city-county manager executive structure and a reduced four-member full-time Council of Commissioners.

Chairperson Brandl presided over the meeting as County Attorney Enrooth summarized legal guidance from Dan Clark of the MSU Law Center: “the primary ballot question must ask voters whether to adopt a revised charter or retain the existing charter form of government before any sub-questions may be considered,” Enrooth said. Enrooth warned the Secretary of State could reject portions of proposed ballot language, and commissioners should expect legal review before final placement on the ballot.

On executive structure (Section 2), the commission approved language presenting two alternatives: retain an elected chief executive or adopt a city-county manager form with an appointed manager and an elected at-large mayor serving as presiding officer. The motion to adopt the proposed Section 2 language passed unanimously by roll call. Chairperson Brandl and multiple commissioners discussed title choices (mayor vs. chair; manager vs. administrator) and said the wording should be clear to voters.

The panel also voted to reduce the legislative branch to four commissioners elected by district and serving full time. Commissioner Thielen cast the single dissent, but the motion passed. Commissioners debating the change referenced public outreach and surveys that shaped the recommendation; Commissioner Perdue-Dolan said the four-member proposal sought to “balance rural and urban representation throughout Butte–Silver Bow County.”

Other charter items produced mixed results: an amendment clarifying neighborhood councils was approved unanimously; a proposal to place a Parks and Recreation department in the charter failed (3–6); and a motion to include a Reclamation and Environmental Services Department in the charter passed (7–2) after members emphasized the county’s unique Superfund cleanup and reclamation responsibilities. A proposed change to rename the Animal Services head from “manager” to “director” failed on a 4–5 vote; Commissioner Perdue-Dolan asked that the suggestion appear in the minority report to the Council of Commissioners.

Votes at a glance: the Section 2 executive language passed unanimously; the Section 3 legislative reduction to four full-time members passed with one dissent; Section 6 (Parks and Recreation) failed 3–6 and will not be advanced; Section 7 (Reclamation and Environmental Services) passed 7–2; Section 8 (Animal Services title change) failed 4–5. Minutes from recent meetings were approved unanimously earlier in the session.

Commissioners and staff emphasized public education and clarity in ballot wording before materials are finalized. County Attorney Enrooth and Deputy County Attorney Sean Peterson said they will continue legal review, including examining ordinances from other jurisdictions and submitting proposed language to the Secretary of State as needed. Chairperson Brandl noted the commission must meet report deadlines in advance of the July 7 ballot-language finalization schedule.

The commission scheduled its next meeting for May 18, 2026, and adjourned at 8:00 p.m.