Commission Minutes – December 22-26, 2025
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:41 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Bobby Wood and Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk and Recorder joined the meeting. Bobby stated that frozen material came off of a County belly dump; presented a quote for windshield and paint repairs to his vehicle. Will add to next week’s work session for final decision.
Jake Wagner joined the meeting. Jake reported on the upcoming Gary Gorder Ice Fishing Tournament that will be held at Baker Lake and Sandstone; a Montana Wild Fish and Game Warden will be in attendance. Tournament could be cancelled with no plans to reschedule if the ice is not thick enough.
9:53 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:56 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Bryan reported on Johny Creek Trail getting a new layer of scoria on it; Commissioner Braun reported on receiving a complaint for Johny Creek Trail. Discussed roads that are rutting up from the excessive rain. Mitch and Carl reported on vehicle maintenance.
10:05 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Reported on visitation. Currently creating an exhibit for Baker’s beginnings and a monthly newsletter. Updated on upcoming event planning.
1. Discussion/Decision on budgeting for a stipend from The Smithsonian Institute
Reported on The Smithsonian Institute $1,500.00 stipend for project materials. Discussed amending the budget to accept the stipend; will be used to assist with students’ project expenses for the Democracy in Dialogue Program.
10:24 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
10:30 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT FOR A SANITARIAN/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to recruit for a Sanitarian. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Position will be open until filled.
1. Discussion/Decision on Sanitarian job description and wages.
Reviewed current job description; will reduce to the bare minimum and remove non-essential duties. Discussed starting wages and hours for the Sanitarian position. Discussed considering an interlocal agreement with Wibaux and Carter County. Will discuss the job description further at a later date.
10:45 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve December 15-19, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the December 15-19, 2025 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Resolution #1165 Fallon County’s Intent to Lease County Buildings for Health Care Facility
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Resolution #1165. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Resolution #1166 Declaring Fallon County’s intent to donate the following Real Property Portion of Lot 19R, Block 7, Original Townsite, Plevna, Montana to the Plevna Rural Fire District
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1166. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Budget Amendment Resolution #1167
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Budget Amendment Resolution #1167. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Radar Service Contract with the State of North Dakota
Commissioner Rost motioned to renew the Radar Service Contract. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business as needed
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
Discussed waiving the approach permit fee for the pre-existing approach off of Shell Oil Road; permission granted.
11:08 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:26 AM SMART UPDATES/ Katie Miller, SMART Executive Director
Katie reported on awarded grants and upcoming events. The website and policies have been updated. Reported on Centennial Celebration planning and several fundraisers. Requested a letter of support and a representative from the Commission for a tourism grant. Discussed assisting local business with creating websites.
11:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:31 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Adjusting Health Insurance Premiums/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Debbie explained the Auditors suggestion to change Fallon Medical Complex’s insurance premiums to match Fallon County’s; the policy will have to be changed effective immediately for 2026. Discussed possibility of Fallon Medical Complex changing insurance plans. Discussed Fallon Medical Complex submitting a Request for Qualifications to lease the hospital building.
2. Review Ekalaka & Terry TV Service Agreement
Reviewed the draft service agreements. Will send draft to Carter and Prairie County for review.
3. Discussion/Decision on Request to Appoint Special Deputy County Attorney to address Thielen’s Request for Ethics Investigation of Commissioner Braun
Requesting a Special Attorney to cover the rest of the Ethics case. Asked surrounding County Attorney’s to see if they would be available to address the case. Recommended appointing John Hrubes, McCone County Attorney.
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1168. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
4. Old business as needed
2:04 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM CLOSED SESSION – THIELEN LITIGATION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
There was no discussion at this time.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION (IF NEEDED)
There was no discussion at this time.
2:04 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
