Commission Minutes – June 23-27, 2025
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:14 AM CLERK OF COURT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Jennifer Fisher, Clerk of Court
Discussed adjustments to the Clerk of Court budget; furnish empty office and move into it; replace jury chairs.
9:41 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM CLERK & RECORDER FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Will combine with Commission Budget meeting.
9:45 AM COUNCIL ON AGING FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Discussed adjustments to the Council on Aging budget; replacing laptop.
9:56 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
There was no meeting at this time.
10:17 AM TREASURER FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Barb Ketterling, Treasurer
Discussed adjustments to the Treasurer budget; discussed creating a line item for motor vehicle equipment.
10:27 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:42 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
1. Ismay Road South – Vertical Alignment Correction
Discussed adjusting the slope of a road that creates a blind spot for a driveway. Decided to proceed with only the surveying and design first; will wait to decide on construction plans until after discussing with landowner.
Updated on golf course pond lining project. Updated on Bergstrom Hill Road; mulching and seeding have been done and repairs to the erosion are completed. Discussed countermeasures for heavy rain to avoid more erosion. Reported on Hanratty Road and incoming easements.
10:59 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:05 AM RURAL FIRE FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Randy Hoenke, County Fire Warden
Discussed adjustments to the Rural Fire budget; discussed several items with decreased amounts, increasing wages.
11:11 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:17 AM PUBLIC HEALTH FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Discussed adjustments to the Public Health budget; increased office supplies. Discussed several grants that go towards budget line items. Created a new budget for family planning. Reported on changes to State and Federal funding.
11:34 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:40 AM EXTENSION FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ David Kirschten, Extension Agent
Discussed adjustments to the Extension budget; discussed decreases in several line items, increased travel due to involvement with Ambassadors. Updated on workshop budgets
11:50 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM Alissa Miller, Chamber President and Josey Madler, Chamber Member joined the meeting.
1:30 PM BAKER CHAMBER RECREATION DEPARTMENT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Marissa Gundlach, Executive Director; Skyla Varner, Chamber Assistant
Skyla was unable to attend the meeting. Alissa reported on the Recreation Department; requesting $35,136.37 to maintain the programs. Discussed donations and grants for the program. Reported on current entry fees.
1:45 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:47 PM CLERK & RECORDER FY26 BUDGET MEETING
Meeting was skipped earlier this morning; moved due to last minute cancellation. Discussed adjustments to the Clerk & Recorder Budget. Reported on upcoming repairs, trainings and increase in recording fees. Elections budget increased due to upcoming Primary. Discussed Planner budget; keeping contract planner line item until a local Planner/GIS is hired, and office supplies will need to be replenished after donating office supplies to other departments.
2:05 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON LETTER OF SUPPORT/ Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist
There was no meeting at this time.
2:15 PM SHERIFF FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Discussed adjustments to Care of Prisoners budget; decreased line items due to average prisoners per day, switch to smart tvs to eliminate Dish Network costs. No changes made to Search & Rescue budget. Coroner budget has new gurnies included. Discussed adjustments to the Sheriff budget; increased office supplies and decrease in operation supplies and purchased services. Discussed Avel professional medical services. Discussed replacing a sheriff vehicle. Discussed adding another deputy; would set up a on-call time if not approved.
2:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:15 PM CEMETERY FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Discussed adjustments to the Cemetery budget; requesting a new mower through capital outlay. Discussed storage and spring leak at St. Johns.
3:29 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON UPDATED JOB DESCRIPTION & COMPENSATION/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie updated on changes that were requested for Josh’s job description. Josh requested an increase in pay to match his job description; discussed changes to steps with the new cost of living adjustment. Discussed adjusting the positions steps and moving Josh to step 3 effective this pay period, after August 31st will be moved to step 4; include wage increase of $1.16.
Commissioner Rost motioned to update the IT job description to an I.T Director. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost motioned to update the compensation for the I.T Director with step 5 being at $36.00 without COLA and longevity included, moving Josh to step 3 effective immediately. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:57 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:57 PM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT/ Julie Straub, HRM
1. Road Superintendent
2. Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker Assistant
3. Seasonal Golf Course Crew Hand
4. Seasonal Fairgrounds Crew Hand
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve permission to recruit.
4:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 9-13, 2025 Commission Minutes
Postponed. Some old business items will be decided on tomorrow.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Adopt Salary Resolution #1156
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1156. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Moetivations Dispatch Training
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Moetivations Dispatch Training quote for the amount of $3,569.16. 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 propane quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Prairie Fuels propane quote for $1.19 per gallon. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision to replace the fencing around the Upper Lake
Discussed whether to repair or completely rebuild the fence around the upper lake. Commissioner Braun will not be voting due to the fence sitting between his property and the County’s.
Commissioner Rost motioned to go out for quotes for a total replacement of the fence. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost recommended including a map showing where the fence currently is. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Braun)
e. Discussion/Decision on Alcohol Tax Monies designation form
Commissioner Rost motioned to split the alcohol tax monies 50/50 between Prairie Hills Recovery and Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center (EMCMHC). Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision on Agreement with Maxwell Asphalt, Inc for the airport asphalt project
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the agreement with Maxwell Asphalt, Inc. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discussion/Decision on State of Montana Department of Revenue Standard Lease Contract
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the lease contract for the State Revenue Office. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
h. Removal of a Shooting Board member
Discussed removing a board member who took it upon himself to dismantle the Tri-Racing’s private property from land that the racing association currently leases from the county. Discussed timeline of events.
Commissioner Varner motioned to appoint a different board member in Kirk Lineback’s place to remove him. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Braun reported on a discussion with another individual from the Trap group. Commissioner Varner reported on the evidence showing that another individual was involved and would like further discussion with Kirk Lineback. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Appoint Board Members
Commissioner Rost motioned to appoint Dale Schweigert to fill the remainder of the now open term. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to reappoint Carl Overland and Matt Webber, and also appoint Oliver Gulig onto the Shooting Range Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
j. Correct June 2025 Mid-Month Claims amount
Commissioner Rost motioned to correct the amount of June 2025 Mid month claims to $398,816.96. 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
a. Final update on Dec. Action
The dec. action has been submitted to District Court for the Judge to review.
b. Discussion/Decision on Roddy M. Rost road easement
Commissioner Rost updated on legals description for the easement. Will review next week.
c. Discussion/Decision Petition to create a road
d. Review Service Agreement with Prairie Hills Recovery
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
Discussed submitted encroachments; reviewed a cattle guard request that does not meet policy requirements.
Granted both encroachments with conditions.
4:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until Tuesday, June 24th at 9:00 AM.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
9:00 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment
9:15 AM DES/911 FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator
Discussed adjustments to the Disaster & Emergency services budget; updating desktop, cancelling the satellite phone plan, possible EMPG grant. No changes to LEPC budget. Discussed adjustments to the 911 budget; several systems need updated, discussed 911 contributions that are transferred to Dispatch for operations.
9:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM PARKVIEW FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Discussed adjustments to the Parkview Retirement Complex budget; plan to replace the carpet and repaint both interior and exterior, currently having issues with air conditioning.
9:58 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM DISPATCH FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
No changes were made to the Dispatch budget; discussed having all of Dispatch training come out of the 911 budget. Dispatch cell phone could come out of 911budget; used only to communicate with other Counties and emergency personnel. Reported on drop ceiling in Dispatch office needing to be grounded.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM TRAP FY26 BUDGET MEETING
Matt Webber and Jim Leischner joined the meeting. Discussed revenues on target fees. Discussed adjustments for the Trap group of the Shoot Range Board; requesting Wi-Fi and a laptop for the trap club shoots. Discussed repairs that were covered by a grant. Plans to build score keeper stands, possible repair with the sewage system, add more concrete around the clubhouse, bleachers removal.
1. Discussion/Decision to create a separate board for Trap
Discussed creating a sub-committee for the Trap shoots instead a whole new board.
10:45 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:52 AM SUPERINTENDENT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Don Schillinger, Superintendent of Schools
No changes were made to the Superintendent budget.
10:54 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM TV BOARD FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Wayne Mangold & Randy Morris, Board Members; Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator; Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Wayne and Randy were unable to attend the meeting. Discussed adjustments to the TV Board budget; increased professional services.
11:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:27 AM GOLF COURSE FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ John Didier, Golf Course Superintendent
Discussed adjustments to the Golf Course budget; increased purchased services for equipment maintenance. Discussed priority list for mowers. Discussed cost to pump the lagoon cells; possibly purchase a large pump instead of contracting out. Will budget for a rough mower and a workman in the capital outlay and budget for a trim/slope mower in capital projects. Discussed hiring out an installation team for greens sod, additional equipment for venting the greens.
11:59 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members;
Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM Judge Anna Straub, Justice of Peace and Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
1:31 PM DISCUSSION ON COURT CLERK INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AND COUNTY PROPOSAL FOR CITY PROPERTY/ Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor; Sandi Reddick, City of Baker Clerk/Treasurer; Darcy Wassman, County Attorney
Discussed current clerk position that is split between the City and the County; discussed options to make that a full-time position. Discussed County proposed; 53% County and 47% City. Mayor Zachmann suggested making the position a City employee after adjusting their policy next April and having the County reimburse their half. Judge Straub expressed concern with having the position being a county employee; cost of living adjustments would increase the clerk’s wages to eventually be higher than the City Judge wage. Will wait for the City Council’s decision to change their policy next April.
Reviewed the properties, water line and sewer line that the County requested to purchase. The City has no interest in taking on any infrastructure outside of city limits; the sewer line going from the fairgrounds to Lakeview Country Club and the water line from Prairie Avenue to Bonneville Cemetery. The City has an interest in trading the property with the County. Discussed easement for the cemetery waterline. The City proposed swapping the property for the remaining balance of the loan but not take on the responsibility/liability of the sewer and waterline. The Commission will discuss further next week during their worksession.
2:08 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:08 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Roddy M. Rost road easement
Darcy will review legals for the easement.
2. Review MacKay waterline easement
Will ask if the MacKay would like to discuss easement.
3. Review updated Procurement Policy
Current Procurement Policy does include a section for researching disbarment for federal grants; will include a paragraph that specifically states ARPA funds. Discussed current contract for the airport asphalt project that is managed by KLJ Engineering.
4. Discuss DEQ required Amendment for golf course buffer zone
There was no discussion at this time.
2:22 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:26 PM BAKER RURAL FIRE FY26 BUDGET MEETING
Discussed adjustments for the Baker Rural Fire budget; reported on building repairs, replacing pagers, will be sending four to six people to fire school, added another building to the insurance. Discussed recent insurance check from losing a building. Requesting a heavier grass rig and rotate the current one out of town to replace a 1995 Chevy ½ ton.
2:42 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:50 PM Chairman Braun left the meeting.
3:00 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
1. Discussion/Decision on Coral Creek Landfill waste fees
Discussed setting waste fees and having them effective July 1st. Discussed disposal of trees; Jeff recommends restricting businesses from hauling trees to the container site. Discussed options to slim down the tree pile at the container site; currently waiting for a quote from Wyrick Construction.
3:16 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:23 PM JUSTICE COURT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Judge Anna Straub, Justice of Peace
Discussed adjustments to the Justice Court budget; modify one of the offices into a library type room, new chairs and printer. No changes were made to the Community Service budget.
3:40 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:54 PM OLD BUSINESS
1. Approve June 9-13, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve June 9-13, 2025 Commission Minutes. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
2. Appoint Board Member
Commissioner Varner motioned to appoint Angie Ford to the Library Board. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
3:55 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025
2:00PM – ATTEND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER INTERVIEWS
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
