Commission Minutes – June 29 – July 3, 2026
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 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.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
9:15 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT A PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie was unable to attend the meeting.
Commissioner Rost motioned to recruit for a Public Health Specialist. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:21 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:28 AM Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor & 911 Coordinator joined the meeting.
9:28 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MARKET ADJUSTMENTS FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS/ Julie Straub, HRM; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Brenda requested to increase Kodie’s hours and move her to step four as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher; will adjust her to step four after her probation ends in July.
Commissioner Rost motioned to adjust Kodie Olsen to step four after approval of her six-month probation and increase her hours from thirty-six to forty hours per week. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:32 AM Darin Meggers joined the meeting.
Discussed Airport Boards recommendation to raise Darin’s position from $23.37 to $32.00 an hour. Darin presented other surrounding airport wages. Discussed wage matching the position title.
Commissioner Varner motioned to increase the Airport Facilities Assistant Manager to $32.00 an hour per the Airport Boards recommendation. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed wage gap between the Airport Facilities Manager and the Airport Facilities Assistant Manager. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed rescinding the request for the Human Resource market adjustment; no adjustments have been made in the past for this salary position. Discussed catching up with the rest of the state and approve half of the request this year.
Commissioner Rost motioned to increase Julie Straub’s wages $1.00 an hour this year and revisit next year. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed HR wages compared to the rest of the state. Commissioner Braun stated that Wibaux and Carter utilize her and could possibly ask the other counties to assist with the positions wages. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed Derrick deHaan’s stipend for managing Parkview Retirement Complex and being constantly on-call for the residents.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Derrick deHaan’s $2.50 an hour stipend. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; every resident requests Derrick for repairs. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ATTEND BRIDGER PIPELINE EXPANSION COOPERATORS MEETING – ZOOM MEETING/ BLM Representatives
Attended zoom meeting.
10:52 AM Fred Hoff and Turk Stark, Baker Rural Fire District Board Members joined the meeting.
10:52 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON STATE/COUNTY COOPERATIVE FIRE PROTECTION AGREEMENT/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator, Randy Hoenke, County Fire Warden; Tom Bruha, Baker Rural Fire Chief; Kalyn Bohle, Plevna Rural Fire Chief; Scott McAvoy, DNRC
Tom and Kayln were unable to attend the meeting. Reviewed the Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement and compared to the latest Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement that was completed by the previous DES Coordinator.
10:57 AM Dale Butori, MT DES District Field Officer joined the meeting.
Discussed agreement assisting with the recent fire on the Anticline.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed both fire districts being included in the agreement, discussed term of agreement. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed DNRC covering the cost for the recent fire on the Anticline; mostly the aircraft.
11:08 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON DISPATCH FACILITY NAME CHANGE PER 911 BOARD RECOMMENDATION/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor & 911 Coordinator; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
The 911 Board recommended to change the Dispatch Center name to Southeast Montana 911 Center; would be easier to keep the name if there are changes with the counties that utilize the Dispatch Center.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve change the name of the Dispatch Center to Southeast Montana 911 Center per the 911 Advisory Board’s recommendation. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:32 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:43 AM Wanda Pinnow, Livestock Committee Chairman and Melissa Thielen, 4-H Council President joined the meeting.
11:45 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT AN EXTENSION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND INCREASE POSITION’S HOURS/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie was unable to attend the meeting. Sara requested to recruit an extension administrative assistant at forty hours.
Commissioner Varner motioned to recruit an extension administrative assistant at forty hours a week. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; recruitment advertisement will run for ten days, position will be permanent. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed extension administrative assistant job description; will discuss adding 4-H to the job description when Julie returns. Discussed removing the previous Extension Agent from all of the club checking accounts.
11:53 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT A LEAD GOLF COURSE CREW HAND/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent
Requested to promote Clint Townsend to a Lead Golf Course Crew Hand to help delegate work to the seasonal crew hands.
Commissioner Varner motioned to promote Clint Townsend to a Lead Golf Course Crew Hand. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; effective immediately if Clint accepts the offer. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:55 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.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review draft Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) Memorandum of Understanding
Reviewed draft mou; discussed verbiage for providing matching funds.
2. Review draft Interlocal/Maintenance Access Agreement for landowners near the spillway/channel
Discussed changing the agreement to an easement on property in order to access the channel; could make the easement revocable.
3. Review Resolution granting statutory authority to the County Sanitarian
Reviewed draft resolution; will visit with the Sanitarian to clarify the power and duties that will be granted.
4. Review Professional Services Agreement with TAB Electronics
Discussed TAB Electronics revisions to the agreement; task orders will not always be required for services provided, only for maintenance that is out of the ordinary.
5. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
No discussion at this time.
6. Old Business as needed
Reviewed draft Public Roadway Right of Way Grant Easement. Discussed amending past right of ways or giving landowners the option to revoke their easements. Discussed terminating the latest Fire Cooperation agreement designated to a past employee.
1:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:57 PM DISCUSSION ON POTENTIAL FALLON COUNTY SPONSORSHIP FOR SOUTHEAST ELECTRIC CO-OP BRIC GRANT – CONFERENCE CALL/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator; Dale Butori, MT DES District Field Officer; Tye Williams, Southeast Electric Co-Op Representative; Andrew Long, MT DES Deputy State Hazard Mitigation Officer
Andrew explained the Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities Grant (BRIC). Southeast Electric wants to improve their utility lines. The BRIC Program requires a government entity to sponsor as a sub-recipient. Application deadline has been extended to July 10th. Discussed reimbursement process of the grant. Discussed locations of the project; funds would be used for Fallon County in the Willard area. Discussed the States success rate awarding of the BRIC grant.
2:19 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM CHAMBER UPDATES/ Alissa Miller, Executive Director; Kylie Kings, Chamber Assistant
Introduced Kylie Kings as the new Chamber Assistant. Reported on the Peace Run Group coming through on July 8th. Updated on upcoming 4th of July events.
2:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 22-26, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the June 22-26, 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 June 22 Closed Session Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the June 22, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on fair contract
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Tim Minow’s performance contract. 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 Zetron quote per 911 Advisory Board recommendation
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Zetron quote for the amount of $137,101.10 per the 911 Advisory Board’s recommendation. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on request for support letter on comprehensive energy permitting reform
Discussed requested letter of support from Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Commission did not sign the letter.
d. Discussion/Decision on adopting Resolution #1180 to purchase real property from the City of Baker
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1180. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on adopting FY27 Salary Resolution #1181
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Salary Resolution #1181. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision on adopting Amended Procurement Policy Resolution #1182
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1182. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; anything over five thousand becomes capital outlay which should require approvement. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discussion/Decision on Shaun Crisler quote for purchase/install for Plevna Senior Citizen flooring
Discussed obtaining more than one flooring quote for the Plevna Senior Citizen Center.
h. Discussion/Decision to approve & Docusign MDT Operating & Transade Agreements for the Council on Aging Transportation Prog.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MDT Operating & Transade Agreements for the Council on Aging Transportation Program. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Appoint Board Members to various advisory boards
Commissioner Rost motioned to reappoint Deb Barth to the Library board. 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 reappoint Jon Slagter and Shelley MacKay Dean and appoint Alissa Miller to the Fallon County Planning board. 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 reappoint Susan Newell and Nikki Verke and appoint Lola Fried to the Council of Aging board. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Accepted Rose Straub’s resignation from the Council on Aging Board.
Commissioner Varner motioned to reappoint Roddy Rost and Bev Burghduff to the Weed Board. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
Commissioner Rost motioned to reappoint Kevin Dukart to the Tax Appeal Board. 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 LaTonne Reetz and Pat Ehret to the Museum Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost motioned to reappoint Jodi Varner to the Salary Commission. 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 John Tronstad to the Airport Zoning Commission Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to reappoint Linda Rost to the Lake Advisory. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
Accepted Marty Setic’s resignation from the Fallon County Shooting Range Board.
Commissioner Varner motioned to reappoint Dale Schweigert and appoint Ed Susa to the Fallon County Shooting Range Board. No second was made, motion failed.
Commissioner Rost motioned to reappoint Dale Schweigert to the Fallon County Shooting Range Board. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed three applicants for the last opening on the Shooting Range Board.
Commissioner Rost motioned to appoint Eric Updike to the Fallon County Shooting Range Board. No second was made, motion failed.
Discussed the two applicants that applied for the remaining opening on the Fallon County Shooting Range Board.
Commissioner Varner motioned to appoint Ed Susa to the Fallon County Shooting Range Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; the Commission would like to thank everyone who applied, all great applicants, which made it difficult to decide. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Old Business as needed
a. Sign previously approved Matt Axton Music Performance Contract for the Museum
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Matt Axton Music Performance Contract. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
3:21 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM CLOSED SESSION PREDISCIPLINARY MEETING/ Taylor Honabach, Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Taylor stated that the meeting can remain open. Discussed investigative report in regards to an emergency phone call that put emergency personnel on the scene in jeopardy; several other issues were brought up during the investigation. RIMs reports were also not completed properly, which would not stand up in a court if anyone would ever complain. Taylor questioned about individuals that were not interviewed for the investigative report along with stories that are contractions. Taylor stated that she feels like the investigative report has turned into a smear campaign for standing up against sexual harassment; confidential information has been leaked and does not have confidence in the Dispatch Center sending the proper care during medical emergencies. Brenda states that the relationship with law enforcement has been severed and will move forward if needed but does not believe the trust will be repaired. Discussed the interviews within the investigative report. The Commission’s final decision will be solely based on whether Taylor is fit to be at Dispatch as she is still currently within her six month probation period. Taylor suggested cameras be installed within Dispatch to help people going forward to prove what is happening; Dispatch is unable to keep the position full. Commissioner Braun stated that exit interviews do not have specific allegations. Discussed Dispatch being an emotional and difficult job.
Commissioner Rost motioned to terminate Taylor Honabach’s employment effective immediately. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Taylor was presented a letter of dismissal.
4:45 PM Being as there is no further business to come before the Commission, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
