Billings County commissioners appoint redistricting board to draw five districts

At a special meeting convened to address only redistricting, the Billings County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint a redistricting board to draw five commissioner districts.

"It's a special meeting today. So the only thing on the agenda is the, redistricting process," the Chair said as the meeting opened, framing the session around an administrative deadline the board faces.

Commissioner (speaker) moved "to have the redistricting board called upon to create the 5 districts," and the Chair seconded the motion. The Chair called a voice vote; several commissioners answered "Aye," and the motion carried.

The state's attorney said the commission can act by motion or resolution to begin the process and noted that if a map is not adopted that meets statutory elements, the redistricting board would be convened under state law to continue the work. The commissioners did not adopt a map at the meeting and instead directed the appointment process to move forward.

The redistricting board will hold public meetings as part of its duties. Commissioners and staff said the first meeting will be organizational — to set rules, select officers, and appoint the fifth member of the board — and that staff will publish meeting notices once dates are coordinated.

Next steps: the commissioners appointed the board to proceed; the redistricting board will meet, solicit public input and produce a five-district map under the statutory process.