RESOLUTION 2003-2

 

EXEMPTION TO NEPOTISM

 

Text Box: It is the intention of the Montana Association of Counties to seek an exemption to the Montana nepotism law for counties.

 

               

 

 

 

WHEREAS, in many small counties it is difficult to find qualified candidates for employment; and

 

WHEREAS, it is often the case that the best qualified candidate for appointment to a position is related to one member of the county board of commissioners; and

 

WHEREAS, Montana law provides an exemption for school trustees for appointment to employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Counties seek legislation to change Section 2-2-302 M.C.A to allow for the appointment to a position by a Board of County Commissioners, providing that certain requirements are met.

 

2-2-302.  Appointment of relative to office of trust or emolument unlawful -- exceptions -- publication of notice. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), it is unlawful for a person or member of any board, bureau, or commission or employee at the head of a department of this state or any political subdivision of this state to appoint to any position of trust or emolument any person related or connected by consanguinity within the fourth degree or by affinity within the second degree.

                (2)  The provisions of this section and 2-2-303 do not apply to:

                (a)  a sheriff in the appointment of a person as a cook or an attendant;

                (b)  school district trustees if all the trustees, with the exception of any trustee who is related to the person being appointed and who must abstain from voting for the appointment, approve the appointment of a person related to a trustee;

                (c)  a school district in the employment of a person as a substitute teacher who is not employed as a substitute teacher for more than 30 consecutive school days;

                (d)  the renewal of an employment contract of a person who was initially hired before the member of the board, bureau, or commission or the department head to whom the person is related assumed the duties of the office;

                (e)  the employment of election judges; or

                (f)  the employment of pages or temporary session staff by the legislature.

                (g) county commissioners if all the commissioners, with the exception of any commissioner who is related or connected to the person being appointed and who must abstain from voting for the appointment, approve the appointment of a person related or connected to a commissioner;              

(3)  Prior to the appointment of a person referred to in subsection (2) (b) or (g), the school district trustees shall give written notice of the time and place of their for the intended action The notice must be published at least 15 days prior to the trustees' intended action in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the school district is located or the county office or position is located.

 

 

SPONSOR:                                          MACo Resolutions Committee                         

RECOMMENDATION:                      Do Pass                

PRIORITY:                                           Medium                                                                                

REFERRED TO:                  MACo Resolutions Committee                                                         

ADOPTED:                                           Annual Conference, Missoula, MT, September 29, 2004