Commission Minutes – February 23-2, 2026
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026
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.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting. Reported on election training in Helena; Kathy Newell and Kimberly Jensen are currently attending. Secretary of State clarified that Brenda will no longer be qualified as an election administrator if she does not attend the training this week or the extra training at a later date; recommended Kimberly Jensesn as the new election administrator. Commission will make a decision next week.
9:35 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM SANITARIAN UPDATES/ Janalee Ferrell, Sanitarian
Reported on upcoming meetings with DEQ regarding Plevna sewer. Updated on licensing and training. Discussed office and operation supplies.
9:48 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Report on maintenance to Runway Trail and Fletcher Creek Trail. Updated on blade maintenance. Will be sending Carl Overland, Kendall Sieler and Larry Donnelly to RDO Technology and Safety Training for snow removal. Updated on Yellow Brick Road; will be removing part of a hill to improve drainage. Presented a general quote for the chip and seal project. Mitch reported on equipment maintenance. Discussed graveling over by Medicine Rock Church. Carl reported on equipment maintenance. Updated on graveling on a low maintenance road.
10:07 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CURRENT IT SPACE/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Discussed expanding into the IT space if Josh moves office; would move donated dispatch consoles into the space.
10:22 AM Chairman Braun stepped out for a phone call.
Discussed old planning office space; Desiree recommended installing a wall for privacy if she were to move.
10:25 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:30 AM Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent joined the meeting.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Discussed culvert replacements on Anticline Road and Cabin Creek Road.
10:33 AM Chairman Braun returned to the meeting.
Updated on box culvert replacement on South 6th Street; bid opening will be next Monday.
10:47 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
11:00 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Presented January’s EMT On-Call stats. Discussed donating old CPR dummies; permission granted to donate to the schools or another government entity.
1. PERMISSION TO REIMBURSE/PAY FOR EMT STATE LICENSES
Discussed paying for EMT and National Registry licenses consistently going forward. Permission granted; Commission recommended including in EMS policy manual.
2. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR AN EMT OR NURSE
Requested to advertise for nurses to apply as EMTs before hosting EMT classes; permission granted.
3. DISCUSSION/DECISION TO PAY EMTS FOR CPR CLASSES
Discussed paying an EMT who is CPR certified to assist with teaching CPR classes; permission granted.
4. PERMISSION TO HOST SUMMER EMT CLASS
Will host a class if needed after advertising first.
5. DISCUSSION ON PLAN FOR EMS FACILITY
Commissioner Braun stated that a PAR isn’t required if everyone agrees that there needs to be a new EMS Facility; unsure where the funds should come from at this time. Discussed possible property locations.
11:11 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:45 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE QUOTE/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
Presented ninjaOne quote. Software would replace several different software that are currently utilized; three months would be free for onboarding followed by an annual renewal.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the ninjaOne quote for the amount of $3,634.80. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:52 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
Doug Bruha joined the meeting. Discussed installing an auto-gate to a portion of property off of the highway. Correction: The County does not purchase cattle guards for personal driveway’s when a gate is an option.
1:22 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discuss MacKay cattle crossing easement
Reported on the location for the easement; will specify if the MacKay’s will utilize the current trail or build up a road to traverse on.
2. Review City of Baker Memorandum of Understanding for Property Exchange and Loan Forgiveness
Discussed legals for Triangle Park and baseball field being incorrect; the Commission would like the legals corrected before moving forward. Montana State GIS Assessors is currently verifying legals.
3. Old Business as needed
Corrected Lower Dam MOUs to include current going rate for services; also requesting businesses to provide an annual update on service rates. Discussed State reimbursements available for certain emergencies. Discussed how to confirm going rates or current fair market value for services with local businesses.
4. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
No discussion at this time.
2:02 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:02 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION FOR A SPEED STUDY/ Gary Thielen, Town of Plevna Mayor; Mylen & Diane Bohle, County Residents
Mylen reported on concerns with the current location of the speed limit sign on Highway 12; several incidents almost occurred along with several deer getting hit. The Commission could request the speed study but do not believe the State would follow through with several other driveways in similar circumstances. Recommended to have the Town of Plevna request the speed study since it is within town limits.
2:18 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:29 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE A DEPUTY SHERIFF/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Discussed scheduling for the deputies with a full roster; will adjust hours for limiting overtime and on-call hours.
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Mariah Palluck as a Deputy Sheriff. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO RECRUIT DETENTION OFFICER
Commissioner Rost motioned to recruit for a Detention Officer. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed equipment and training for Mariah Palluck.
2:34 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve February 9-13, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve February 9-13, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve February 9, 2026 Commission Closed Session Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve February 9, 2026 Commission Closed Session Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commission Braun, due to absence) Motion carried.
3. Update on Health Insurance/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Have received several Request for Information for health insurance; options between Blue Cross Blue Shield or trust pool products. Hospital was requested to be included in the insurance proposals. Insurance Committee will compile a proposal to present to the Commission. Discussed scheduling presentations for the top two insurance proposals.
4. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on fair contract
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the fair contract. 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 City of Baker Memorandum of Understanding for Property Exchange and Loan Forgiveness
No further discussion at this time.
c. Discussion/Decision on Fireside Office Solutions Maintenance Service Agreements
Decision moved to March 2nd, 2026.
d. Discussion/Decision on Request for Proposal #013 for Fallon Medical Complex clinic doors
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve Request for Proposal #013 for the amount of $1,526.83. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on CDPHP Program Sub-Contractor Task Order/Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the CDPHP Program Sub-Contractor Task Order/Agreement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Lease for Healthcare Facility
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Lease for Healthcare Facility with Fallon Medical Complex. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; only company to reply to advertisement. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
Currently waiting for the school to review.
c. Discussion/Decision on Commissioner Deeds for the Plevna Rural Fire District
Currently waiting for Plevna Rural Fire District to review.
d. Discussion/Decision on State Transportation Bus Grant
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve State Transportation Bus Grant. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
3:08 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 8:45 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
RECESS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026
8:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
8:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:00 AM ATTEND SANDSTONE CREEK BRIDGE PRE-CONSTUCTION MEETING – ZOOM MEETING
11:00 AM REVIEW DRAFT ROAD PLAT/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Reviewed draft road plat; discussed classification of several roads. Will schedule another review of the draft.
12:16 AM Commissioner Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
