June 20th , 2025
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Pancratz. Commissioner Goffena and Commissioner Turley were present. County Attorney Krakowka was present in the morning. Norma Trent was present in the afternoon.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve the agenda, with a modification, to discussion on the running public notice for 2 weeks for Board Members for the MCCOA. Commissioner Goffena seconded. Motion carried.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve the Minutes, from June13th, 2025. Commissioner Goffena seconded. Motion carried.
No Public Comment:
New Business:
- Commissioner Goffena made a motion to table the appointment of Marylou Brandt & Rich Durgin to the Hospital District Board. Commissioner Turley 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
- Commissioner Turley made the motion to advertise for the duration of 2 weeks, for a new Board for the MCCOA, as to ensure meals are being delivered to the Meals on Wheels Program, with the current Board under suspension. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Meetings:
All Commissioners attended the MACO Oil, Gas and Coal meeting. The Commission presented their concerns over the Coal Revenue Act.
The Commission all attended the MACO District Meeting.
County Attorney Ben Krakowka is reviewing the 501c3 status of the Musselshell County Council on Aging and oversight of the Board, as the Area II Council on Aging has issued a cure notice to MCCOA.
County Accounting Specialist Marshall reviewed her progress working with individual department heads in reviewing 2025-2026 department budgets. This week she has sat down with 3 departments. Budget preparation numbers look close to actual numbers. CAS Marshall will be reviewing labors statistics and will be making finalizations with appropriate labor codes. FY 2024-2025 the County employed 55+ employees, and labor costs were up $750,000 over last year. Including wages, benefits, insurance.
County Agent Cooley gave an update for the Extension Office to the Commissioners. Agent Cooley arose the possibility of focusing summer activities on field work and shifting educational programs to winter months.
They discussed the FY 2025-2026 Budget and reviewed the Musselshell County Extension and Fairgrounds Strategic Funding Plan. With the goal of optimizing the Fairgrounds’ ability to be an asset for the community, they discussed the possibility of adding an employment position for Coordination of the Fairgrounds. This role would be responsible for oversight of projections, capital improvements, events and facility maintenance. Ensuring that the budget allocated a minimum monthly amount of $1,100 for water plus usage was confirmed. Next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for 6/24/2025.
Sheriff Lesnik came in to give his report to the Commissioners. He informed the Commission of a disabled patrol vehicle that need to be towed from Judith Basin. He also reviewed the department’s preliminary budget for FY 2025-2026. The Sheriff’s Office is considering making a change to the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) currently used through Verizon Wireless to Starlink. This would be a Capital Improvement allowing law enforcement to have connectivity county wide, with data and phone coverage. The Sheriff discussed the silo and wind farm construction scheduled to begin in the area and impacts of traffic and machinery using HWY US-87 through Roundup.
Treasurer Hetrick reviewed audit completion documentation and deadlines for providing information to the State of Montana by 6/30/2025.
County Attorney Krakowka advised the Commission on the duties of overseeing County Boards and discussed publication of notice.
Catalyst for Change and Community Health Worker Berg updated the Commissioners on a few serious cases including mental illness, homicidal and suicidal situations. They discussed Community Mental Health strategies and HIPPA Compliance for seeing Community Members and Roundup Schools students. Funding was also discussed from October to June.
Theresa Doumitt discussed Wier Building updates with the Commission. The design team has an appointment scheduled for July 1st at 11:00 AM.
Morrison Mariele reviewed our current data systems protection services agreement and updated the Commission with new services available and the Proposed Service Agreement for $6,095 per month.
No Public Comment:
With no Further Business to discuss, Commissioner Goffena made the Motion to adjourn, Commissioner Turley seconded the motion, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM.
Monday June 23, 2025 Road Department meeting. Minutes done by Secretary Newman
- Equipment update: RDO is almost done with the grader. However, the end Dump’s dump box is bent and has been sent to Kois for repairs.
2.Road update: Our team is proactively blading roads while there is still moisture on the ground.
- Tom reminded the Commissioners about the town hall meeting at Dean Creek fire station regarding the 1.7-mile paved portion.
4.0Culvert projects: Despite the current feasibility concerns due to grant costs, we are committed to exploring and finding alternative options.
Signed this 27th day of June 2025
Last modified: June 27, 2025
