Prairie County commissioners pass resolution of intent to adopt 2026 growth policy, set public hearing

The Prairie County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution of intent to begin formal adoption of the Prairie County Growth Policy 2026, following procedures in Montana Code Title 76. Commissioner (speaker 7) read the resolution and asked for a motion; after brief discussion the board voted in favor.

The resolution, as read by speaker 7, references review by the Prairie County Planning Board and public outreach (surveys and forums) and notes public hearings on May 15, 2025, and July 14, 2025. Commissioners discussed whether later amendments could address specific emerging issues such as solar farms, data centers and water-use requirements; county staff said amendments and zoning/permitting language could be added following public comment. "So I entertain a motion to intend to pass the growth policy as been amended from, 2016," the reading states, and commissioners moved and seconded the motion. The board then set a public hearing date consistent with the two-week newspaper-notice requirement and passed the motion by voice vote.

The action is a procedural step (a "resolution of intent") that starts a notice-and-comment period rather than final adoption. Staff said the hearing will be advertised in accordance with Montana law and that the final adoption could follow after the public hearings and any revisions recommended by the planning board.