Commission Minutes – June 8-12, 2026
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 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.
9:15 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:30 AM EMS BUDGET MEETING/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Discussed working towards a new ambulance garage; will need to begin the process of creating the project in order to apply for grants Discussed contacting engineers for quotes on building plans. Discussed option of building off of the existing garage. Will work on two examples for the EMT hourly rate changes.
9:40 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:56 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland, Shop Mechanic
Bryan presented a letter of resignation from Mitch Overn. Updated on culvert project on Cabin Creek Loop. Reported on road maintenance. Finished mowing the channel between 6th and 5th Street SW; will continue to mow the other channels when weather permits. Reported on picking up cold mix to chip seal roads and the cart paths at the golf course for the estimated amount of $7,000.00. Carl reported on equipment and vehicle maintenance. Discussed maintenance on Johny Creek Trail.
10:04 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM DISCUSSION ON COUNTY ROAD STANDARDS/ Desiree, Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator; Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent
Discussed developing road standards to include in the county subdivision regulations. The Commission would like to wait until after the GIS Road Plat Map is completed to review the roads as a whole and set standards. Subdivision roads and regular County roads will be set up at different standards. Desiree will draft recommended standards for subdivisions. Discussed filling in dip at Shell Oil Road and Windy View Road; Bryan will be adding a stop sign as well.
10:24 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:36 AM CLERK & RECORDER BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Reviewed Clerk & Recorder 2026-2027 fiscal year budget; discussed not purchasing tabulators until the State decides to make them a requirement.
10:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES AND BUDGET MEETING/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Reviewed Fallon Medical Complex 2026-2027 fiscal year budget with the County with no changes made. Marjorie presented the hospital board approved internal budget. Reviewed financials for the month of April. David presented a value sheet for Fallon Medical Complex’s property; The Insurance Store has an incorrect estimation for insurance coverage so will ask them to correct this. Discussed repairs for the hospital roof which is still under warranty at this time; TPO will complete the warranty work for the roof. Reported on Long Term Care chiller having pumps failing; waiting on quotes for repairs and a new chiller for comparison.
12:07 PM 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. Discussion on Resolution to adopt new planning fee schedule per the Planning Boards recommendation
Reviewed the drafted resolution; discussed holding a public hearing to inform the public that the fees are changing.
2. Discussion/Decision on Resolution to Purchase the Real Property from the City of Baker
Discussed drafting a resolution to exchange property stating that the exchange has been approved with an official resolution to follow with the correct legal descriptions. Discussed the SIDs that would be forgiven on the City’s side after the loan is forgiven.
3. Old Business as needed
4. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
Conference call with Cal Stacey has been scheduled for June 22nd.
1:54 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM SMART BUDGET MEETING/ Katie Miller, SMART Executive Director
Presented monthly activities and projects. Discussed SMART 2026-2027 fiscal year budget; presented fundraisers and programs that are being pursued in order to become self-sustaining. SMART is requesting more than what was previously budgeted for. Discussed fundraising and process of self-sustaining going forward. The Commission left the budget as is.
2:09 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:24 PM AIRPORT BUDGET MEETING/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Discussed budgeting for an airshow; requires ninety days for FAA approval. Would request donations from oilfield companies and businesses. Would happen around late August or Labor Day if approved.
2:40 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:40 PM JUSTICE COURT BUDGET MEETING/ Judge Anna J. Straub, Justice of the Peace
Reviewed the Justice Court 2026-2027 fiscal year budget with no changes made.
2:51 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 1-5, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the June 1-5, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve June 1, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve both sets of minutes June 1, 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 Fallon County Library Board of Trustees request
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Fallon County Library Board of Trustees request if and when COLA is approved for employees. 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 WIC Program Satellite Agreements
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the WIC Program Satellite Agreements. 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 Area 1 Agency on Aging Modification to Purchase of Service Contract
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Area 1 Agency on Aging Modification to Purchase of Service Contract. 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 Montana Department of Transportation Noxious Weed Control Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Montana Department of Transportation Noxious Weed Control Agreement. 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 Montana Woolgrowers Association Predator Control Fund
f. Discussion/Decision on Montana Stockgrowers Predator Control Fund
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve both Montana Woolgrowers Association Predator Control Fund for the amount of $410.20 and Montana Stockgrowers Predator Control Fund for the amount of $10,000.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Old Business as needed
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
3:36 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting is recessed until 9:00 AM on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
RECESS
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
9:00 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; 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 MUSEUM BUDGET MEETING/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Reviewed the Museum budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed expansion of the museum; would look for donations or sponsors to add a classroom and additional storage. Discussed upcoming museum events.
9:40 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PRORERTY AND CASUALTIES RENEWAL/ Jade Boggs, Insurance Store; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Jade reported no change in rates for the property and casualties’ Travelers Insurance renewal. Updated on changes to other policies and coverages.
10:07 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM SANITARIAN BUDGET MEETING/ Janalee Ferrell, Sanitarian
Reviewed the Sanitarian budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made.
10:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PLANNER & DES BUDGET MEETING/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Reviewed the Planner & DES budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made. Requested a full-time assistant for both Planning and DES but would start with part-time assistant if needed.
11:03 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:03 AM PERMISSION FOR LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Hillary Frank, Library Director; Julie Straub, HRM
11:03 AM Chairman Braun closed the meeting.
Commissioner Rost motioned to grant leave without pay through the end of February 2027. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; scheduling will be done through the Library Board and Hillary will request an extension with the Commission at the end of February 2027 if needed. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:08 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM LIBRARY BUDGET MEETING/ Hillary Frank, Library Director
Reviewed the library budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed repair and maintenance supplies for the library. Discussed decreasing Amazon shipping charges by creating a business Amazon Prime account with Clerk & Recorder approval still required.
11:20 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM DISPATCH BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Reviewed the Dispatch budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made. Discussed separating any items from the Dispatch budget that belong in the 911 budget which is shared with Carter and Wibaux County Tab Electronics will complete 911 updates at the end June.
11:41 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:45 AM DISTRICT COURT BUDGET MEETING/ Jennifer Fisher, Clerk of Court
Reviewed the District Court budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Updated on the State possibly deciding on no longer purchasing shared equipment; answer by the start of the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Discussed budgeting for current dues and subscriptions.
12:05 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
12:08 PM PLEVNA RURAL FIRE DISTRICT BUDGET MEETING/ Plevna Fire Board Members
Stephanie Crisler, Shaun Crisler, and Bryce Huft joined the meeting. Reviewed the Plevna Rural Fire District budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made.
12:21 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve June 2026 Mid-Month Claims for the amount of $586,739.26. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
3:30 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting is recessed until 1:15 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026
RECESS
FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2026
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Quorum was not establish; the following notes were taken.
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:15 PM APPROVE JUNE 2026 MID-MONTH CLAIMS
Claims were completed on Thursday, June 11th at 3:00 PM.
2:35 PM CANVASS OF ELECTIONS/ Jennifer Fisher, Clerk of Court; Barb Ketterling, Treasure; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Kimberly Jensen, Payroll Clerk
Canvassed from the 2026 Primary Election.
2:48 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Being as there is no further discussion; meeting adjourned.
3:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED
1. Executive Decisions
a. Appoint Board Members to various advisory boards/boards
This has been rescheduled for Monday, June 29th in the Commission Work Session.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
