Billings County votes to close courthouse to non‑county business during presidential visit, discusses pay

Commissioners considered a plan to close the courthouse to general public traffic on the days around an expected presidential visit to reduce heavy tourist traffic and safety risks at the courthouse.

Legal advisor said that closing the courthouse to the public makes sense as a safety measure because "it kind of creates a safety hazard because the sheriff's office is preoccupied" when outside security responsibilities increase. Staff and auditors explained that courthouse operations could continue by appointment and that courthouse employees who are sent home would receive their regular pay (8 hours) while other crews who work (road crews, sheriff, EMS) would receive overtime or holiday pay according to existing county payroll practices.

Commissioners discussed whether the closure should be treated as paid leave, require employees to use PTO, or be unpaid; staff advised options: employees could use vacation/PTO, take an unpaid day, or be paid their normal salary while on closure depending on departmental status. Commissioners noted the financial and administrative complication of calculating holiday and overtime pay for a busy week but agreed closing the courthouse to non‑county business was prudent.

The board voted to close courthouse doors to non‑county business on the identified days and then adjourned the meeting. The commission instructed staff to finalize specifics for employee pay, appointment procedures for in‑person county business during the closure, and the timing for the next meeting to complete redistricting work.