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Commission flags lack of Secretary of State guidance on fire-governance ballot language, considers contingencies
Summary
Commissioner Cindy Perdue-Dolan warned of missed deadlines and lack of clear guidance from the Secretary of State about ballot language for fire governance options; the Chair said ballot language and certifications had been submitted and described three certified options and contingency choices.
Cindy Perdue-Dolan told the Government Study Commission she had been unable to obtain guidance from the Secretary of State’s office about ballot language for proposed fire-governance options and said the lack of answers — despite inquiries dating back to 2025 — was causing concern about meeting the July 7 deadline.
The Chair reported that ballot language and certifications were provided to the Clerk and Recorder and that there are six ballot initiatives, with three options certified: (1) keep volunteer departments independent from the charter, (2) create a unified fire system under Butte–Silver Bow, and (3) maintain current charter language. Commissioners discussed fallback choices if those options are not approved at the polls.
Perdue-Dolan asked the commission to document outreach to the Secretary of State and to ensure County Attorney representation at the June 29 meeting. The Commission agreed to seek the requested correspondence and to ask the County Attorney’s office to attend.
