Prairie County commissioners adopt FY2025–26 budget, authorize levies and permissive contributions

Prairie County commissioners on Sept. 3 adopted the county’s final operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and approved a package of permissive levies aimed at funding health insurance and sheriff retirement contributions.

The board reconvened at 5:00 p.m. for a final budget hearing. Clerk & Recorder Shari Robertson reviewed state budget worksheets and the steps required to finalize numbers for county certification. Commissioner Christine Keltner moved to accept the Budget Message for FY2025–26; Commissioner Dennis Teske seconded and the motion passed on an "all in favor" vote. Teske then moved to sign the Budget Certification for FY2025–26; Keltner seconded and the board adopted the certification after opening the floor for public comment.

The action completed a multi-step budget process that began earlier in the day. In the morning session the board had also adopted Resolution 26-6, amending the final FY2024–25 budget to account for unanticipated revenue and expenses pursuant to MCA 7-6-4006.

During the final hearing the commission approved: • Resolution 26-2 — a permissive medical levy to fund county health insurance premium contributions (adopted unanimously). • Resolution 26-3 — a permissive sheriff’s retirement contribution levy (adopted unanimously). • Resolution 26-4 — the resolution adopting the final operating budget and setting appropriation authority for FY2025–26 (adopted unanimously). • Resolution 26-5 — a resolution adopting all county levies for FY2025–26 (adopted unanimously).

Each motion was moved and seconded by members of the three-member board (Commissioners Christine Keltner and Dennis Teske are recorded as the primary movers and seconders for the motions; Commissioner Todd Devlin presided), and minutes record the votes as "all in favor." Public comment during the levy discussion included a request from resident Shane Eaton that future budget presentations include a pie chart showing property-tax changes over time by category.

Before the evening hearing, Deputy Clerk & Recorder Aria Walters presented vouchers and claims for board review, including Voucher #1161 ($4,000.00) for FY25 and three FY26 vouchers (Voucher #1025 — $31,007.62; Voucher #1026 — $55,423.55; Voucher #1027 — $194.48). The board reviewed journal adjustments and several voided checks as part of routine financial housekeeping.

The board adopted the budget and levies and adjourned the meeting after completing the stated agenda items. No further implementation dates or contingency conditions were specified in the meeting record.

Sources: Prairie County Board of Commissioners meeting transcript, Sept. 3, 2025.