County to retain former state Rep. John Fitzpatrick as economic development consultant

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County CEO Bill Everett proposed retaining former state Representative John Fitzpatrick as a consultant to advise the CEO's office on economic development projects, subdivisions and state-level questions.

"I have relied on John for a long time and I use him as my sounding board," Everett said, describing Fitzpatrick's familiarity with DEQ and state processes. Fitzpatrick told commissioners the scope has not yet been defined and that he intends to work with the CEO to develop a scope to present to the Commission. "I am anticipating working on that with Bill and then also presenting it to the Commission," Fitzpatrick said.

Commissioner Ed Beaudette pressed for clarity about the consultant's authority if hired, pointing to contract language that said a consultant would not make a representation or enter a contract on the county's behalf "unless specifically requested or authorized in writing to do so by the Chief Executive Officer of the County." Beaudette said that authority rests with the Commission. "I believe that that's the responsibility of the Commission, not of the Chief Executive," he said.

County Attorney Morgan Smith and CEO Everett said they will modify contract language to make clear that any binding commitments require Commission approval. "I am appreciative of Commissioner Beaudette's direction in the issue of the wording change to reflect the approval through the County Commission," Morgan Smith said.

The discussion did not record a formal vote; Everett said Fitzpatrick will end his legislative session this fall and can begin consulting work. The Commission did not take an immediate formal action at the work session; staff will return with revised contract language for Commission consideration.