How Billings County's redistricting board will be composed and operate

The state's attorney told commissioners that state law defines the composition of the redistricting board. "1st member of the redistricting board would be the chairman of the board of county commissioners," the attorney said, and noted the county auditor will serve as a non‑voting adviser to provide data and demographic support.

Under the statutory framework explained at the meeting, the board's membership includes: the commission chairman (named in the discussion as Dean Rodney), the state's attorney (who spoke at the meeting), a representative appointed by the governing body of the largest city (the mayor of Medora, Ziroff, was mentioned as a potential appointee), a township supervisor if townships are organized or otherwise a citizen at‑large appointed by the county commission, and a fifth member chosen by the redistricting board itself. Commissioners discussed how past boards had included individuals such as Steve Clem and Julie Rice and noted that practical scheduling and public‑meeting timing will be arranged by the clerk.

The transcript shows commissioners debating nomination mechanics (majority vs. plurality, and whether multiple candidates can be nominated) and referencing Robert's Rules of Order as a guide to manage nominations and votes. The state's attorney clarified that a simple majority appointment by the commission suffices for the citizen‑at‑large slot; the redistricting board then selects its final member.