Big Sky Health District votes to adopt rules, appoint interim officers and accept $50,000 start-up grant

The newly formed Big Sky Health District board met for the first time on July 9, 2026, at Moonlight Basin Lodge and approved a package of foundational measures to begin district operations. The board adopted rules of procedure, appointed interim officers, authorized financial coordination with Madison County, accepted a $50,000 grant from BSRAD to support startup costs and set its next meeting for July 23, 2026.

The board passed Resolution 2026-01 to conduct meetings generally in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order and to appoint interim officers pending adoption of bylaws. The board designated Michael Rowe as Acting Chair, Heather Morris as Acting Vice Chair and Paula Cleary as Acting Clerk. Resolution 2026-02 accepted the first reading of proposed bylaws and directed that the bylaws be placed on the agenda for a second reading and possible adoption at the next meeting.

The board approved Resolution 2026-03 to have district funds derived from tax levies administered by the Madison County Treasurer and to coordinate initial accounting and disbursement processes with Madison County. During discussion, trustees noted a formal Certificate of Election from Madison County must be recorded with the Secretary of State before the district can fully conduct business.

Resolution 2026-04 authorized establishment of banking and financial controls, including dual authorization for disbursements where applicable, and authorized the Chair and Clerk to obtain tax identification numbers and state registrations necessary to open district bank accounts. Resolution 2026-05 authorized the district to obtain insurance coverage, including public officials and general liability insurance, with the Chair or Clerk authorized to solicit and bind coverage after legal consultation and subject to later ratification by the board.

By Resolution 2026-06 the board affirmed compliance with the Montana Code of Ethics (Title 2, Chapter 2), Montana open meetings and public participation requirements, and other applicable Montana laws governing hospital districts. Resolution 2026-07 addressed records and administration setup, transition coordination, and interim administrative authorities. That resolution explicitly authorizes coordination with Madison County and the Madison Valley Hospital District, authorizes the Chair to engage legal counsel and the Clerk to engage bookkeeping and grant-administration services, and accepts a $50,000 grant from BSRAD to be used for district start-up activities.

Board discussion around Resolution 2026-07 identified several next steps: staff are to reach out to Gallatin Water & Sewer for a bookkeeping contact, the interlocal agreement received from Madison Valley Hospital District requires further legal review, and the first local tax collections for the district are not expected until the end of 2026 at the earliest.

Votes at a glance: All resolutions presented at the July 9 meeting (Resolutions 2026-01 through 2026-07) were recorded in the minutes as "Motion: PASSED." The minutes do not contain roll-call vote tallies or names of motion proposers; where such details were absent, the board outcome is reported as approved without a recorded tally.

Administrative notes: Kim Beatty will send an engagement letter to Michael (listed in attendance as “Mike”) Rowe for signature. The board set its next meeting for July 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. MST at a location within the district boundary; additional meetings will be scheduled as needed. There were no public comments on items not on the agenda. The meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m.

The board referenced SB 260 and Montana statutory authorities in discussion of transition and records responsibilities; the proposed bylaws will return for a second reading at the next meeting.