Vol.
33 No. 3 MARCH 2004
DUES
INCREASE
MACo
BOARD MEETING
TRAINING
AND GRANTS
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT REVIEW SCHEDULE
COMMISSION
CHAIRS
COUNTY
NEWS
NO
EMAIL ADDRESSES
PUBLIC
RIGHTS
NACo
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
NEWSLETTER GOING ELECTRONIC
MACo might not have your email address
THIS IS THE FINAL HARD-COPY PRINTED VERSION OF “MACo NEWS”.
Beginning
in April, the newsletter will be e-mailed in a format which will require the
Adobe Reader program. This is a free
program to install on any computer from http://adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
If MACo does not have your email address, you will no longer receive this newsletter. Please check pages 8-9 for the list of agencies and people with no email addresses in MACo records. If you are on the list and want to receive the newsletter, please send your email address to macopb@maco.cog.mt.us
Recently, the MACo Board of Directors directed this change as a cost-cutting measure for the MACo budget. An electronic version of the newsletter will eliminate the $770 monthly expense for printing and mailing the newsletter.
Volume 1, Number 1 of “MACC News” was mailed to member counties in April 1972. At that time the group was known as Montana Association of County Commissioners. One year later, the Montana Association of Counties was organized with Bylaws directing the functions and district designations for counties. Big news in the 1970’s was the Constitutional Convention and the first series of local government study commissions.
In the 1980’s, headline topics ranged through hiring the new Executive Director Gordon Morris, loss of federal revenue sharing, veteran’s preference and the Garcia decision on overtime pay, tax relief, and full-funding for P.I.L.T.
The 1990’s covered subjects such as the Open Meeting Law, welfare reform, tax reform, assessors becoming state employees, Garfield County Courthouse fire and adding associate members to the MACo Board of Directors.
In 1978, Beverly Gibson, then the Public Relations Director, began her service on the newsletter. She served as the editor for 20 years, until her retirement in 1998. Jane Jelinski, MACo Assistant Director, produced the newsletter for the next three years. When she left MACo to head the Local Government Center at MSU in July 2001, Marie McAlear assumed the duty.
FY 2004-2005 COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT FOR COUNTY SALARIES 2.3%
MIDWINTER CONFERENCE---BUSINESS SESSION
President Carol Brooker, Sanders County, called roll. 41 Counties were present and quorum was announced.
Dan Watson, Past Fiscal Officer, Rosebud County, introduced the subject of a MACo dues increase.
“Most of you have had an opportunity to read the
talking points on the dues increase.
Basically what we are proposing is a one-time 25% surcharge on the
current dues structure for the upcoming budget year. This particular proposal will generate approximately $60,000 in
revenue. Then the direction of the Board of Directors is that the Tax, Finance
and Budget Committee proceed with a new dues structure proposal for the next
upcoming general session.”
Rita Windom, Lincoln County, Tax, Finance and Budget Committee
“The Committee has been working hard on this issue
and we feel that we have made
progress. We’ve been working
very closely with Harold, who is a wonderful representative for us. He has been developing a plan to bring to
you in September that will be fair and equitable to everyone. I’m not in favor of dues increases at any
time, except now. Our reserves are low
and we have a potential of loosing some of our higher paid staff. I would rather that we be proactive, be
prepared and have funds in place than to come to you in a crisis situation
saying, “We need this money and we need it now.” It isn’t fair to you as members not to have a chance to budget
for it. I ask that you give your
support so that we have funds put away and so that we can come back in
September with a plan that you can approve.”
The motion to adopt a one-time dues increase and have the Tax, Finance and Dues Committee come back with a dues proposal at the next session was seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.
MIDWINTER MACo BOARD MEETING
SELECTIONS FROM MINUTES
Information Technology Report on E-Government Services: The IT Committee, after reviewing the RFP’s, invited “mylocalgov.com” to meet with the Committee and also with a delegation of Treasurers and Clerk and Recorders. Tim Melton, of “mylocalgov.com”, described their approach to e-government and how he hoped to work with Montana counties. IT Chair Mary Sexton noted that the meeting with the Clerks and the Treasurers brought favorable reactions.
MACo Policy on Committees: Carol Brooker, MACo President, had asked for a clarification of the policy related to MACo committees. A prepared statement was distributed to the Board. She asked the members to review it and direct comments to her or Executive Director Morris before the Board meeting in June.
MACo/Nationwide Retirement System / NACo Partnership Presentation: Robert Hoffman, NRS Regional Director, provided a brief overview of the partnership between Nationwide Retirement, NACo and MACo. Currently 47 counties in Montana participate. The joint marketing effort earns the Association about $11,000 a year.
MACo/U.S. Communities Contract: Executive Director Morris announced a sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, a voluntary program affording counties with another purchasing alternative. He introduced Tom Sweet, Corporate Relations Director with NACo, who briefed the Board on the various benefits, including favorable pricing achieved by aggregating the purchasing power of counties throughout the country. Morris noted that the agreement letter and information on the program would be sent out.
Other Business:
1. Associate member Greg Hintz, representing sheriffs, announced a meeting to discuss prisoner transportation and the Transcorp Contract Proposal. The sheriffs were not interested in a contract and were considering withdrawing from prisoner transportation, leaving it entirely with the Department of Corrections.
2. Assistant
Director Blattie described an employee identification project which was
approved for funding under the homeland security grant program. This will enable counties to provide
identification cards for employees.
3.
Commissioner Certification Curriculum has been completed by the Local
Government Center at Montana State University.
The first certification program, a 16-hour session, will be offered
December 6-8.
4. Orientation
session for the voter review process is scheduled for December 13-15 at
MSU. The agenda would be developed
during the next several months with the League of Cities and Towns and the
Local Government Center.
5. Spring
District Meetings will be scheduled in either late April or early May.
6. Urban
Representative Curtiss announced regional fire finance workshops and advised
commissioners to watch for the dates and try to attend one in their area.
7. Board
member Rehbein questioned the Association’s policy for affiliate members. It was pointed out that affiliate membership
provides corporate sponsors with being qualified for membership benefits. Any organization could have more than one
affiliate membership.
8. A
Cooperating Agency Workshop has been scheduled for Missoula on April 20th. This workshop will be limited to 50
participants with a $30 registration fee.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS (CDBG)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant applications are due April 23. CDBG Housing and Public Facility grants applications are due in 2004 and funded in 2005. Public Facility Grant applications are due May 28 and Housing Grant applications are due November 19.
More information is at www.commerce.state.mt.us/CDD/CDD or Joanne Gilbert, 841-2791 or jgilbert@state.mt.us
APPLICATION
WORKSHOPS
W2ASACT (Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste
Action Coordinating Team) will present federal and state low interest loan and
grant programs for water, sewer and solid waste projects and other eligible
CDBG projects.
Monday, March 8, 1:00—5:00 pm CDBG Holiday Inn, Missoula
Tuesday, March 9, 8:30 am—5:00 pm W2ASACT Holiday Inn, Missoula
Monday, March 16, 8:30 am—5:00 pm W2ASACT Colonial Hotel, Helena
Wednesday, March 17, 8:30 am—noon CDBG Colonial Hotel, Helena
Tuesday, March 30, 8:30 am—5:00
pm W2ASACT Cottonwood Inn, Glasgow
Wednesday, March 31, 8:30
am—Noon CDBG Cottonwood Inn, Glasgow
Thursday, April 1, 8:30 am--5:00 pm W2ASACT Sheraton Hotel, Billings
Friday, April 2, 8:30 am--Noon CDBG Sheraton Hotel, Billings
FOR SALE
3M
2600 AU Processor Camera
Aperture Card System
Automatic & Manual Exposure and LED Message Display
6300 hours of use
Dimensions: W101” x D 53” x H 86”; 950 lbs.
Proposed sale price: $6,000
Contact: Hill County Clerk Recorder Diane Mellem
265-5481; FAX 265-2445; dmellem@co.hill.mt.us
BOAT FACILITY GRANT PROGRAM
Deadline April 9
The Motor Boat Facility Program, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), provides funds to cities, town and counties in Montana for motorboating facility improvements.
During the 2002 cycle, funding went to seven different projects statewide.
For the 2004 cycle, a total of $150,000 is available for grants. The grants require a local match of 20%, with 80% from grant funds. The grant deadline is April 9, 2004. Typical projects include such facilities as ramps, docks, latrines, boat trailer parking areas and information signs.
Detailed information is at www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks/motorboat/default.asp
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT TRAINING
May 5-6 in Polson
Topics include summaries on growth trends and water quality status; nutrients and biologicals from wastewater; EPA’s five management models; Montana options and examples of wastewater treatment systems for individual or small community systems. The sessions are sponsored by:
Lake County Environmental Health and Planning
Department Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department
Missoula City-County Environmental Health Department, and
Rowland Environmental Consulting, Inc.
Contact Sue Brueggeman at 883-7236 or susan.envhealth@lakecounty-mt.org
PREVENTING FALLS
By Emelia
McEwen, MACo Assistant Risk Manager
Falls are the fourth leading cause of death across all industries. 50% of workers who fall eleven feet or more to a hard surface are killed. Falls are also the #1 cause of disabling injuries.
Roofs and Vents
Any opening in a roof or in a floor should be marked clearly and protected with guardrails or covered with materials which support 200 pounds.
Smoke-vent or skylight plastic domes often fail to support a body weight. OSHA construction standards require a guard railing around all sides or a cover to support a 200 lb. worker.
Scaffolds and
Ladders
72% of workers injured in scaffolding accidents attribute the fall to the support or planking giving way or to the employee slipping.
The maximum work height should not exceed four times the base dimension unless outriggers, guy wires or braces are added for stability. Any metal anchoring equipment that has been dropped or placed under excessive weight should be replaced because undetectable micro-fractures may exist in metal components. The five-year replacement rule applies to all nylon ropes exposed to sunlight.
Unstable materials (barrels, boxes or loose items) are not safe support for scaffolding or ladders. Horizontally placed ladders do not make safe scaffolds.
Harnesses
Personal fall protection systems should be provided for any worker exposed to a fall hazard of 7.5 feet or more. The system should allow the worker to move only within the confines of the work area. The anchor should support four times its intended load. Body harnesses with nylon components that are exposed consistently to sunlight should be replaced after five years. Ropes exposed to wear against rough surfaces should be regularly inspected.
OSHA and US
Department of Labor offer many online resources, including eTools for online
safety training. Safety checklists for
various worksites are also available.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW
SCHEDULE
DATE ACTION CITATION
March 25 Deadline to call for local government review 7-3-173(2)
June 8 Primary Election--Vote on whether or not
to review local government 7-3-173(2)
June 15 Deadline for vote canvass; begin candidate filing 7-3-174(1)
June 30 Deadline for vote results to Secretary of State 7-3-174(2)
August 19 Last day for candidate filing—no filing fee; no
primary; nonpartisan 7-3-176(2)
November 2 General Election of study commissioners 7-3-176
November 9 Deadline of election canvass 7-3-174(1)
November 24 Deadline to submit results to Secretary of State 7-3-174(2)
2004
COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRS
ANACONDA-DEER LODGE...... Russ Bilodeau
BEAVERHEAD............................. Mike McGinley
BIG HORN............................ John Pretty on Top
BLAINE......................................... Don Swenson
BROADWATER.............................. James Hohn
BUTTE-SILVER
BOW................. Michael
Kerns
CARBON......................................... John Prinkki
CARTER................................... James Courtney
CASCADE....................................... Tom Stelling
CHOUTEAU............................... Kenneth
Evans
CUSTER............................................ Janet Kelly
DANIELS............................................. Bill Tande
DAWSON........................................... Bill LaBree
FALLON........................................... Roddy Rost
FERGUS...................................... Vern Petersen
FLATHEAD..................................... Howard Gipe
GALLATIN...................................... John Vincent
GARFIELD....................................... Julie Jordan
GLACIER....................................... Bill Icenoggle
GOLDEN VALLEY......................... Joan Krause
GRANITE.................................. Joann Huffsmith
HILL........................................... Patrick Conway
JEFFERSON................................. Sherry Cargill
JUDITH BASIN...................... Richard Cervenka
LAKE................................................. David Stipe
LEWIS and CLARK......................... Mike Murray
LIBERTY....................................... Russ Tempel
LINCOLN....................................... John Konzen
MADISON...................................... Ted Coffman
McCONE......................................... Robert Kluth
MEAGHER................................ Herb Townsend
MINERAL.......................................... Judy Stang
MISSOULA................................. Barbara Evans
MUSSELSHELL............................ Bryan Adolph
PARK................................................ Ed Schilling
PETROLEUM.................................. Lee Iverson
PHILLIPS............................. Carol Kienenberger
PONDERA........................................ Sam Harris
POWDER RIVER............................... Ray Traub
POWELL........................................... Tom Hatch
PRAIRIE.................................... Ann Marie Davis
RAVALLI............................................. Betty Lund
RICHLAND..................................... Don Steppler
ROOSEVELT.................................. FerrisToavs
ROSEBUD...................................... Dan Watson
SANDERS............................... Justin Gail Patton
SHERIDAN............................................ Bill Nyby
STILLWATER............................ Maureen Davey
SWEET GRASS................................. Lloyd Berg
TETON............................................ Mary Sexton
TOOLE......................................... Allan Underdal
TREASURE................................... Roger Knapp
VALLEY...................................... Dave Reinhardt
WHEATLAND................................... David Miller
WIBAUX.................................. Glenn Hutchinson
YELLOWSTONE………………….. Bill Kennedy
MACRS 2004 CONFERENCE
From Jack Knorr, President, Stillwater County
Montana Association of County Road Supervisors (MACRS) will meet at the Best Western GranTree Inn in Bozeman, April 13-15. MACRS President Jack Knorr, Stillwater County, invites all commissioners and county officials to attend.
Road issues are a major county taxpayer concern. MACRS considers the conference to be a time for elected officials to meet and exchange ideas with the county road supervisors from across the State.
Speakers who are recognized experts within the transportation industry will come from several Northwestern states.
A block of rooms has been set aside at the GranTree, and attendees are encouraged to make early reservations.
COUNTY NEWS
TETON COUNTY Weed District was named “Outstanding District” at the 2003 Montana Weed Control Association Annual Meeting. The District, managed by Paul Wick, features a coordinated effort of different approaches to weed control. 1) The Annual Weed Whacker Rodeo is an educational day which includes hand pulling Spotted Knapweed. 2) Goats are used to graze portion of creek bottoms, which is followed by an aerial herbicide application. Grants and landowner contributions fund the project, which is in its fifth year. 3) Another grant matches land owners herbicide, dye and surfactant costs. 4) Leafy Spurge flea beetles have been used for at least ten years. 5) Three species of insects have been introduced to control Spotted Knapweed. 6) Other types of insects have helped keep Musk Thistle under control. “No longer is it just ‘so and so’s’ problem, but a drainage problem. This attitude can and will make the difference,” said Wick.
HILL COUNTY Justice Court now has a completely remodeled courtroom. It is very professional looking, much to the appreciation and satisfaction of Justice of Peace Terry Stoppa.
LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY Attorney offices have been updated in the first phase of a $690,000 building remodeling. “It’s the nicest office I’ve ever worked in. It’s the first time in my career I’ve had a window, “ said County Attorney Leo Gallagher.
BUTTE-SILVER BOW is reviewing a “waste-in-place” remedy to leave most of the mine waste in the area. The County is proposing a trust to finance land redevelopment.
PARK COUNTY may call for a public vote on its controversial solid waste incinerator because of costs. The cost to build a transfer station and send garbage to an out-of-county landfill is less than the required EPA upgrades to the 22-year old incinerator.
SHERIDAN, DANIELS, ROOSEVELT, McCONE AND DAWSON COUNTIES have met with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company in an effort to prevent abandonment of the two railway lines in those counties.
JEFFERSON COUNTY citizen advisory group has presented options to address the county budget shortages. Public meetings were held in February in preparation for a possible public vote on options in June.
ANACONDA-DEER LODGE COUNTY is considering water meters for all new connections to the water system. Agencies have been reluctant to grant funds because of lack of meters on the water system.
LIBERTY COUNTY has erected an 80’ wind turbine which could provide up to 2/3 of the electricity needed for county operations. Energy from the generator will feed directly into NorthWestern Energy power grid. A meter on the turbine will record how much power the turbine produces. At the end of each year, NorthWestern will reimburse the county for the amount of electricity its turbine fed into the system.
FERGUS COUNTY is proposing an airspace zoning ordinance which is expected to become a model for other airports. A major feature of the ordinance is the notification which landowners near the airport, who are selling property, must give prospective buyers.
ANACONDA-DEER LODGE COUNTY is protesting an Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) plan to move millions of cubic yards of arsenic-laden sediment from the 100-year-old Milltown Dam to the ponds near Anaconda. Milltown Dam is slated for removal. “ARCO is going to take care of their problem in Missoula County by bringing it to their property in our County,” said Commissioner Dave Beatty.
MADISON COUNTY is being sued for cruel and unusual punishment by three people who were held in the basement jail in the 1876 Courthouse. The jail is considered to be a holding facility only.
LAKE and JEFFERSON COUNTIES have publicized the need to replace the vote scanner or counter in order to be in compliance with the Help America Vote Act. Their current equipment is not compatible with the voting equipment that is now required, and replacements are not covered in the funding from state and federal sources.
CHOUTEAU, FERGUS and BLAINE COUNTIES will finally receive new ferries for routes across the Missouri River. Congressional earmarks over the last several years will cover most of the costs. The three ferries are to be delivered this summer and MT Department of Transportation will oversee the construction of the towers, cable systems, access roads, and restrooms. Currently, the 60-year old ferries use tractor engines for which parts are no longer available. The new ferries and towers, which are historically accurate and designed to look like the old ferries, will be in place in time for local celebrations of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.
NO E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Beginning next month,
these people and agencies will not receive the
MACo Newsletter
unless
they send e-mail addresses to macopb@maco.cog.mt.us
Action for Eastern Montana,
Patricia Callaghan
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioner
Dave Beatty
Anaconda-Deer Lodge Co.
Commissioner Paul Beausoliel
Anaconda-Deer Lodge Co.
Commissioner Russ Bilodeau
Anaconda-Deer Lodge Coroner
Rex Lewis
Associated Press, Helena
Belgrade Rural Fire District
Beaverhead Co. Clerk and Recorder
Rosalee Richardson
Big Horn County Coroner Terry
Bullis
Big Horn County Sheriff Larson
Medicinehorse
Broadwater County Road
Department, John Masolo
Browning-Ferris Industries;
Max Bauer, Missoula
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Paul Babb
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Ted Bury
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Laura Lee Dunlap
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Ristene Hall
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Michael Kerns
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Joe Lee
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Michael Mulcahy
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Charlie O’Leary
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Joe Quilici
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Mike Sheehy
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
John Sorich
Butte-Silver Bow Commissioner
Bud Walker
Butte-Silver Bow County
Attorney Robert McCarthy
Butte-Silver Bow Auditor
Dannette Harrington
Butte-Silver Bow Coroner Lee
LaBreche
Butte-Silver Bow Justice of
Peace Bob Lee
Butte-Silver Bow Justice of
Peace Debra D. Williams
Butte-Silver Bow Public
Administrator Greg O’Leary
Butte-Silver Bow Public Works
Director Jimmy Johnston
Carbon County Sheriff C. Lance
Bourquin
Carter County Attorney Richard
Harkins
Carter County Clerk and
Recorder Pam Castleberry
Carter County Justice of Peace
Tracey Walker
Carter County Public
Administrator Mike Quade
Carter County Road Department,
Ivan Jardee
Cascade County Public
Administrator John Boland
Cascade County Surveyor Donald
Henen
Chouteau County Road
Department
Chronister, Moreen &
Larson, Helena
Connors, Dan, Miles City
Custer County Commissioner
Duane Mathison
Custer County Commissioner
Milo Huber
Custer County Public
Administrator Jan Alexander
Daniels County Attorney Ken
Hoversland
Daniels County Clerk and
Recorder Kristy Jones
Daniels County Justice of
Peace Bud Kaul
Daniels County Road
Department, Parris French
Daniels County Sheriff James
Kramer
Daniels County Treasurer Ron
Roberts
Dawson County Weed Department,
Jim Sparks (MACO Board)
Denning, Downey &
Associates, Kalispell
Employee Benefit Management
Services; Rick Larson, Billings
Fallon County Justice of Peace
Anna Straub
Fallon County Public
Administrator Russell Culver
Fergus County Public
Administrator Steven Swiontkowski
Flathead County, IT, Norm
Calvert
Gallatin County Coroner Duncan
MacNab
Gallatin County Justice of
Peace Gordon Smith
Garlington, Lohn &
Robinson; Robert Sheridan, Missoula
Glacier County Public
Administrator Richard Gonzales
Golden Valley County Justice
of Peace Gail Schaff
Golden Valley County Road
Department, Ceryl Hamilton
Golden Valley County Sheriff
Floyd Fisher
Granite County Road Department
Granite County Surveyor
William Bayer
HRDC, District 6, Lewistown
Hadebank, Cumming, Best &
Savage, Jacque Best, Sidney
Hill County Justice of Peace
Terry Stoppa
Hill County Public
Administrator Carol Bachini-Wood
Hughes, Kellner, Sullivan
& Alke, Stuart Kellner, Helena
Indiana Association of
Counties
Jefferson County Justice of
Peace Dennis Giulio
Judith Basin County
Commissioner Ed Arnott
Judith Basin County
Commissioner Richard Cervenka
Lake County Road Department,
Robert Smith
Lee Newspapers, State Bureau,
Helena
Liberty County Attorney Hugh
Brown
Liberty County Justice of
Peace Neal Allen Eveland
Liberty County Sheriff Richard
Burrows
Life Care Services, Kent
Kleinkopf, Missoula
Lincoln County Coroner Steven
Schnackenberg
Lincoln County Justice of
Peace Gary Hicks
Lincoln County Justice of
Peace Terry Utter
Lincoln County Public
Administrator Jeannie Dennis
Lincoln County Road Department
Lowry, Allan, Cut Bank
Madison County Public
Administrator Neil Kent
McCone County Attorney Kendall
Link
McCone County Justice of Peace
Mary Garfield
McCone County Public
Administrator Don Haber
McCone County Road Department,
Dennis Tolan
McCone County Sheriff Dave
Harris
MDU Resources Group, E.J.
Redding, Helena
Meagher / Wheatland County Attorney
Linda Hickman
Meagher County Justice of
Peace Ronda Shinabarger
Meagher County Public
Administrator Fern Vinton
Meagher County Road
Department, Raymond Ringer
Meagher County Sheriff Rick
Seidlitz
Mineral County Justice of
Peace Wanda James
Mineral County Road
Department, Bill Vique
Mineral County Sheriff Anita
Parkin
Missoula Co. Sheriff’s
Office—T. Gregory Hintz (MACo Board)
Montana Department of
Administration, Director
Montana Department of
Commerce, Community Development
Montana Department of Military
Affairs, DES
Montana Office of the
Governor, Indian Affairs
Montana Office of the
Governor, Governor
Montana Office of the
Governor, Lieutenant Governor
Montana State University,
Extension Service Director
Montana State University,
Local Technical Assistance
Montana State University,
Rural Health Office, David Young
Montana: University of Montana, Law Library
Morrison Maierle, John Pavsek,
Helena
Morrison Maierle, Rodger
Foster, Helena
Musselshell County
Commissioner Bryan Adolph
Musselshell County
Commissioner Robert Goffena
Musselshell County
Commissioner Larry Lekse
Musselshell County Public
Administrator (vacant)
Northwest Area Foundation,
Connections Program, St. Paul
Oil, Gas and Coal Counties,
Vicki Steiner
Park County Attorney Tara
Depuy
Park County Coroner Albert
Jenkins
Park County Justice of Peace
Deanna Egeland
Park County Public
Administrator Darla Berumen
Park County Road Department,
Rick Johnston
Petroleum County Commissioner
Tom Pugrud
Petroleum County Commissioner
Lloyd Rowton
Petroleum County Attorney
William Berger
Petroleum County Justice of
Peace Donna Lund
Petroleum County Road
Department, Gary Allen
Petroleum County Sheriff
William Troutwine
Phillips County Road
Department, Larry Johnson
Piper and Jaffray, Gorden Hoven,
Helena
Poff, Bing, Sidney
Pondera County Public
Administrator W. J. May
Powder River County
Commissioner Betty Aye
Powder River County Coroner
Kenneth Jesse
Powder River County Public
Administrator Frankie George
Powder River County Road
Department, Bob Smith
Powell County Commissioner
Gail Jones
Powell County Commissioner Tom
Hatch
Powell County Coroner John
Pohle
Powell County Justice of Peace
Terry McGillis
Powell County Public
Administrator Eva Rennfield
Powell County Sheriff Scott
Howard
Prairie County Commissioner
Ann Marie Davis
Prairie County Commissioner
Bill Leach
Prairie County Attorney Dale
Hubber
Prairie County Justice of
Peace Kathy Henry
Prairie County Public
Administrator Timothy Rittal
Prairie County Road
Department, Mark Trask
Prairie County Sheriff William
Klunder
Ravalli County Attorney George
Corn
Ravalli County Justice of
Peace Jim Bailey
Ravalli County Public
Administrator Frankie Laible
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris
Hoffman
Rep. Rod Bitney, District 77,
Kalispell
Rep. Sylvia Bookout-Reinicke,
District 71, Alberton
Rep. Sue Dickinson, District
47, Great Falls
Rep. George Everett, District
84, Kalispell
Rep. Gary Forrester, District
16, Billings
Rep. Eve Franklin, District
42, Great Falls
Rep. Dick Haines, District 63,
Missoula
Rep. Daniel Hurwitz, District
40, White Sulphur Springs
Rep. Larry Jent, District 29,
Bozeman
Rep. Dave Kasten, District 99,
Brockway
Rep. Jim Keane, District 36,
Butte
Rep. Carol Lambert, District
1, Hammond
Rep. Bob Lawson, District 80,
Whitefish
Rep. Bruce Malcolm, District
25, Emigrant
Rep. Jack Ross, District 24,
Absarokee
Rep. Jim Shockley, District
61, Victor
Rep. Karl Waitschies, District
96, Peerless
Rep. Bill Wilson, District 46,
Great Falls
Richland County Coroner Jack
Fulkerson
Richland County Public
Administrator Frank DiFonzo
Robert Peccia and Associates,
Helena
Roosevelt County Road
Department, Tom Romo
Roscoe Steele and Culvert,
Cory Claussen, Missoula
Sanders County Road
Department, Jon Loraas
Sen. John Cobb, District 25,
Augusta
Sen. Vicki Cocchiarella,
District 32, Missoula
Sen. Aubyn Curtiss, District
41, Fortine
Sen. William Glaser, District
8, Huntley
Sen. Duane Grimes, District
20, Clancy
Sen. Dan McGee, District 11,
Laurel
Sen. Linda Nelson, District
49, Medicine Lake
Sen. Gerald Pease, District 3,
Lodge Grass
Sen. Glenn Roush, District 43,
Cut Bank
Sen. Mike Sprague, District 6,
Billings
Sen. Robert Storey, Jr.,
District 12, Park City
Sen. Bill Tash, District 17,
Dillon
Sen. Joe Tropila, District 24,
Great Falls
Sen. Tom Zook, District 2,
Miles City
Short, Elliott, Henrickson,
Harry Hughes, Bozeman
Stahly Engineering, Helena
Sweet Grass County Attorney
Pat Dringman
Sweet Grass County Coroner
Joseph Hansen
Sweet Grass County Public
Administrator Sylvia Drivdahl
Teton County Sheriff George
Anderson
Toole County Attorney Merle
Raph
Toole County Coroner Dan
Whitted
Toole County Justice of Peace
Janice Freeland
Toole County Public
Administrator Helen Schnee
Toole County Road Dept. Jim
Midboe
Toole County Sheriff Donna
Matoon
Treasure County Commissioner
Doug Hollowell
Treasure County Commissioner
Roger Knapp
Treasure County Attorney Gary
Ryder
Treasure County Justice of
Peace Willis Etter
Treasure County Road
Department, Duane Schaak
Treasure County Sheriff
DeWayne Bates
Treasure County Treasurer
Kathleen Thomas
Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick &
Higgins, C. Lewis, Great Falls
U.S. Bureau of Land
Management, Billings
U.S. Forest Service,
Government Relations, Missoula
U.S. Federal Highway
Administration, Helena
U.S. Representative Dennis
Rehberg—Montana Offices
U.S. Senator Conrad
Burns—Montana Offices
U.S. Senator Max
Baucus—Montana Offices
Western Montana Area Agency on
Aging, D. Lutke, Polson
Wheatland County Commissioner
David Miller
Wheatland County Commissioner
Richard Moe
Wheatland County Commissioner
Tom Bennett
Wheatland County Justice of
Peace Richard Egebakken
Wheatland County Road
Department, Tony Hensel
Wheatland County Sheriff Steve
Riveland
Wheatland County Treasurer
Rosemarie Steele
Wibaux County Justice of Peace
Bill Franks
Wibaux County Road Department,
Gary Lawrence
Wibaux County Treasurer Sandra
Evans
Yellowstone County Data
Processing; MACITA, R. Cavazos
Yellowstone County Risk
Manager Dwight Vigness
Risk Management & Loss Control
The 18th Annual Risk Management and Loss Control Conference was sponsored jointly by MACo, the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) and the Local Technical Assistance Program. 47 Montana counties purchase their liability insurance through the MACo insurance pool, so this annual meeting is important and valuable
In October 2003, county offices were featured in Montana newspaper articles about an “audit” of local government offices conducted by the Montana Newspaper Association. Association representatives arrived at county offices asking for a variety of records and information. At jails and law enforcement centers, they asked for jail rosters and initial offense reports.
A Conference panel consisted of newspaper reporters / editors and John Shontz, who is Executive Director of Montana Newspaper Association. The panel explained that Montana Constitution has the strongest provision on the public’s right to know in the US. In addition, Montana law directs information to be available to the general public, at the public offices, during the normal workday. The conflict comes between the right to know and the right to privacy, which are both stated in the Montana Constitution.
In law enforcement, the Criminal Justice Information Law lists information items that are clearly public, such as jail rosters and initial reports. The Law is equally clear that some items are not public, such as personal identifiers or medical information. However, exactly what information is to be available in “initial offense reports” is unclear. The Attorney General’s Office, working with law enforcement offices and MSPOA, plans to have guidelines available soon.
NACo PUBLIC SAFETY STEERING COMMITTEE
Rosebud County Commissioner Gary Fjelstad attended the NACo Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee meeting held in Deschutes County, Oregon. Fjelstad indicated this was one of the most informative NACo Steering Committee meetings he has attended since serving on the NACo Committee.
Outstanding presenters centered their talks on ways to cut costs and improve quality. Dr. Allan Kalmanoff’s “Comprehensive Community Planning” dealt with detention issues such as jail overcrowding and presented alternatives. Other presentations regarding “Homeland Security” and “Justice Appropriations for Law Enforcement Block Grant Programs” were also very informative.
Fjelstad indicated a workshop by NACo on “How to Influence Congress Without Leaving Home” was outstanding and is a topic that would benefit all Montana counties in corresponding effectively with the congressional delegation in Washington D.C. Fjelstad plans to ask the MACo Executive Committee to consider the possibility of having Jeff Arnold from NACo make this same presentation at a MACo conference.
At the closing of the conference there was an open forum round table discussion where all counties in attendance participated in discussing issues in their individual states and counties. Topics included mental health in county jails, homeland security, and rising medical costs that counties are sustaining with inmates who are detained in county facilities awaiting trial. During the open forum, Commissioner Fjelstad presented a resolution that was received with unanimous support from the Steering Committee.
The proposed resolution would allow inmates to continue to receive Medicare and Medicaid medical benefits until they are actually convicted.
Any county that would like additional information about the resolution is encouraged to contact Rosebud County Commissioner Gary Fjelstad for more information. (346-2251 or rcc@rangeweb.net)
NACo INFORMATION
TO: Andrew Goldschmidt, NACo Membership Marketing Director
FROM: Harold Blattie, MACo Assistant Director
Montana is excited to join the ranks of states with 100% NACo membership. As a 100% membership state, Montana is entitled to a second member on the NACo Board of Directors.
We would like to advise you that Cascade County Commissioner Peggy Beltrone has been selected by MACO President Carol Brooker to be Montana’s second member to the NACo Board of Directors. Commissioner Beltrone’s appointment began January 1.
The Montana Association of Counties implemented the Adopt-a-County program to achieve the 100% status, enabling both the new member county and a commissioner from an identified sponsor county to receive a complimentary registration at a NACo Conference. Pursuant to the provisions of your Adopt-a-County program, the following individuals from sponsoring counties will be eligible for a complimentary registration:
Big Horn County—sponsored by
Hill County Commissioner Kathy Bessette
Butte-Silver Bow
County--sponsor-Lewis & Clark Co. Commissioner Mike Murray
Cascade County—sponsored by Hill
County Commissioner Doug Kaercher
Garfield County—sponsored by McCone
County Commissioner Connie Eissinger
Lake County—sponsored by Lewis &
Clark County Commissioner Anita Varone
Treasure County—sponsored by
Yellowstone Co. Commissioner Bill Kennedy
Wheatland County—sponsored by Fergus
County Commissioner Vern Petersen
Wibaux County—sponsored by Rosebud
County Commissioner Gary Fjelstad.
We
have completed the appropriate NACo Steering Committee appointment forms online:
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Kathy Bessette,
Hill County
Community and Economic Development Anita Varone, Lewis & Clark
Co.
Environment, Energy and Land Use Doug Kaercher, Hill County
Oil, Gas and Coal Co.
Representative Art Kleinjan, Blaine
County
Health Bill
Kennedy, Yellowstone Co.
Justice and Public Safety Gary Fjelstad,
Rosebud County
Labor and Employment Carol
Brooker, Sanders County
Public Lands Connie
Eissinger, McCone Co.
Mike
Murray, Lewis & Clark Co.
Forest Counties
Representatives Alan Thompson, Ravalli
County
Donna
Sevalstad, Beaverhead Co.
Finance and Intergovernmental
Affairs Allan Underdal,
Toole County
Transportation Vern
Petersen, Fergus County
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