Macomb County commissioners approve multiple budget-authority resolutions, provide support letter for property near Charles M. Russell Reserve

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners met July 13 and approved a series of budget-authority resolutions and administrative items, while flagging several operational issues for follow-up. Presiding officer Ellen Stempel led the meeting; Commissioner Lonnie Jensen seconded or moved multiple motions that were carried by voice vote.

The board provided a letter of support for a property near the Charles M. Russell Reserve after public input from a Land and Water Conservation Fund representative. That item was recorded in the minutes and the clerk noted the letter is on file.

In a grouped set of budget-authority actions, the board approved: a $95,000 freight allocation for 4‑H council activities (resolution 26-07-13A), $190,545.98 for Mako PCT funds (resolution 26-07-13B), a $2,500 Pathways capacity grant (resolution 26-07-13C), a Mid Rivers grant of $2,500 (resolution 26-07-13E) and a Downpump grant of $1,375 (resolution 26-07-13F). Each of these items was introduced, moved and seconded in the meeting and recorded as passed by a 2–0 voice vote.

The clerk also read and the board approved a budget-authority resolution for Code Red funds (identified in the minutes in a format shown as "$1,440 $44.28"). The transcript’s formatting of that dollar figure is unclear; the exact amount was not specified clearly in the meeting record.

Other administrative approvals included payment of Montana Natural Resources Coalition dues, approval of an engagement letter from Onus & Associates, memoranda of understanding with the Montana Stock Growers and affiliated associations, the Federal Aviation Administration year-end financial report and a Board of Investment certificate of appropriations. The clerk noted copies of resolutions and related documents are on file.

Operational matters discussed included dispatcher wages (raised by Virginia Richardson Tack) and senior center concerns presented by Candy Holland. The board approved an approximate $750 purchase of sand to repair cemetery headstones after a report from cemetery caretaker Chuck Kunish. The treasurer’s report was tabled for later consideration, and the clerk said correspondence would occupy the remainder of the day.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26-07-13A — Freight funds for 4‑H council, $95,000 — moved by Commissioner Lonnie Jensen; seconded by Presiding officer Ellen Stempel; outcome: approved (vote recorded as 2–0). - Resolution 26-07-13B — Mako PCT funds, $190,545.98 — moved by Commissioner Lonnie Jensen; seconded by Presiding officer Ellen Stempel; outcome: approved (2–0). - Resolution 26-07-13C — Pathways capacity grant, $2,500 — moved by Commissioner Lonnie Jensen; seconded by Presiding officer Ellen Stempel; outcome: approved (2–0). - Resolution 26-07-13D — Code Red funds (amount unclear in minutes); moved by Commissioner Lonnie Jensen; seconded by Presiding officer Ellen Stempel; outcome: approved (2–0). Exact dollar amount not specified in record. - Resolution 26-07-13E — Mid Rivers grant, $2,500 — moved by Commissioner Lonnie Jensen; seconded by Presiding officer Ellen Stempel; outcome: approved (2–0). - Resolution 26-07-13F — Downpump grant, $1,375 — motion described in minutes (mover recorded as Commissioner Johnson in the minutes); outcome: approved (2–0).

The meeting record shows routine governance items were handled largely by consent with limited debate. Presiding officer Ellen Stempel and Commissioner Lonnie Jensen conducted votes recorded in the minutes; the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. The board also noted an upcoming board health meeting and scheduled follow-up on budgeting tasks, including distribution of prior-year expenditure materials to departments to aid budget preparation.

The minutes and copies of resolutions are on file with the clerk; several items (including the treasurer’s report and follow-up on dispatcher wages) were left for subsequent meetings or administrative follow-up.