Commission Minutes – March 9-13, 2026
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 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.
9:45 AM CHAMBER UPDATES/ Alissa Miller, Chamber Executive Director; Jade Boggs, The Insurance Store
Jade was unable to attend the meeting. Reported on advertising for an assistant. Updated on upcoming events and programs. Discussed setting up a pickle ball court with equipment donated by Jade Boggs at Mangold Field; permission granted. Updated on setting up a ropers and night golf tournament with an awards dinner later that night.
9:53 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Reported on road maintenance for driveways. Presented culvert quotes for Anticline and Cabin Creek Loop; will purchase them for this fiscal year budget. Discussed updating the tracking software for road maintenance; will renew current subscription until the GIS mapping is finalized. Mitch updated on equipment and generator maintenance. Carl updated on dredge pump replacement quotes and vehicle maintenance. Discussed stockpiling a pile of rip-rap for lower dam emergencies.
10:12 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:12 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent
Currently watering greens. Discussed refilling the pond with lagoon cell 3 so the City does not have to discharge into Sandstone. Trimmed trees and cleared piles of rubble. Updated on sprinkler maintenance. The Commission reported on the high school hosting a golf meet in May. Discussed repairing the white fence along Airport Road. Discussed chlorine testing and replacing the copper piping before running chlorine through the pump. Will ask Rich Menger to temporarily assist Nathan with chlorine testing. Updated on Toro class on March 24th and 25th. Updated on injector pump maintenance.
10:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Updated on the DNRC approving the preliminary for the golf course beneficial water permit.
1. AWARD 6TH STREET BOX CULVERT BID
Reported on base and alternate bid results; reviewed 7Fs safety and skill questionnaire. Precast would be ready by May.
Commissioner Varner motioned to award Schedule 1 Alternate A (precast) to 7F services alternate A for the amount of $337,530.07. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:39 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM DISCUSSION ON COUNTY CONTRIBUTION TO FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX HEALTH INSURANCE/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Reviewed different percentages of contribution for Fallon Medical Complex Health Insurance. Discussed hospital changing to fiscal year coverage and employee contributions. The Commission decided on leaving the contribution at forty percent (40%) with the option of changing it in the future.
11:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:28 AM Judy Whitney, Bill Whitney and Shawn Wiseman joined the meeting.
11:30 AM DISCUSSION ON SHARING ADDRESSES WITH THE STATE AND ADDRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (AMS)/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
The Commission clarified that this is strictly to coordinate with the Montana Cadastral for 911 addressing and validating addresses for USPS and other online services; nothing to do with the current post office situation. Currently using both prefix and suffix addressing but would consolidate to suffix addressing. Desiree stated that only addresses will be shared, no other personal information. Judy Whitney stated that the Revenue Department is currently assisting with updating the Cadastral. Discussed advertising and setting up a later meeting for the public to attend. Shawn Wiseman reported on 911 services unable to find his physical address; his road was discussed prior and has been added to the GIS for Dispatch.
11:41 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.
1:28 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassman
1. Discussion on Port Authority Board Members
Currently only have one board member on the Port Authority Board which requires seven board members. Discussed if the board needs dissolved or combined with a different board; discussed how bills should be paid going forward.
2. Old Business as needed
Currently drafting cattle easement for MacKay’s.
3. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
Updated on deadlines for answering amended petition questions. Discussed notification for future litigation updates for all effected updates.
1:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:59 PM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services
Reported on summer reading and National Library Week. Updated on Hillary Franks, Library Director transition.
2:01 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve March 2-6, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve March 2-6, 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. Executive Decisions
a. Approve Cancellation of Local Nonpartisan portion of Primary Election
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Justice of the Peace Cancellation of Local Nonpartisan portion of Primary Election. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Approve Political Party Cancellation of Party Precinct Committee Representative Election
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Political Party Cancellation of Party Precinct Committee Representative Election. 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 RFI Health Insurance Proposals per Insurance Committees’ recommendation/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
The Insurance Committee recommends to no longer be self-insured and accept MACos Health Insurance Proposal. Discussed pros and cons between self-insurance and the proposals. Discussed if rate renewals should be scheduled for the calendar year or fiscal year; would be easier for employees if it were on a calendar year rotation.
Commissioner Varner motioned to move forward with MACo Health Insurance and cancel self-insurance effective July 1, 2026. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed three-year commitment to MACo, possibility of changing insurance if MACo is not satisfactory, and current bank accounts open for covering claims along with HSA accounts. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on County contribution to Fallon Medical Complex Health Insurance
Commissioner Rost motioned to leave the contribution as is. 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 Bank of Baker Automated Clearing House (ACH)
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Bank of Baker Automated Clearing House (ACH) 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 Memorandum of Understanding for deputizing and oversight of Public Health Departments to provide vaccines for children
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MOU for deputizing and oversight of Public Health Departments to provide vaccines for children. 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 Reimbursement Agreement for NASTTPO Conference Registration
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Reimbursement Agreement for NASTTPO Conference Registration for Desiree Thielen, DES Coordinator and Mindi Murnion, Deputy DES Coordinator. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
h. Discussion/Decision on MACo Dental & Vision Renewal Rates
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve MACO dental and vision renewal rates for 2026. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Discussion/Decision on Fireside Maintenance Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Fireside Maintenance Agreement. 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. Discussion/Decision on Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
No discussion at this time.
b. Discussion/Decision on Commissioner Deeds for the Plevna Rural Fire District
No discussion at this time.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:40 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
RECESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
ATTEND LEPC MEETING – BAKER FIRE HALL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026
ATTEND 911 BOARD MEETING – LIBRARY EOC
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM GREAT WEST ENGINEERING PRESENTATION/ Stephanie Wilke, Regional Team Manager; Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Stephanie presented Great West Engineering services. Discussed quarterly methane testing and trainings. Discussed hand staking versus drone for capacity and operation analyses.
10:11 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:18 AM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED IF NEEDED
No discussion at this time.
10:19 AM 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
