Commission Minutes – September 29 – October 3, 2025
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
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
Terri Mahoney met to ask about past discussions of trading City of Baker land to Fallon County in lieu of the City’s debt owed to Fallon County.
9:15 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON BUDGETED ADDITIONAL DEPUTY/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Trenton asked if the Commission had made a decision regarding his previous requests for an additional Deputy. Commissioner Varner stated this is Trenton’s Office and he answers to the people. Trenton stated his door is open, so send people his way. Commissioner Rost is prepared to give it a go and if someone retires, etc. they can reevaluate at that time. Commissioner Braun has spoken to many individuals that are not in favor of adding a Deputy but also feels if overtime decreases, people take their vacations, and they are not looking for something to do, this should show savings. Trenton stated they will not see savings in the first year due to training, etc. but can justify the extra person and will do his due diligence. Commissioner Braun asked for a motion to recruit another Deputy.
Commissioner Varner made the motion to recruit for a Deputy. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any discussion. Commissioner Varner added to the discussion regarding overtime; making sure Trenton is diligent with that and hopefully after the first year seeing those numbers go down. Trenton discussed curbing overtime; will still have callouts since they are not 24/7. Trenton will alter shifts if needed. Commissioner Braun asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:26 AM Chairman Braun went right on to the next meeting.
9:26 AM WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Coordinator
Discussed setting up another day to take old chemical inventory to Glendive for disposal for those unable to make the previous deadline. Discussed work completed and will remain working as long as the weather holds. Sara plans to complete fall training virtually, if the weather holds, so she is here for her crew. Will get Spray Days scheduled in the near future.
9:31 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director
Kim discussed the Vision Grant and how many individuals they hope to serve.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MCKESSON VACCINE ORDER
Kim asked for permission for preapproval of vaccine purchases as they have time constraints involved when ordering. Discussed preapproval of vaccines as long as Public Health stays within their vaccine line-item budget. Kim will still need to let the Commission know about orders placed. If it looks like the line item will be exceeded at any point, Kim will need to notify the Commission in advance.
Commissioner Rost motioned to preapprove all vaccine orders up to the line-item amount budgeted. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously
2. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MONTANA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION GRANT AGREEMENT
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Montana Healthcare Foundation grant agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. COMPLETE CERTIFIED APPLICATION COUNSELOR AGREEMENTS FOR COUNSELOR DESIGNATED ORGANIZATION
Commissioner Braun signed the model agreements for Kim Bryan, Heather Harrison, and Kassidy Maierhofer to take training to be certified counselors in Montana.
Kim would like permission to work on Columbus Day holiday and take another day off that week. Commission asked Julie Straub, HRM to join. Julie explained, Fallon County policy allows an employee to work a holiday and flex another day, as long as the employee has permission from their supervisor and as long as this is completed within the same pay period. Permission granted.
9:56 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:59M ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Carl was unable to attend. Commissioner Varner had discussed a culvert on DuCharme Access; Bryan discussed other culverts as well. Work on South Ismay Road and Westmore Road as well as other road maintenance was discussed. Would like permission to order 18” culverts at a cost of $34,000. Permission granted. Troy Hess and Kendall Sieler attended the Snow Rodeo and received 1st and 3rd place. Great job Troy and Kendall. Mitch discussed maintenance on the courthouse generator. Tanker purchase discussed; will get an invoice turned in. Discussed purchasing additional gravel from the Knoll Pit.
10:21 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:24 AM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Public Hearing for Resolution #1162 – Budget Amendment Resolution
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Resolution #1162. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve September 22-26, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve September 22-26, 2025 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Approve September 11, 2025 Closed Session Commission Minutes
This was moved to this afternoon work session.
4. Approve September 15, 2025 Closed Session Commission Minutes
This was moved to this afternoon work session
5. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on allowing USPS to utilize county property
Commissioner Varner discussed a conversation with the current Postmaster. Postmaster discussed placing standalone boxes on a piece of county land in the business district north of Baker. Postmaster asked if the county would be willing to pay for the cement; this would only serve citizens north of town. Commissioner Varner brought this before the Commission as there is a lack of communication and wanted citizens to know the Commission continues to keep communicating with USPS about our current situation. Will try to contact the USPS and schedule a meeting. No decisions made.
b. Discussion/Decision on paying to pour cement for USPS
Per discussion above, no decisions made.
c. Discussion/Decision on Bohle Certificate of Survey per Contract Planner’s Recommendation
The Bohle COS was not available at this time.
d. Discussion/Decision on FY2026 Extension Services Agreement with Montana State University Extension
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the MSU Service Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Accept Fair Board resignation letter
The Commission received a Fair Board resignation letter from Leigton Bilbrey as he is moving out of Fallon County.
6. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Miles City Airport lease agreement for the TV Board w/County Attorney
The Commission has not received.
b. Discussion/Decision on Bracket Butte Ranch agreement for the TV Board w/County Attorney
The Commission has not received an updated agreement.
c. Review Reserved Water User Annual Status Report
Commissioner Braun signed and this will be sent to the Little Beaver Soil Conservation District.
7. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
10:37 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director
Teresea Olsen and Jaime Shank, EPEDC joined the discussion.
Discussed the DNRC Grant projects for the Plevna Lagoon, (waiting on DEQ), and the North Baker Water Sewer District (waiting on contractor paperwork). Discussed Ag Summit; Grid United Grant; EPEDC Board Meeting. Working with businesses on business plans and expansion. Discussed the Montana Mainstreet Project; Revolving Loan Fund; Workforce Montana was discussed; Wibaux will participate in the Pilot Program for this.
11:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:26 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
- PERMISSION TO USE EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE FOR VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
Discussed the educational hub, administered by doctors and is National Registry approved. This would allow Brittany to assign education to volunteers at a cost of $5 per person/per month. This can be completed at their homes and would help them to complete CE’s for their licensures. Commission would like her to discuss this with her crew members and return. Brittany decided to purchase Starlink for each ambulance using the Exxon Mobil Grant. She can replace cellular with Starlink on the I-pads. Brittany has been contacted about another Exxon Mobile Grant EMS will be granted. Discussed closing out the Grid United Grant.
11:41 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:45 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Brenda was unable to attend. Julie stated after completion of interviews they agreed they would like permission to hire Taylee Tolzien as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher.
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Taylee Tolzien as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any discussion. Commissioner Rost asked for a start date. Julie stated October 7th is the predicted start day. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Mandi Varner, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:35 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Miles City Airport Agreement
Miles City has not sent this to her.
2. Easement & Right of Way Agreement with Bracket Butte Ranch
Discussed updates; updated agreement will be sent to the Pinnow’s.
- Old business as needed
None
1:40 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:45 PM CLOSED LITIGATION SESSION – UPDATE ON FALLON COUNTY’S ANSWER TO THIELENS VS FALLON COUNTY CAUSE NO. DV-13-2025-12-QT/ Darcy Wassmann
Commissioner Rost motioned to go into closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:59 PM Commissioner Varner motioned to come out of closed session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:59 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:02 PM AIRPORT UPDATES/ Roger Meggers, Airport Manager
The pavement maintenance project is almost completed. There were a lot of cracks; need to do more research regarding what is causing this. KLJ is here to complete the punch list on this project. Waterline repair was discussed, waiting on the contractor. The new sweeper works good; Roger stated the Fair could try it out sometime. Snowblower is on order with Bobcat.
2:08 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Thank you for allowing Josh to attend training in Helena; it was very good. Discussed accessing Microsoft licensure through the state and the cost savings for the county. Discussed having the county website fully ADA compliant (visual) by April 2027; our site is halfway there. Josh would like to look at other phone service providers; will follow up with more information. Is getting ARC GIS set up for the Planning/DES Coordinator.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON ATM FOR COURTHOUSE LOBBY
The last conversation Commissioner Braun had with the Treasurer’s office; they agreed to manage the ATM. Discussed which machine would best suit the needs; warranty was discussed; Josh will follow up with more information on the warranty. Decided to purchase the 2K single ATM machine. Commissioner Braun will double-check with the Treasurer’s office to see if they will manage the new machine when purchased.
2:29 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Shannon was unable to attend.
2:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION (CONTINUED)
Approve September 11, 2025 Closed Session Commission Minutes
Approve September 15, 2025 Closed Session Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve September 11th and 15th, 2025 Closed Session Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:41 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION (CONTINUED)
Discussion/Decision on Bohle Certificate of Survey per Contract Planner’s Recommendation
The Bohle Certificate of Survey was received in the mail today.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Bohle Certificate of Survey as corrected, per Contract Planner’s recommendation and authorize the filing as provided in the 2023 Fallon County, City of Baker and Town of Plevna Subdivision Regulations. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:42 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:01 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
The tire shredding was completed; discussed tree pile shredding to be completed. The Landfill Engineer was able to get approval from the DEQ to use tire shredding for daily cover.
Jeff would like permission to purchase a 57-yard container for tree branches per his quote of $8,800. Permission granted.
3:15 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
