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Billings County commissioners table redistricting decision, schedule follow‑up meeting
Summary
Commissioners reviewed multiple proposed maps for moving from a three‑member to five‑member board, debated whether to refer mapping to the redistricting board to allow public comment, and voted to table final action and set a follow‑up meeting Monday.
Chair of the board opened a special meeting to consider redistricting following the county's approved expansion from three to five commissioners and asked commissioners to limit public comment during today's session.
Legal advisor said, “The commissioner shall divide the county into 5 commissioners' districts,” emphasizing that the board must start from five districts and that combining districts later is a separate option. The advisor also summarized procedural constraints, including signature and filing deadlines and the role of the redistricting board in convening public comment.
Commissioners reviewed several map options and technical constraints. Chair said he preferred keeping Districts 1–3 largely intact and carving two new districts (4 and 5) so residents retain familiarity with current boundaries; several commissioners discussed keeping townships whole where possible and using census blocks when necessary.
Commissioner (S6) moved to send the proposed maps to the redistricting board for full public comment, but the motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioners agreed they remain close to a workable map but that more time is needed for calculations and to ensure variance stays within statutory limits. Several members favored meeting again on Monday to finalize maps and, if a map is chosen, to consider appointing two interim commissioners prior to the election cycle.
Legal advisor provided timing guidance: individuals interested in interim appointment would need to be in place by July 31 if the board chooses appointment, while candidates generally would have until August 31 to submit paperwork for ballot access; the advisor added that a petition by roughly 10% of qualified county voters (an estimated ~65 people) can compel the redistricting board to convene and that a 195‑signature threshold applies for some ballot filings.
The board voted to adjourn further action on today's redistricting item and reconvene Monday to continue map review. No final district map was adopted at today's meeting.
