July 18th, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Pancratz. Commissioner Goffena and Commissioner Turley were present. Minutes were done by Garilynn Rapp.
County Attorney Krakowka was present in the morning. Norma Trent was present throughout the day.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Goffena seconded. Motion carried.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to table the Minutes, from July 11th, 2025. Commissioner Turley seconded. Motion carried.
Public Comment: No Public Comment.
New Business:
- Commissioner Goffena made the motion to table Work Order #10 for services to create an Agricultural Tract Exempt Survey. Commissioner Turley 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
Meetings:
All Commissioners attended the Department Head Meeting on July 18th,2025. Those in attendance were: All Commissioners, County Agent Cooley, Communications Department Head Ramsey, CHW Berg, CAS Marshall, Ambulance Director Solberg, DES Director Russell, DES Coordinator Rook, County Attorney Krakowka, Treasurer Hetrick, District Court Clerk Halverson, Clerk & Recorder Tomassi, Road & Bridge Supervisor Stockert, Sheriff Lesnik.
Road & Bridge Supervisor Stockert reported the Goffena Bridge Walk through happened last week. The department is working on hot mix on County Roads with Dean Creek on the schedule for next week. A Coal Board Grant will be submitted for the purchase of a new grader.
DES Director Russell is anticipating a federal review of the Busy Bee FEMA buyout will be completed in the next 2 weeks. All equipment has been removed from the building. The department is salvaging a refrigerator for the Sheriff’s office and 5 AC that will be available when needed.
DES is working on grants with the Road Department. All fire staff stations started this week. Rural addressing is working on getting all missing road signs replaced.
Treasurer Hetrick reported the department moved to a new system for Motor Vehicles that is consistently updating. A VIN or plate number is now required to look up any vehicle registration. Between July 1st-July 17th the Treasurer will be sending out tax lien notices. This year 476 notices will be mailed vs. 61 last year.
CHW Berg confirmed HIPA requirements for youth utilization of the CHW resources.
Commissioner Goffena went to the OPOID meeting, there will be 750 million nationally allocated to this cause.
County Agent Cooley updated that the 4H Fair is coming up July 26th-August 2nd, 2025. 4-H Funded new equipment, including new panels and new signs. With additionally funded upgrades the Fairgrounds have about $75,000 worth of improvements, including electric and new rodeo equipment. New funding opportunities and being explored working with the Ag Committee, Community Programs, the Conservation District as well as the Signal Peak Meeting in October. The Fair Board meeting on July 22nd will include discussions on the implementation of a new position for a Fairgrounds Coordinator.
Communications Supervisor Ramsey confirmed that all Communications Officers have been through the academy.
Sheriff Lesnik reported that the population of Musselshell County is now hovering around 5,500 residents. The department has experienced a 13% increase in overall call volume. Crime is down, Theft is down, and medical calls are up 34%. The department is interviewing for a deputy position.
CAS Marshall is working to get all budgets in place for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
County Attorney Krakowka’s office is preparing a few cases for trial and working contracts for the Commission.
Commissioner Turley updated the status of the Wier Building and reported the Refuse Board is working through site issues.
District Court Clerk Halverson is working through kinks in the new State computer system with credit card site pay. Additionally, they are looking to get all jury questionnaires in.
Clerk and Recorder Tomassi confirmed that the Elected Official Compensation Board will be meeting in the soon to review County wages for the 2025-2026 FY.
End of Department Head Meeting.
CAS Marshall updated the Commissioners on the Budget worksheets that were distributed to each department head. MACO is working on getting everything entered into Budget Prep.
County Agent Reed presented to the Lower Musselshell Conservation District regarding mitigation ideas working directly with them to obtain grants. Fire mitigation and working with VFD to maximize efficiencies and reduce mitigation fees. The extension office is looking for a funding source for Golden Valley to offer a Producers Innovation Grant, moving from a 3-person committee to a 5-person committee for the Conservation District. The department is looking to partner with producers to focus on local agriculture with the goal of increasing efficiencies through case studies.
Sheriff Lesnik updated the Commission on the 2025 calendar year law enforcement numbers. The department experienced an increase in calls by 13%. The department has a 91% increase in traffic stops with a 53% increase in stops in town. Thefts are down 26%, Criminal Misc. had a 30% decrease, and a 36% increase in medical calls.
DES is waiting on FEMA Study & Review for reimbursement for the Swift Current Buyout. The department is salvaging usable equipment and AC’s before demolition begins. Reduction in EMPG funding affects local DES, with data being reevaluated. There was a structural fire at Signal Peak in their Compressor Building, est. 6 million in losses. Likely, a mechanical failure with the initial origin between compressors that had been worked on that morning prior to the incident. It was reported to fire fighters that power had been shut down at the panel, before watering hit the box caused an explosion. The department has staff stations up and running with 8 fire fighters on duty. 2 fires in the county last week, one from chains and the other from a cigarette. The biggest fire was estimated to be 0.1-acre overall burn. The benefits of prescribed fires were discussed with a 30-year mitigation vs. 10 years with mechanical methods of mitigation.
Pam Carter and Mike Morgan with MCHA came in to discuss the Preliminary Architect Report (PAR) with Homes On The Range. The Summary preferred a 50-unit new facility, with a cost approximately 8.5-9.3 million dollars and no repairs on the existing facility due to age and building codes.
Theresa Doumitt discussed Wier Building updates with the Commission. These discussions included the structural repair progress, future construction meeting dates, the incredible progress of the hazardous materials cleanup work, the proposed developer proposal, and start of the design of the new roof for the Wier project.
No Public Comment:
Last modified: July 25, 2025
