July 7, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Board meetings:
Commissioner Goffena attended the Fire Council Meeting. All 6 fire districts were present. Roundup Fire Department and Musselshell County Fire Department are both halfway done with their inventory. Melstone is still trying to get water storage tanks. The council passed their budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Commissioner Turley attended the Roundup Memorial Hospital (RMH) Board meeting this date. Administrator Wolff and Billings Clinic accountant Anne Marie Kloppel reported that personnel revisions and renewed budget has been presented to the Board for approval. Fiscal year 2022-23 ended June 30, and we are now in Fiscal year 2023-24. Fiscal year 2022-23 ended in positive ending cash. The 2023-24 budget projections are conservative and positive, with cost factors for inflation, and a replacement Doctor position. There are many unknows for health care given unknowns for labor, area economy, and new Musselshell County residences with unknown health care needs. Overall, medical care is becoming more complicated, nonetheless, RMH is prepared for it, and willing to take on more patients who have difficult/specialized care requirements. Administrator Wolff and Val Russell indicated that staff work accommodations and schedules have reduced stress and increased efficiency. Billings Clinic stated that a Level One Trauma determination is still forthcoming for Billings Clinic, which is quite positive given RMH relationship with Billings Clinic. Level One Trauma designation is the highest level in Montana. Very positive meeting overall.
Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. He updated on RIDE event, attendance approx. 4,000 people attended. The sheriff’s office is concerned about being adequately able to provide security services for future RIDE events as the number of attendees has grown.
Commissioners Turley, Goffena, and Pancratz met with Mr. Zimmerer at the Old Hitching Post Building.
DES Director Justin Russell and DES Coordinator Daren Rook met with the Commissioners. They reported that the county’s current pine moisture content is 225% of normal, the sage moisture content is 175% of normal. Concerns for the fire season isn’t expected to start until the end of July to mid-August. DES has sent off the accruals for the end of the fiscal year to the State. The only incident from the RIDE event was a 3-vehicle accident. Public funds from disaster may be available from grants.
No Public Comment
Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign the Underground Electric Utility Easement between Musselshell County and Northwest Energy, Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to sign the Northwestern Energy Customer Agreement,
Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion; Motion carried.
Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign The Memorandum of Understanding for the Montana Wool Growers Association Predator Control Fund, Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve The Contract for Services of County Superintendent of schools between Rosebud County and Musselshell County. Commissioner Pancratz seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Pancratz made a motion to sign the Musselshell County Refuse Disposal District Revised By-Laws. Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.
There being no further business Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Last modified: July 14, 2023
