Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves $3,500 donation to Anaconda Weekly Review; county attorney urges formal donations policy
Summary
Commissioners approved a $3,500 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review. County Attorney Morgan Smith recommended the commission adopt an ordinance to clarify whether it will follow municipal or county statutes for donations, citing MCA 7‑1‑4124 and 7‑7‑2103.
On Aug. 4 the commission approved a $3,500 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review amid discussion about whether county law permits routine donations absent a formal policy.
County Attorney Morgan Smith advised commissioners that Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County is a consolidated city‑county and therefore holds both municipal and county powers. "As our charter sets, Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County shall have the designation both of a municipality as well as of a county," Morgan Smith said, noting the municipal statute expressly allows grants or loans of money for public purposes while the county statute is more restrictive. Smith recommended the commission adopt an ordinance establishing a transparent process for future grants, donations and similar awards.
Publisher James Rosien said the paper is restarting print and social operations and welcomed the assistance. Commissioners voted 4‑0 to approve the donation and directed staff and the county attorney to prepare a recommended ordinance or policy framework for future consideration.
