Commission Minutes – March 16-20, 2026
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 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
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:43 AM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
9:43 AM PERMISSION FOR LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Melodie Bertsch, Accounts Payable Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Melodie requested the meeting to be closed.
9:43 AM Chairman Braun closed the meeting.
9:46 AM Chairman Braun opened the meeting.
Commissioner Varner motioned to grant Melodie Bertsch leave without pay. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Bryan reported on road maintenance and tree removal. Reported on MACRS Conference. Discussed encroachment permit for an auto-gate; will hold off on signing the permit until the County receives an easement for the road. Mitch and Carl reported on equipment maintenance.
10:12 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM PERMISSION TO RECALL SEASONALS/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services; Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to recall Karissa Afrank, Owen Stieg, Kane Olsen, Sheridan Beach and Hunter Bailey as Seasonal Weed Drivers/Crew Hands. 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 recall Kali Dulin as a Seasonal Fairgrounds Crew Hand. 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 recall Mya Hadley and Michael Hanson as Seasonal Parks/Outside Maintenance Crew Hands. 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 recall John Didier as the Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent and Jordan Hauff as a Seasonal Golf Course Crew Hand. 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 recall Chanse Hoenke as the Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed second crew hand position. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to recall Alivia Schultz as the Seasonal Library Aide. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:22 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:24 AM DISCUSSION ON TEMPORARY EXTENSION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND SUPERVISOR ROLES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Sara would like direction on how to supervise the Temporary Extension Administrative Assistant and what that position should be allowed to do going forward. The assistant will attend the 4-H Council meetings and will also continue to manage the fruit and potato orders; Sara will attend the meetings as well. Discussed advertising for the Extension position. Discussed MSU Extension liaison and Larry Brence managing fair events.
10:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:56 AM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Reported on Fourth of July and Fair contracts. Updated on round table replacement. Discussed patio band for Friday and Saturday of the fair.
1. Discussion/Decision on fair contract
Discussed fair contract and requests of the entertainer; discussed housing for entertainers.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the fair contract. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Braun stated he stepped down to second the motion in order to follow the Fair Board’s recommendation for the event they have budgeted for. Discussed viewing area for the event. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
Reported on wind damage.
11:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM ANOTHER CHANCE RECOVERY UPDATE/ Tracey Goerndt
Reported on no longer being affiliated with Prairie Hills Recovery; currently on probationary period with the State until September. Discussed transferring Alcohol and Tax funds to Another Chance Recovery once official. Prairie Hills Recovery has downsized and will no longer service Baker; Tracey is now working full-time with her own business. Will discuss further once she is fully approved by the state. Discussed obtaining assistance through Fallon County Mental Health Council. Will start quarterly reports after September.
11:37 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 Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor joined the meeting.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassman
1. Discussion on Port Authority Board Members
Reviewed Resolution that created the Port Authority; discussed appointing six board members for the Board to continue to function. Discussed paying expenses without a lack of quorum; will set up monthly updates for the Commission to approve their expenditures going forward until the Port Authority has a functioning board. Will stress the urgency of filling the EMEDA Board open positions.
2. Old Business as needed
MacKay easement is not ready. Currently researching legal descriptions for the land exchange; the City of Baker will request quotes surveying, and will move forward with public hearings.
1:51 PM Steve Zachmann left the meeting.
3. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
An extension has been made for Thielens’ to file answers in April. Discussed sharing to the public how much Thielen Litigation is costing the County. Darcy will request clarification from Travelers on what the insurance is covering.
1:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:57 PM WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Weed Board Members
Lance Kono, Jessie Scott and Wanda Pinnow, Board Members joined the meeting.
Discussed current lineup of weed drivers/crew hands. Updated on Spring Trainings in Miles City. The Weed Crew will currently continue spraying roads; the Commission will discuss further with the Road Department.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON UTV BIDS
Sara presented several quotes for UTVs; the weed board recommends approving Platinum’s quote. Discussed quality of service between the companies.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Platinum Motorsports Can-Am quote for the amount of $15,966.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. PERMISSION TO AMEND THE BUDGET FOR SEASONAL WAGES/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Discussed current wages exceeding what was budgeted; Sara is requesting to have a seasonal start one month earlier. The auditor recommended using the Weed revenues to accommodate the extra wages. Brenda will begin advertising for the public hearing.
2:12 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve March 9-13, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve March 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 March 2026 Mid-Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the March 2026 Mid-Month Claims for the amount of $442,726.29. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Prairie Hills Recovery Center claim has been laid over for further clarification. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on gWorks Program for the Road Department
Commissioner Rost motioned to renew the gWorks subscription for the amount of $8,100.00. 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 dredge pump quotes
This has been tabled for further research.
c. Discussion/Decision on request for extension of excess vacation time
Commissioner Varner motioned to deny Roger Megger’s request for extension of excess vacation time per MCA 2-18-617 (b). 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 board appointment
Commissioner Rost motioned to appoint Daniel Buerkle to the Shooting Range Board. 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 Certificate of Financial Responsibility for underground storage tank systems
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Montana Certificate of Financial Responsibility. 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
a. DNRC Vendor Invoice for North Baker Water & Sewer District
Chairman Braun signed the notification.
b. Discussion/Decision on Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
c. Discussion/Decision on Commissioner Deeds for the Plevna Rural Fire District
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
Submitted Encroachment permit has been put on hold until an easement is received.
6. MACo Insurance Work Session/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Insurance Committee Members; MACo Representative
Marjorie Losing, Insurance Committee Member and David Espeland, Fallon Medical Complex CEO called into the meeting. Troy Hess, Insurance Committee Member, joined the meeting. Debbie presented termination letters for SmithRX, EBMS, JPT for transitioning into MACo. Discussed current wellness program and possibly discontinuing to save money. Discussed rate sheets and whether coverage should be set for either fiscal or calendar year.
3:30 PM Pam Walling and Joanne Romasko, MACo Representatives called into the meeting.
The Insurance Committee recommended going with MACo HCT as they cover health, dental and vision. Life insurance is also included in the costs, but additional coverage is optional. Discussed effect on portable and volunteer life insurance policies when switching over to MACo. Discussed option one and two rate sheets: fiscal versus calendar year rates.
3:57 PM Pam and Joanna left the meeting.
Discussed payment plans for Fallon Medical Complex. Discussed budgeting for the insurance if following the calendar year. Discussed current flex plan. The Insurance Committee recommended Option One from the rate sheet for the calendar year.
4:06 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 Clerk
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
