Sanders County, MT
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Sanders CountyMT averageUS Census ACS
Median home value
$323,800 👤 Members & officials (6)
Members seen in recent official meeting records — names and roles as published.
Who’s on the Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Jim Fey
- LNF
- PPRFD
- SC OEM
- SCSO
- TCRFD
Upcoming
Mon Aug 31, 2026
Board of Commissioners
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners’ Office:
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
August 31st, 2026 – September 4th, 2026
Tuesday, September 01, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Administrative
-
Resolution 2026-23 – Designating Certain Unused Property as Surplus Property
-
Resolution 2026-24 – Designating Derelict Sheriff's Vehicles as Surplus Property
-
Meeting Minutes
-
Montana Department of Transportation – Aeronautics Program Grant Agreement for
Pavement Maintenance:
o
Thompson Falls
o
Plains
o
Hot Springs
Wednesday, September 02, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Land Services update with Chris McComas
2:00 p.m.
Public Hearing – Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget Hearing
Thursday, September 03, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Facilities update with Tim Patton
2:00 p.m.
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget - Resolution 2026–25: A Resolution Adopting
the Final Operating Budget and Setting Appropriation Authority for the Fiscal Year
Beginning July 1, 2026, and Ending June 30, 2027
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attend …
Wed Sep 16, 2026
Weed Board
Board reviews weed reports and discusses Lolo Agreement and permit renewals
The Sanders County Weed Board will review reports on rush skeletonweed, blueweed, and Eurasian watermilfoil. The meeting includes discussions on the Lolo Agreement, drone spraying updates, and the status of 'I Control My Own' permit renewals. The agenda also covers a new complaint regarding knapweed on a private field on Hwy 135.
- Review of Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil reports
- Discussion of the Lolo Agreement
- Status of 'I Control My Own' permit renewals and field visits
- New complaint for knapweed on a private field on Hwy 135
- Update on drone spraying and office winter hours
weed-controlagriculturepermitspublic-healthenvironment
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Agenda
Sanders County Weed Board
Wednesday – September 16, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Sanders County Commissioners’ Chambers, 1037 W Main St Thompson Falls, MT
Meeting call to order:
Quorum: Yes/No
Time:
Attendees:
Review of Previous Meeting’s Minutes:
Comments/revisions:
Public Input:
Agenda Review:
Comments/additions:
Rush Skeletonweed Report:
Blueweed Report:
Eurasian Watermilfoil Report:
Subdivision Report:
Old Business:
•
Education/Public Outreach
o Plan schedule (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, etc), topic and authors
▪
Dale’s article on How Weeds are Spread published?
▪
August - Spraying/Fall Spraying (John/Rory) - Didn’t happen
▪
September – Winterizing Equipment (John/Rory) - unlikely
•
Interface/Update with Weeds Education Class hosted by Extension (Wendy) – Date for class has been scheduled
for November 9th. Jane Mangold will be speaking.
•
Drone spraying update.
•
Status of morning office closure – follow-up spraying- office open to public afternoons.
New Business:
•
Employees status – returning to school, etc.
•
Lolo Agreement
•
Office winter hours – Oct?
•
Fair booth
“I Control My Own” Permits:
•
Status of Renewals: Field visits
•
Permits to approve
Complaint Forms/Compliant Compliance:
•
New Complaints: Hwy 135 private field - knapweed
Time Sheets and Claims:
Next Meeting: Wednesday – October 21, 2026 6:30 p.m. County Weed Shop, 36 Old Airport Road, Plains, MT.
Recent meetings
Mon Aug 24, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners to hold public hearings on refuse fee increases
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings on proposed refuse fee increases for the Dixon, Hot Springs, and Sanders County Refuse Districts. The board will also consider a resolution on a large taxpayer reserve fund, open propane bids, and review subdivision requests, including a variance for fire protection at K-Ranch and an extension for Harbine Ranch Estates.
- Public hearings on refuse fee increases for Dixon, Hot Springs, and Sanders County Refuse Districts
- Resolution 2026-20 – Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund
- Propane bid opening
- Application to amend conditional preliminary approval for K-Ranch Minor Subdivision with variance request
- Request for one-year extension of Harbine Ranch Estates Minor Subdivision conditional preliminary approval
public-hearingfeessubdivisionvariancebudgetcounty-commissioners
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners’ Office:
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
August 24th, 2026 – August 28th, 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Administrative
-
Resolution 2026-20 – Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund
-
Propane Bid Opening
-
Meeting Minutes
-
Task Order Amendment No. 1 – WIC Program Service
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Public Hearing – Refuse Fee Increase for Dixon, Hot Springs, and Sanders County Refuse
Districts
5:00 p.m.
Public Hearing – Refuse Fee Increase for Dixon, Hot Springs, and Sanders County Refuse
Districts
Thursday, August 27, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Reading of Ordinance 2026-01
11:00 a.m.
Land Services update with Chris McComas
-
Application to Amend Conditional Preliminary Approval for K-Ranch Minor
Subdivision
o
Variance Request to Sanders County Subdivision Regulation Section VII-P(d)
“The availability, through a fire protection district or other means, of fire
protection services adequate to respond to fires that may occur within a
subdivision.”
-
Request for a one-year extension of Harbine Ranch Estates Minor Subdivision
Condition Preliminary Approval
2:00 p.m.
Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
anot …
Mon Aug 17, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners to vote on GIS contract, reserve fund, surplus vehicle
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold its weekly administrative meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to consider several contracts and resolutions, including a contract with Outlaw GIS LLC, a resolution establishing a Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund, and a resolution declaring a decommissioned sheriff's vehicle as surplus property. The board will also hold a budget meeting on Wednesday and receive updates on land services and transportation on Thursday.
- Contract with Outlaw GIS LLC
- Resolution 2026-20 – Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund
- Western Sanders County TV District Request
- FY27 Sanders County Tobacco Subcontractor Agreement
- Resolution 2026-21 – Designating Decommissioned Sheriff's Vehicle as Surplus Property
contractsbudgetresolutionsland-servicestransportation
📄 From the agenda
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AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners’ Office:
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
August 17th, 2026 – August 21st, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Administrative
-
Contract with Outlaw GIS LLC
-
Resolution 2026-20 – Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund
-
Western Sanders County TV District Request
-
FY27 Sanders County Tobacco Subcontractor Agreement
-
2026-21 – Resolution Designating Decommissioned Sheriff’s Vehicle as Surplus
Property
-
Correction/Amendment to Resolution 2025-15
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Budget Meeting
Thursday, August 20, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Land Services update with Chris McComas
2:00 p.m.
Montana Department of Transportation update
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All
meetings will include discussions and/or decisions unless oth …
Mon Aug 10, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners to consider raising solid waste fees in three districts
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold public meetings on August 11 and 13, 2026. They will consider resolutions to increase solid waste service charges in three districts, discuss a county attorney update including a contract recommendation, and address administrative items such as warrant cancellations, travel rates, and an emergency operations plan.
- Resolution 2026-14: Increase solid waste service charge for Sanders County Solid Waste District
- Resolution 2026-15: Increase solid waste service charge for Dixon Refuse Disposal District
- Resolution 2026-16: Increase solid waste service charge for Hot Springs Refuse Disposal District
- Task Order 002: Engineering services for Noxon Bridge with Morrisson-Maierle
- Sanitarian Mutual Aid Agreement between Mineral County and Sanders County
solid-wastefeescounty-commissionerscontractsemergency-managementbridges
📄 From the agenda
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AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners’ Office:
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
August 10th, 2026 – August 14th, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Administrative
-
Resolution 2026-14 – A Resolution of Intention of the SANDERS COUNTY SOLID
WASTE DISTRICT to Increase its Solid Waste Service Charge for Properties in the
District
-
Resolution 2026-15 - A Resolution of Intention of the DIXON REFUSE DISPOSAL
DISTRICT to Increase its Solid Waste Service Charge for Properties in the District
-
Resolution 2026-16 - A Resolution of Intention of the HOT SPRINGS REFUSE
DISPOSAL DISTRICT to Increase its Solid Waste Service Charge for Properties in the
District
Administrative - Resolutions-20260811_160054UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, August 13, 2026
11:00 a.m.
County Attorney update
-
Recommendation from review committee for contracting with the prosecution and
policy specialist and complex trial specialist
-
Grant Administration Contract with Nittany Grantworks
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield-20260813_170029UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m.
Administrative
-
Resolution 2026-17 – Cancellation of Warrants in the Clerk & Recorder's Office
-
Resolution 2026-18 – Travel Rates
-
Resolution 2026-19 – Stage I Fire Restrictions – Canceled
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Resolution 2026-20 – Sanders County Emergency Operations Plan
-
Sanitarian Mutual Aid Agreement between Mineral County and Sanders C …
Mon Aug 3, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Sanders County Commissioners to open bids for Vermilion Maintenance Project and discuss subdivision regulations
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday through Thursday to open bids for the Vermilion Maintenance Project, discuss updates to subdivision regulations, and review grant acceptances and claims. Meetings include updates from USFS, Land Services, and Facilities, as well as openings for legal specialist RFPs.
- Vermilion Maintenance Project bid opening (Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.)
- Resolution of Intent to adopt updates to Sanders County Subdivision Regulations (Wednesday, subdivision hearing date to be set)
- Airport Courtesy Car Grant Acceptance (Wednesday, Administrative)
- Audit County Claims – July 2026 (Wednesday, Administrative)
- RFP Opening for Prosecution and Policy Specialist and Complex Trial Specialist (Thursday, 11:00 a.m.)
bid-openingsubdivision-regulationsgrantsclaims-auditrfp-legal
✓ Decided: County awards Vermilion Maintenance project to Elk Creek Contracting
The board awarded the Vermilion Maintenance project to Elk Creek Contracting Inc. for $37,730, the lowest of seven bids. It also accepted a grant for a courtesy car at Thompson Falls Airport, approved July 2026 county claims totaling $923,861.42, and adopted Resolution 2026-13 to set a public hearing on amended subdivision regulations. Proposals for prosecution and complex trial specialists were taken under advisement for review.
- Awarded Vermilion Maintenance project to Elk Creek Contracting Inc. for $37,730 (all aye)
- Accepted MT Aeronautics grant for Thompson Falls Airport courtesy car (all aye)
- Approved July 2026 county claims totaling $923,861.42 (all aye)
- Adopted Resolution 2026-13 setting Sept 9, 2026 public hearing on amended subdivision regulations (all aye)
- Took under advisement proposals from Suzy Boylan and Adam Duerk for specialist roles (all aye)
📄 From the agenda
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AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
August 3 rd , 202 6 – August 7 th , 202 6
T uesda y , August 04 , 202 6
10 :00 a.m. Vermilion Maintenance Project bid opening
1 1 :0 0 a.m. Meeting update with USFS
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Airport Courtesy Car Grant Acceptance
- Audit County Claims – July 2026
Wednesday , August 05 , 202 6
1 1 :00 a.m. Land Services update with Chris McComas
Subdivision Regulations Update
- Resolution of Intent to adopt updates to the Sanders County Subdivision
Regulations; and
- Set public hearing date and time for subdivision regulations updates
Thursday, August 06 , 202 6
10: 3 0 a.m. Facilities update with Tim Patton
11 :0 0 a .m. RFP Opening
- Prosecution and Policy Specialist
- Complex Trial Specialist
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relate …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Vermilion Maintenance Project bid opening
10:00 a.m.
Received seven bids for the Vermilion Maintenance Project
Sorlie Excavating bid - $44,300.00
HI-Land Construction - $42,820.00
Pardee Excavating LLC - $50,100.00
Travers Excavator Service - $47,090.00
Schlegel Enterprises Inc. - $62,400.00
Iron Ox Excavation - $41,120.00
Elk Creek Contracting Inc. - $37,730.00
Commissioner Rowan motioned to award the Vermilion Maintenance project to Elk Creek Contracting Inc.
Commissioner Holland – 2nd
No public comment; all voted aye; motion carried
Meeting update with US Forest Service
11:00 a.m. – Michael Feiger was in attendance
Continuing to clear debris from the last windstorms, prioritizing areas such as emergency response
zones, recreational areas, and radio repeater zones.
There were eleven fires in the Cabinet Ranger District; all incidents have been declared contained or
controlled.
Submitted a proposal for the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) program. The proposal is expected
to undergo about a six-month review process. Once the committee is established, approximately three
years of available funding can be utilized.
Approximately …
Mon Jul 27, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Chip Seal Bid opening and emergency management update on county agenda
The Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday features an update from the Office of Emergency Management. Thursday includes administrative items such as approving meeting minutes and opening bids for chip seal, followed by a human resources update. No meetings are scheduled for Wednesday.
- Chip Seal Bid opening
- Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
- Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
- Meeting Minutes approval
emergency-managementroadsbidshuman-resourcesadministrativecounty-commissioners
✓ Decided: Commissioners approve chip seal bid for District 1 road project
The board approved the low bid of $40,896 from Vonheeder Construction and Land Management LLC for the chip seal road project in Thompson Falls, rejecting the higher bid from Thompson Contracting Inc. They also approved meeting minutes for three prior sessions. The Office of Emergency Management provided updates on completed projects and ongoing initiatives, but no formal decisions were made on those items.
- Approved chip seal bid from Vonheeder Construction and Land Management LLC for $40,896 (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes for 07/15/26, 07/16/26, and 07/22/26 (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
Ju ly 2 7 th , 202 6 – Ju ly 31 st , 202 6
T uesda y , Ju ly 2 8 , 202 6
10:30 a.m. Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
Wednesday , Ju ly 2 9 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, Ju ly 30 , 202 6
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Meeting Minutes
- Chip Seal Bid opening
2:00 p.m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All
meetings will include discussions and/or decisions unless otherwise noted.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
10:00 a.m.
Discussed the following
Matthew Griffin provided the following departmental updates:
Fire radio communications project is complete. Mobile and vehicle radios have been programmed.
Continued coordination with Dispatch on Hyper-Reach emergency notification implementation.
Submitted a grant application through the Building Resilience program to fund backup power
generators for fire and EMS facilities.
Coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service to acquire 38 air purifiers for a rental program benefiting at-
risk individuals during wildfire smoke events.
Assisted with response efforts on the Rice Fire.
Conducted a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting, which included extensive
discussion regarding Hyper-Reach emergency notifications.
Working with Human Resources and the Presiding Officer on hiring a backfill employee to provide OEM
coverage during absences.
Public Comment: Resident Bob Able asked if a commissioner could perform OEM duties if Matthew Griffin
were out. Matthew explained the office isn't structured for a commissioner to take on those re …
Mon Jul 20, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board has no scheduled meetings this week
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners has no meetings scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, or Thursday, July 23. The only session is on Wednesday, July 22, which includes updates from the County Attorney and Land Services.
- County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
- Land Services update with Chris McComas
- Preliminary Plat Application: Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision
- MOU – Teamsters Local Union No. 2
- Collective Bargaining Agreement
county-commissionerspublic-meetingagendaland-servicescounty-attorneyteamsters
✓ Decided: Commissioners approve Buckhorn Farms subdivision and Teamsters labor agreements
The Board of Commissioners granted preliminary plat approval for the Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision. The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding and a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 2. Additionally, a fire support agreement with the DNRC was accepted.
- Granted preliminary plat approval for Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision (unanimous)
- Approved MOU between Sanders County and Teamsters Local Union No. 2 (unanimous)
- Accepted Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 2 (unanimous)
- Accepted DNRC Cooperative Fire Support Agreement (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
Ju ly 20 th , 202 6 – Ju ly 24 th , 202 6
T uesda y , Ju ly 21 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , Ju ly 22 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
11:00 a.m. Land Services update with Chris McComas
- Preliminary Plat Application Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- MOU – Teamsters Local Union No. 2
- Collective Bargaining Agreement
- DNRC Cooperative Fire Support Agreement
Thursday, Ju ly 23 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All
meetings will include discussions and/or decisions unless otherwise noted.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Monday, June 22, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
1 0:00 a.m.
Mrs. Hatfield provided the board with an update on the ongoing projects she is managing for them, as well as
those she has already completed.
No public comment
Land Services update with Chris McComas
1 0:00 a.m.
Preliminary Plat for Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision
Mr. McComas submitted the staff report to the Commission for review, and it was deemed sufficient in June
2026. Mr. McComas reviewed the conditions of approval with the board and recommended granting
preliminary approval to Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision.
Public Comment: The subdivider stated they would appeal the condition regarding the covenants, noting that
the Commissioner's approval to update the covenants is not desired .
Commissioner Holland motioned to grant preliminary plat approval for Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision as
presented
Commissioner Rowan – 2 nd
No public comment , all voted aye , motion carried
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m. – Detective April Phillips and OEM Director Matthew Griffin attended.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
MOU – Sanders County a …
Wed Jul 15, 2026
Weed Board
Weed board to discuss drone spraying, contract road spraying, and education schedule
The Sanders County Weed Board will review reports on Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil, along with old business including an education/outreach schedule, employee status, and a weed education class. New business includes a morning office closure for follow-up spraying. The board will also consider 'I Control My Own' permits, complaint compliance, and approve time sheets and claims.
- Update on drone spraying contractor availability
- County contract road spraying status
- Education/outreach schedule for July–September
- Morning office closure for follow-up spraying
- Consideration of 'I Control My Own' permits
weed-boardweed-controldrone-sprayingeducation-outreachpermitscomplaintssanders-countymontana
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Agenda
Sanders County Weed Board
Wednesday – July 15, 2026 6:30 p.m.
County Weed Shop, 36 Old Airport Road, Plains, MT.
Meeting call to order:
Quorum: Yes/No
Time:
Attendees:
Review of Previous Meeting’s Minutes:
Comments/revisions:
Motion to accept meeting minutes:
Second:
Motion: (Carry/fail)
Public Input:
Agenda Review:
Comments/additions:
Rush Skeletonweed Report:
Blueweed Report:
Eurasian Watermilfoil Report:
Subdivision Report:
Old Business:
• Education/Public Outreach
o Plan schedule (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, etc), topic and authors
▪ July – from May meeting discussion: Weeds that come up late like Chicory and
Morning Glory. Hay spreading weeds, how weeds are spread. Dale will write an
article on How Weeds are Spread
▪ August - Spraying/Fall Spraying (John/Rory)
▪ September – Winterizing Equipment (John/Rory)
• Employees status – returning to school, etc.
• Interface/Update with Weeds Education Class hosted by Extension (Wendy) – Date for class has
been scheduled for November 9th. Jane Mangold will be speaking.
• Drone spraying update: Availability of contractor?
• County Contract Road Spraying Status:
Motions/Seconds:
New Business:
• Morning office closure – follow-up spraying- office open to public afternoons.
Motions/Seconds
“I Control My Own” Permits:
• Status of Renewals: Field visits?
• Permits to approve
Motion to approve permits:
Second:
Motion:
Complaint Forms/Compliant Compliance …
Wed Jul 15, 2026
Refuse District
Board will discuss a possible increase to the refuse fee
The Sanders County Refuse District Board will consider several refuse appeals and review recent financial documents. They will receive a recycling report and an aging summary. A key agenda item is an update on a potential refuse fee increase.
- Refuse Appeal – Hot Springs School District
- Refuse Appeal – Cathy Lininger
- Refuse Appeal – James and Alice Ammen
- Update on potential Refuse Fee increase
- Sanders County Refuse Financial Reports for March 2026
refuse-feeappealsfinancial-reportsrecyclingbudget
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Sanders County Refuse District Board Meeting
Commissioners ’ Office
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls, MT 59873
July 15 , 202 6 , at 10 :0 0 a.m.
AGENDA
Call to Order
Open Meeting: 10 :0 0 a.m.
Approval of April 15 , 202 6 , Meeting Minutes
Agenda Items
Refuse Appeal (continued) – Hot Springs School District
Refuse Appeal – Cathy Lininger
Refuse Appeal – James and Alice Ammen
Update on potential Refuse Fee increase
Sanders County Refuse Financial Reports for March 202 6 will be printed and given to the
Commissioners & Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson for Review.
A/R Aging Summary – June 2026
Recycling Report: Brought in person by Jason Peterson, Refuse Supervisor
The next Meeting is on Wednesday, October 21 , 202 6 , @ 10:00 a.m.
Public Comment
Mon Jul 13, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board to discuss easement, lease amendments, and department updates
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold administrative meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, including discussions on the Northern Lights Easement, a lease agreement amendment, and quarterly department updates. The agenda also includes a county journal voucher and budget review, as well as updates from the County Attorney and Human Resources.
- Northern Lights Easement discussion
- Lease Agreement Amendment
- County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
- County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
- Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
administrativebudgetcounty-commissionerseasementhuman-resourcesleasepublic-meeting
✓ Decided: Commissioners approve $2.89M in county claims and Northern Lights easement
The Board approved county claims for June 2026 and an easement for Northern Lights to install a communications tower. They also accepted a memorandum of understanding with the Montana Wool Growers Association and a lease amendment for Clark Fork Title.
- Approved $2,887,399.00 in county claims for June 2026 (All Aye)
- Accepted Northern Lights Easement for communications tower (All Aye)
- Accepted Montana Wool Growers Association MOU for $79.00 (All Aye)
- Approved lease amendment with Clark Fork Title to add sublessee (All Aye)
- Approved meeting minutes for 10 dates between 06/11/26 and 07/09/26 (All Aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
Ju ly 13 th , 202 6 – Ju ly 1 7 th , 202 6
T uesda y , Ju ly 14 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , Ju ly 15 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Sanders County Refuse m eeting
11:00 a.m. Quarterly Department Head update
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Northern Lights Easement
- Montana Wool Growers Association
- Lease Agreement Amendment
- Meeting Minutes
- Audit County Claims
Thursday, Ju ly 16 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
11:00 a.m. County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
2:00 p.m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All
meetings will include discussions and/or decisions unless otherwise noted.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Monday, June 15, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Sanders County Refuse meeting – Meeting minutes are filed with the board's documents.
1 0:00 a.m.
Quarterly Department Head Update
11:00 a.m. – Clerk of District Court Lindsey Miller, Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson, Dispatch Supervisor
Shelly Wrightson, Plains Library Director Nikki Erickson, Public Health Director Kjirsten Mercer, Coroner Greg
Davis, Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Matthew Griffin, Human Resources Director Rich
Wallace, Thompson Falls Library Director Crystal Buchanan, Land Services Director Chris McComas, Clerk &
Recorder Nicola McDonald, Bookmobile Director Jessica Gayton, and Treasurer Alisa Garcia were present.
The Board of County Commissioners met with department heads for quarterly updates.
Land Services – Subdivision applications have slowed. Staff continues to process floodplain permits and
update subdivision regulations.
Clerk & Recorder/Elections – Certified the federal primary canvass, reported a 40.2% absentee ballot
return rate, completed preliminary budget meetings, and continues transitioning payroll to a
contracted provider.
Bookmobile – Completing maintenance on the bookmobile and p …
Thu Jul 9, 2026
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Sanders County LEPC discusses wildfire prep and grants
The Sanders County Local Emergency Planning Committee is meeting to discuss emergency operations plan updates, wildfire season preparation, and the Hyper-Reach/IPAWS emergency notification system. New business includes evaluating AlertWest camera locations, coordination with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Fire Council, and the BRIC grant.
- Review of Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
- Wildfire season preparation
- Hyper-Reach/IPAWS emergency notification system updates
- AlertWest camera location discussions
- BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant
emergency-planningwildfiregrantspublic-safetyinfrastructuremontanasanders-county
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
P.O. Box 519, 1111 Main St., Thompson Falls, Mt. 59873 · (406) 827-6955, Fax: (406) 827-4388
July 9 , 2026
Agenda for Local Emergency Planning Committee M eeting July 9 , 2026
Call To Order
Public comment on agenda items :
Additions to the agenda :
Stake h old er Reports
Old Business
EOP
Wildfire Season Prep
Hyper-Reach/IPAWS system
New Business
AlertWest Camera Location(s)
CWPP/Fire Council
BRIC Grant
Mon Jul 6, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Sanders County Commissioners hold preliminary budget meetings
The Board of County Commissioners is conducting a series of preliminary budget meetings from July 7 to July 9, 2026. These sessions involve reviews of budget requests for various county departments and offices.
- Preliminary budget meeting for Road Districts 1, 2, & 3
- Preliminary budget meeting for Sheriff, Dispatch & Detention
- Preliminary budget meeting for Public Health
- Preliminary budget meeting for District Court
- Preliminary budget meetings for Thompson Falls and Plains Libraries
budgetcounty-governmentpublic-finance
✓ Decided: Board of Commissioners conducts preliminary budget meetings
The Board of Commissioners held three sessions from July 7 to July 9, 2026, to conduct preliminary budget meetings with various county departments. No formal votes or final budget decisions were recorded in the minutes.
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
Ju ly 6 th , 202 6 – Ju ly 10 th , 202 6
T uesda y , Ju ly 07 , 202 6
Preliminary Budget Meetings
9:00 a.m. – County Attorney Preliminary Budget Meeting - County Attorney-20260707_150314UTC-
Meeting Recording.mp4
9:30 a.m. – Thompson Falls Library Preliminary Budget Meeting - Thompson Falls Library-
20260707_153211UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
10:00 a.m. – Plains Library Preliminary Budget Meeting - Plains Library-20260707_160012UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
10:30 a.m. – Bookmobile Preliminary Budget Meeting - Plains Library-20260707_163009UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4 (Bookmobile meeting was titled incorrectly)
11:00 a.m. – Office of Emergency Management Preliminary Budget Meeting - Office of Emergency
Management-20260707_170133UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:30 a.m. – MSU Extension Office Preliminary Budget Meeting - MSU Extension Office-
20260707_173226UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:00 p.m. – District Court Preliminary Budget Meeting - District Court-20260707_190100UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
Wednesday , Ju ly 0 8 , 202 6
Preliminary Budget Meetings
9:30 a.m. – Commissioners Preliminary Budget Meeting - Commissioners-20260708_153308UTC-
Meeting Recording.mp4
10:00 a.m. – Fairgrounds Preliminary Budget Meeting - Fairgrounds-20260708_160227UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
10:30 a.m. – Sanitation Preliminary Budget Meeting - Sanitation-20260708_163356UTC-Meeting
Recording. …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 , at the Sanders
County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873. Present
were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland, and
Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Preliminary Budget Meetings
9 :00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Board of County Commissioners, Sanders County Clerk & Recorder Nicola McDonald, and Sanders County
Treasurer Alisa Garcia conducted preliminary budget meetings with the following departments:
County Attorney
County Attorney Jania Hatfield was present. No public comment.
Thompson Falls Library
Thompson Falls Library Director Crystal Buchanan and L ibrary Board Member Sunday Dutro were present. No
public comment.
Plains Library
Plains Library Director Nikki Erickson was present. No public comment.
Sanders County Bookmobile
Bookmobile Director Jessica Gayton and Board Member Mellisa Strom were present. P ublic comment : Megan
Ci e slak and Bob Abe l commented that the Bookmobile budget could be reduced.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
OEM Director Matthew Griffin was present. P ublic comment : Megan Ci e slak and Bob Abel emphasized the
department's importance and expressed support for increasing its funding.
MSU Extension Office
No public comment.
District Court
Clerk of District Court Lindsey Miller was present. No public comment.
No public comment on non-agenda items
The Board A …
Mon Jun 29, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board to discuss airport grant amendment and lease termination
On July 2, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners will hold an administrative meeting to discuss an Airport Grant Amendment and a Termination of Lease Agreement. A scheduled Human Resources update was canceled. No other meetings are scheduled for the earlier days of the week.
- Airport Grant Amendment
- Termination of Lease Agreement
commissionersairportgrantsleasesadministrativemontana
✓ Decided: Board approved FAA grant amendment for Plains Airport fuel system
The Board of Commissioners approved the transfer of FAA funds to support the Plains Airport Fuel System Project. They also approved the termination of the lease agreement for the probation and parole office space, effective July 31. Both motions passed with all commissioners voting aye.
- Approved FAA grant amendment for Plains Airport fuel system (all aye)
- Approved termination of lease for probation and parole office space (all aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
June 29 th , 202 6 – Ju ly 3 rd , 202 6
T uesda y , June 30 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , Ju ly 01 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, Ju ly 02 , 202 6
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Airport Grant Amendme nt
- Termination of Lease Agreement
Administrative-20260702_194101UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2:00 p.m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace – Canceled
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All
meetings will include discussions and/or decisions unless otherwise noted.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Thursday, July 2, 2026 , at the Sanders
County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873. Present
were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland, and
Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
Airport Gra nt Amendment
This grant amendment authorizes the transfer of FAA funds from Thompson Falls Airport to Plains Airport to
support the Plains Airport Fuel System Project.
- Commissioner Holland m otioned to accept the grant amendment request for Plains Airport
Commissioner Rowan – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Termination of Lease Agreement
The lease agreement for probation and parole's rental of county office space will terminate on July 31st.
- Commissioner Rowan motioned to accept the termination of the lease agreement
Commissioner Holland – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
No public comment on non-agenda items
The Board Adjourned at 1 :43 p.m.
ATTEST:
Nicola McDonald _______________ ____ ___________________
Clerk and Recorder/ Assessor/Surveyor/Elections Administrator
-
By: _______________________________ Anthony B. Cox , Presiding Officer
Cassandra Ward, Executive Assistant
Mon Jun 22, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board to decide on Baldy View Estates subdivision extension
The Board of County Commissioners will meet June 23-25 to discuss and decide on several items. Key actions include a one-year extension request for conditional preliminary approval of Baldy View Estates IV Subsequent Minor Subdivision, award of a Payroll Clerk contract, and administrative items such as the USFS Cooperative Road Agreement, Airport Lease Agreement, and Resolution 2026-12 rescinding Resolution 2026-10. The board will also review the county journal voucher and budget, receive an emergency management update, and hold a Salary Compensation Board meeting.
- Baldy View Estates IV Subsequent Minor Subdivision – One-Year Extension Request
- Award of Payroll Clerk Contract
- USFS Cooperative Road Agreement
- Airport Lease Agreement
- Resolution 2026-12 – A Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2026-10
subdivisioncontractsadministrativepublic-landsairportresolutionsemergency-managementbudget
✓ Decided: County approved up to $4.5 million match for Noxon Bridge replacement
The Board unanimously approved the award of the payroll contract to Help for Hire Plus, adopted USFS cooperative road agreements, and allocated SRS funds (85% Title 1, 8% Title 2, 7% Title 3). It also renewed the airport lease with Dan Normandeau, rescinded the emergency declaration (Resolution 2026‑11), and committed up to $4.5 million as a local match for the Noxon Bridge replacement. The Board declined a fee waiver for the CSKT broadband project and granted a one‑year extension for the Baldy View Estates IV minor subdivision.
- Awarded payroll contract to Help for Hire Plus (unanimous aye)
- Approved USFS cooperative road agreements (unanimous aye)
- Allocated SRS funding: 85% Title 1, 8% Title 2, 7% Title 3 (unanimous aye)
- Approved airport lease renewal with Dan Normandeau (unanimous aye)
- Rescinded Resolution 2026‑11 emergency declaration (unanimous aye)
- Approved letter committing up to $4.5 million local match for Noxon Bridge replacement (unanimous aye)
- Declined to waive $25 addressing fee for CSKT broadband project (unanimous aye)
- Granted one‑year extension for Baldy View Estates IV minor subdivision (unanimous aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
June 22 nd , 202 6 – June 26 th , 202 6
T uesda y , June 23 , 202 6
1 0 :0 0 a.m. County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
County Journal Voucher and Budget Review-20260623_160237UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
10: 3 0 a.m. Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin-20260623_163139UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
11:00 a.m. Request for Proposal Opening – Payroll Clerk
Request for Proposal - Payroll Clerk-20260623_170208UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:30 a.m. Baldy View Estates IV Subsequent Minor Subdivision
- One-Year Extension Request of Conditional Preliminary Approval
Baldy View Estates IV Subsequent Minor Subdivision-20260623_173140UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2:00 p.m. Salary Compensation Board Meeting
Salary Compensation Board Meeting-20260623_200122UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Wednesday , June 24 , 202 6
1 1 :00 a.m. Award of Payroll Clerk Contract
Award of Payroll Clerk Contract-20260624_170336UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1 :3 0 p.m. Administrative
- USFS Cooperative Road Agreement
- SRS Payment Election and Allocation
- Airport Lease Agreement
- Resolution 2026-12 – A Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2026-10
- Noxon Bridge letter of support for BIP
- CSKT Broadband Project
Administrative-20260624_193741UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thursday, June 25 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
The Board of Co …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
County Journal Voucher and Budget Review with Alisa Garcia and Nicola McDonald
1 0:00 a.m.
Nicola McDonald, Sanders County Clerk & Recorder, reviewed the journal vouchers and the budget with the
Commissioners for week 48 of 52.
No public comment
Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
1 0 :3 0 a.m.
Received an update on the Emergency preparedness grant: last year's funding remains the same this year, but
future funding won't cover staffing. The BRIC grant application is due in a week, and good progress has been
made. The CWPP has been signed and implemented by all parties. Mr. Griffin wants to create a Fire Council
committee and asked the Commission to consider it. Discussed reinstalling traffic counters.
No p ublic c omment
Request for Qualifications Opening - Payroll
11 :0 0 a .m.
Received one application from Help for Hire Plus for the RFQ issued for the payroll contract position.
No public comment
Baldy View Estates IV Subsequent Minor Subdivision – One-Year Extension Request of Conditional
Preliminary Approval
11 :3 0 a .m.
Baldy View Estates received preliminary approval on June 27, 2023, which is valid for th …
Mon Jun 15, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Sanders County Board to canvass election and discuss administrative items
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will conduct an election canvass and review administrative items including a Clean Lakes agreement, library board appointments, and airport agreements. A junk vehicle bid opening is canceled.
- Election Canvass
- Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement
- Hot Springs Library Board Appointment
- Airport Agreement
- Junk Vehicle Bid Opening – Canceled
electionclean-lakeslibraryairportboeagenda
✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved multiple contracts, grants and an emergency declaration
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners approved the June 2 election canvass, several service agreements, and two state grants. They also passed an emergency declaration for River Road flooding and granted an agricultural exemption for Tract B1A. All motions carried with unanimous aye votes.
- Approved election canvass for June 2, 2026 election (unanimous aye)
- Approved Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement to treat milfoil in Clark Fork River (unanimous aye)
- Appointed Barb Fink to Preston Hot Springs Library Board (unanimous aye)
- Approved airport agreement for Thompson Falls Airport runway maintenance (unanimous aye)
- Accepted DES resiliency grants: $105,033 for Trout Creek water system and $299,229.37 for River Road West Riverbank Stabilization (unanimous aye)
- Passed Resolution 2026-11 Emergency Declaration for River Road flooding (unanimous aye)
- Approved renewal of plat clerk contract for FY 2026‑2027 (unanimous aye)
- Approved King Agricultural Exemption Covenant for Tract B1A (unanimous aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
June 15 th , 202 6 – June 1 9 th , 202 6
T uesda y , June 16 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Election Canvass
Election Canvass-20260616_160228UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:00 a.m. Administrative
- Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement
- Hot Springs Library Board Appointment
- Airport Agreement
- DES Resliency funds acceptance
- Resolution 2026-11 – Emergency Declaration
- Contract Extension – Plat Clerk
- Meeting Minutes
Administrative-20260616_172529UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Junk Vehicle Bid Opening – Canceled
Wednesday , June 1 7 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. DUI Task Force Award Ceremony
DUI Task Force Award Ceremony-20260617_160020UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1 1 :00 a.m. Land Services update with Chris McComas
- Discussion and Decision Regarding the King Agricultural Exemption Covenant
Land Services update with Chris McComas-20260617_171124UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2:00 p.m. Fish and Wildlife update – Canceled
Thursday, June 1 8 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
Human Resources update with Rich Wallace-20260618_160744UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11 :00 a.m. County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield-20260618_172005UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Election Canvass
1 0:00 a.m.
Nicola McDonald, Sanders County Election Administrator, reported a 41% ballot return rate. The post-election
audit went smoothly with no issues.
Commissioner Rowan motioned to approve the election canvass for the June 2, 2026, election
Commissioner Holland – 2 nd
No public comment , all voted aye, motion carried
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement
This agreement authorizes a firm to treat milfoil in the Clark Fork River on behalf of the county and the AIP
task force. The cost will be deter mined once the pre-treatment survey is complete.
- Commissioner Holland mo tioned to approve the Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement
Commissioner Rowan – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Hot Springs Library Board Appointment
A letter of interest from Barb Fink was received for the Preston Hot Springs Town-County Library Board
appointment. No other applications were submitted. Director Starla Rice recommended Ms. Fink, and the
board's meeting minutes show a vote to consider her for approval.
- Commissione …
Thu Jun 11, 2026
Board of Health
Board will hear public comments on Main Street Burger appeal and Antimony Mine variance
The Sanders County Board of Health will meet on June 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The agenda includes approval of the April 8, 2026 meeting minutes. The board will consider public comments on an appeal concerning Main Street Burger and a variance request for the Antimony Mine. No other action items are listed.
- Approval of April 8, 2026 meeting minutes
- Appeal – Main Street Burger (public comment)
- Variance request – Antimony Mine (public comment)
healthappealvariancepublic-commentboard
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Sanders County Board of Health
Thursday, June 11, 2026 , at 10 :0 0 a .m.
Commissioners ’ Office
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls , MT 59873
AGENDA
Call the meeting to order
Approval of April 8, 2026 , meeting minutes
Public comment on agenda items
Appeal – Main Street Burger
Variance request – Antimony Mine
Public Comment Period
Next meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 , at 2:00 p.m.
Sanders County Board of Health
Mission Statement
Public Comment
The Board encourages public comment, and time is designated for public comment on
every agenda. Public comment on non-action agenda items is welcomed during the
general public comment period. Action items will include public comment as follows:
Presentation of the action item
Board motion and second
Board discussion
Public comment
Additional Board discussion
Board vote
Ground Rules
1. Plan comments to be concise, relevant, and meaningful.
2. Keep questions and comments respectful in content and tone.
3. Submit lengthy, detailed comments or supporting documentation in writing.
4. Address the problem, not the person.
5. Be prepared by reviewing the agenda and pertinent information.
6. Listen with an open mind.
7. Focus on the mission statement.
8. Encourage the participation of all Board members and attendees.
9. Public participation procedure:
a. Participants will address the Board at the time designated on the agenda
or as directed by the Board by presenting before the Board and stating
their name aud …
Mon Jun 8, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Sanders County Board of Commissioners meeting schedule for June 8-12, 2026
Most scheduled administrative meetings and bid openings for this period were canceled. A Board of Health meeting is scheduled for June 11.
- Board of Health Meeting on June 11
- Canceled Administrative meeting items: Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement, Hot Springs Library Board Appointment, Airport Agreement, DES Resiliency funds acceptance, Riverbank Stabilization Project contract modification, and Plat Clerk contract extension
- Canceled Junk Vehicle Bid Opening
- Canceled MACo PCT Trust Renewal with Hope Barker
county-administrationpublic-healthcontracts
✓ Decided: No substantive decisions were made during the June 11 meeting
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on June 11, 2026. No substantive actions or decisions were recorded in the minutes provided.
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
June 8 th , 202 6 – June 12 th , 202 6
T uesda y , June 09 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , June 10 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Quarterly Department Head Meeting – Canceled
11:00 a.m. Administrative – Canceled
- Clean Lakes 2026 Agreement
- Hot Springs Library Board Appointment
- Airport Agreement
- DES Resliency funds acceptance
- Riverbank Stabilization Project contract modification approval
- Contract Extension – Plat Clerk
1:30 p.m. Junk Vehicle Bid Opening – Canceled
2:00 p.m. MACo PCT Trust Renewal with Hope Barker – Canceled
Thursday, June 11 , 202 6
1 0 :00 a.m. Board of Health Meeting
Board of Health-20260611_155316UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal inter …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Thursday, June 11, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Sanders County Board of Health Meeting – Minutes are filed with the board's documents
1 0:00 a.m.
No public comment on non-agenda items
The Board Adjourned at 11 :18 a .m.
ATTEST:
Nicola McDonald _______________ ____ ___________________
Clerk and Recorder/ Assessor/Surveyor/Elections Administrator
-
By: _______________________________ Anthony B. Cox , Presiding Officer
Cassandra Ward, Executive Assistant
Tue Jun 2, 2026
Sanders County Park Board
Park board to discuss canceling July meeting and updating bylaws
The Sanders County Park Board will meet to approve minutes, discuss canceling the July meeting, and consider updates to bylaws and trail maintenance.
- Approval of March and May 2026 minutes
- Discussion to cancel July 2026 meeting
- Consideration of bylaws update
- Heron Trail maintenance discussion
- Henry Creek dead trees discussion
parksbylawstrail-maintenancemeeting-schedulecounty-government
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
SANDERS COUNTY PARK BOARD Meeting Agenda June 2, 2026 6:00PM Justice Courtroom Sanders County Courthouse CALL TO ORDER: 6:00pm meeting ROLL CALL: Board members AGENDA: Changes and approval MINUTES: Approval for March and May 2026 minutes FINANCIAL: UPDATE ON NEW SUBDIVISIONS: COMMUNICATIONS: *PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN AT THE END OF EACH AGENDA ITEM.* NEW BUSINESS: 1. July meeting: Cancel? ONGOING BUSINESS: 1. Bylaws: Update? 2. Henry Creek: Dead Trees 3. Heron: Trail ADJOURN: NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JULY 7, 2026 @ SANDERS COUNTY COURTHOUSE SC Park Board Commissioners: Kayla Mosher/Chair, Lionel Bates/Vice-Chair, Morgan Leaf/Secretary, David Mitchell, Ron
Blacic,
John
Haakenson
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Solid Waste Review cost analysis discussed on June 3
The Board will review the solid waste cost analysis on June 3. A United States Forest Service update scheduled for June 4 was cancelled. Administrative items include discussion of surplus property and audit of county claims. A DNRC update with Ben Holland is also on the June 4 agenda.
- Solid Waste Review – Cost analysis (June 3)
- United States Forest Service update – canceled (June 4)
- Surplus Property discussion (June 4)
- Audit County Claims discussion (June 4)
- DNRC update with Ben Holland (June 4)
wasteforest-serviceadministrationdnrcpropertyaudit
✓ Decided: Board approves $938,542 county claims and awards skid steer for $3,188
On June 4, 2026, the Sanders County Board of Commissioners approved the May 2026 county claims totaling $938,541.96. The board also awarded the 1992 skid steer to James Burnett for $3,188 after the highest bidder withdrew. No formal decision was recorded on the proposed solid‑waste fee increase discussed on June 3.
- Approved May 2026 county claims $938,541.96 (all voted aye)
- Awarded 1992 Skid Steer to James Burnett for $3,188 (all voted aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
June 1 st , 202 6 – June 5 th , 202 6
T uesda y , June 02 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
* County Commissioners are attending the Districts 10 and 11 Meeting organized by MACo in
Kalispell.
Wednesday , June 03 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Solid Waste Review – Cost analysis
Solid Waste Review - Cost Analysis-20260603_160120UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thursday, June 04 , 202 6
11:00 a.m. United States Forest Service update – Canceled
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Surplus Property
- Audit County Claims
Administrative-20260604_193047UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2:00 p.m. DNRC update with Ben Holland
DNRC update with Ben Holland-20260604_195941UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner John J. Holland, and Executive Assistant
Cassandra Ward. Commissioner Anthony B. Cox was absent.
Solid Waste Review – Cost Analysis
1 0:00 a.m. – Treasurer Alisa Garcia and Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson were in attendance .
County Treasurer Alisa Garcia presented an analysis of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and its long-term
financial sustainability. Mrs. Garcia explained that, under governmental accounting standards, enterprise
funds are intended to be self-supporting through user fees rather than General Fund subsidies. The Solid
Waste Department operates six transfer sites, employs 14 staff members, and has experienced significant
increases in operational costs, including vendor services, hauling, fuel, and disposal fees.
Key findings included:
Vendor costs have increased substantially in recent years, including a 20.81% increase in disposal costs
and a 53.74% increase in hauling costs over the last five years.
Solid waste tonnage has increased by approximately 1,000 tons annually since 2019.
The department's expenses have exceeded revenues, requiring General Fund transfers in four of the
past six years, each exceeding $500,000.
The department's annual operating expenses totaled approximately $1.76 mill …
Mon May 25, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board will consider FY 2026 budget amendment resolution
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a budget amendment at 10:00 a.m., followed by a vote on Resolution 2026‑10 for fiscal year 2026 budget changes at 10:20 a.m. They will also open a bid for surplus property—a 1992 Skid Steer—at 10:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., the board will discuss an employee housing agreement for the county fairgrounds unit and a forest management services agreement.
- Budget Amendment Public Hearing (10:00 a.m.)
- Resolution 2026‑10 – FY 2026 budget amendments (10:20 a.m.)
- Surplus property bid opening for 1992 Skid Steer (10:30 a.m.)
- Employee housing agreement for Sanders County Fairgrounds unit (11:00 a.m.)
- Forest Management Services Agreement (11:00 a.m.)
budgetfinancepropertyhousingforest-managementpublic-hearingboard
✓ Decided: Board approved FY 2026 budget amendments, including road and fair funding
The commissioners approved Resolution 2026-10, adopting the FY 2026 budget amendments that allocate $14,852 for Road District #1 and increase funding for the Fair. They accepted the highest bid of $7,100 for a 1992 skid steer. The board also approved an employee housing agreement for the fairgrounds caretaker and a forest‑management services contract with the DNRC.
- Approved Resolution 2026-10 for FY 2026 budget amendments (all aye)
- Accepted high bid of $7,100 for 1992 skid steer (all aye)
- Approved employee housing agreement with Cameron Vulles (all aye)
- Approved Forest Management Services Agreement with Lori Benner (all aye)
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AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
May 25 th , 202 6 – May 2 9 th , 202 6
T uesda y , May 26 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , May 2 7 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, May 2 8 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Budget Amendment Public Hearing
Public Hearing - Budget AmendmentResolution 2026-10-20260528_160046UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
10:20 a.m. Resolution 2026-10 – A resolution for fiscal year 2026 budget amendments
Public Hearing - Budget AmendmentResolution 2026-10-20260528_160046UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
10:30 a.m. Surplus property bid opening
Bid Opening - Surplus Property - 1992 Skid Steer-20260528_163619UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:00 a.m. Administrative
- Employee housing agreement for Sanders County Fairgrounds unit
- Forest Management Services Agreement
Administrative-20260528_170326UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Thursday, May 28, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Budget Amendment Public Hearing
1 0:00 a.m. – Treasurer Alisa Garcia and Clerk and Recorder Nicola McDonald were in attendance
The Public Hearing was opened at 10:00 a.m.
The Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 budget amendments, including budgets
for the Fair Department and Road District #1. Road District #1 was allocated $14,852 by Intermountain
Infrastructure Group (IIG) to cover the expenses associated with repaving due to damage caused by fiber
installation. Additionally, the Commissioners approved an increase in funding for the Fair budget to meet
operational needs.
The Public Hearing was closed at 10:20 a.m.
No public comment
Resolution 2026-10 – A Resolution for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendments
1 0 :2 0 a.m.
Commissioner Rowan motioned to approve R esolution 2026-10 for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendments
Commissioner Holland – 2 nd
No p ublic c omment , all vote aye, motion carried
Surplus Property Bid Opening – 1992 Skid Steer
10 :3 0 a .m.
Received three bids for the skid steer
- Brandon Fisher - $1350.00
- James Burnett - $3,188.00
- Kevin Keiscome $7,100.00
Commissioner Holland motioned to accep …
Wed May 20, 2026
Weed Board
Sanders County Weed Board to review weed reports and permit renewals
The board will discuss reports on Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil. Members will review the public outreach schedule and the status of 'I Control My Own' permits.
- Review of Blueweed Coordinator and Assistant positions
- Report on 4/22 subdivision site visit
- Discussion of drone spraying contractor availability
- Approval of 'I Control My Own' permit renewals
- Compliance status of Garrison management plan
weedspermitspublic-outreachland-management
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Agenda
Sanders County Weed Board
Wednesday – May 20, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Sanders County Commissioners’ Chambers, 1037 W Main St Thompson Falls, MT
Meeting call to order:
Quorum: Yes/No
Time:
Attendees:
Review of Previous Meeting’s Minutes:
Comments/revisions:
Motion to accept meeting minutes:
Second:
Motion: (Carry/fail)
Public Input:
Agenda Review:
Comments/additions:
Rush Skeletonweed Report:
Blueweed Report: Coordinator and Assistant positions? Implementation status?
Eurasian Watermilfoil Report:
Subdivision Report: Wendy report on 4/22 site visit.
Old Business:
• Education/Public Outreach
o Plan schedule (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, etc), topic and authors
▪ May – Blueweed and Rush Skeleton Task Force
▪ June – topic and author?
▪ July – topic and author?
▪ August - Spraying/Fall Spraying (John/Rory)
▪ September – Winterizing Equipment (John/Rory)
• Additional Hiring: Sales Desk, others?
• Interface/Update with Weeds Education Class hosted by Extension (Wendy) – further discussion
of date(s). Best offered before hunting season, particularly if on a weekend?
• Drone spraying update: Availability of contractor?
• County Contract Road Spraying Status:
Motions/Seconds:
New Business:
Motions/Seconds
“I Control My Own” Permits:
• Status of Renewals:
• Permits to approve
Motion to approve permits:
Second:
Motion:
Complaint Forms/Compliant Compliance:
• Garrison Status: needs to strictly follow terms of man …
Mon May 18, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners to review DUI task force plan and county budget
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners holds its weekly meeting with several updates and routine administrative items. Agenda items include the DUI Task Force annual plan, a Forest Stakeholder Collaborative update, and the Sheriff's Office update. No major decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.
- DUI Task Force annual plan meeting with John Marshall
- Administrative items: meeting minutes, Plains Airport Board appointment, surplus property
- County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
- Forest Stakeholder Collaborative update with Doug Ferrell
- Sheriff's Office update and Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
dui-task-forcebudgetairportforest-collaborativesheriffhuman-resourcesadministrativecommissioners
✓ Decided: Board appointed David Stevens to the Plains Airport Board
The commissioners approved the minutes from earlier meetings, appointed David Stevens to fill the vacant Plains Airport Board seat, and voted to surplus old election ballot boxes. No other actions were finalized; the sheriff’s office project was discussed but no decision was made.
- Approved meeting minutes for 05/07/26, 05/13/26, and 05/14/26 (unanimous)
- Appointed David Stevens to the Plains Airport Board (unanimous)
- Approved surplus of old ballot boxes per clerk’s recommendation (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
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AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
May 18 th , 202 6 – May 22 nd , 202 6
T uesda y , May 19 , 202 6
11:00 a.m. DUI Task Force annual plan meeting with John Marshall
DUI Task Force annual plan meeting with John Marshall-20260519_170256UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Meeting Minutes
- Plains Airport Board Appointment
- Surplus Property
Administrative-20260519_193731UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Wednesday , May 20 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
County Journal Voucher and Budget Review-20260520_160602UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:00 a.m. Forest Stakeholder Collaborative update with Doug Ferrell
Forest Stakeholder Collaborative update with Doug Ferrell-20260520_165929UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Sheriff's Office update
Sheriff's Office update-20260520_192815UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
3 :00 p .m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
Human Resources update with Rich Wallace-20260520_211059UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thursday, May 21 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. Thi …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, and Executive Assistant
Cassandra Ward. Commissioner John J. Holland was absent.
DUI Task Force Annual Plan with John Marshall and Jennifer McPherson
1 1 :00 a.m.
DUI Task Force board members John Marshall and Jennifer McPherson presented the DUI Annual Task Force
Plan to the commissioners and provided a brief update on the board's activities. The board organized a
contest for students to produce an anti-drinking-and-driving video, which received a reasonable level of
participation. Mr. Marshall plans to hold an awards ceremony to present prizes to the winners.
No public comment
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
Meeting Minutes
- Commissioner Rowan motioned to approve the meeting minutes for 05/07/26, 05/13/26, and
05/14/26
Commissioner Cox – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Plains Airport Board Appointment
Received one application for the vacant Plains Airport Board position from Mr. David Stevens.
- Commissioner Rowan motioned to appoint David Stevens to the Plains Airport Board
Commissioner Cox – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Surplus Property – Old Ballot Boxes
The Clerk and Rec …
Thu May 14, 2026
Local Emergency Planning Committee
LEPC to review EOP and discuss wildfire season prep
The Sanders County Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet to approve previous minutes, review the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) as old business, and discuss wildfire season preparation along with the Hyper-Reach/IPAWS emergency notification system and OEM support for fire response. The meeting is primarily planning and discussion; no votes on funding or contracts are listed on the agenda.
- Review of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
- Wildfire season preparation discussion
- Discussion of Hyper-Reach/IPAWS emergency notification system
- OEM support for fire-related coordination
- Next meeting scheduled for July 9, 2026; location to be determined
emergency-managementlepcwildfireemergency-notificationeop
✓ Decided: LEPC approved March 2026 minutes and adjourned the May 14 meeting
The committee approved the March 2026 meeting minutes after a motion by Kjirsten Mercer and a second by Jim Fey. The motion carried. The meeting was then adjourned at 1:23 pm following a motion by Jim Fey and a second by Randy Jones.
- Approved March 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 1:23 pm (motion carried)
📄 From the agenda
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P.O. BOx 519, 1111 Main St., thOMPSOn FallS, Mt. 59873 (406) 827-6955, Fax: (406) 827-4388
May 14, 2026
Agenda for Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting May 14, 2026
Call To Order 12:30
Public comment on agenda items
Additions to the agenda
Approval of March 2026 Meeting Minutes
Stakeholder Reports
Old Business
EOP Review
New Business
Wildfire Season Prep
Hyper-Reach/IPAWS system
OEM Support for Fire Discussion
Reports
Next meeting July 9th, 2026, Location?
Location next meeting?
Adjourn
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
P.O. Box 519, 1111 Main St., Thompson Falls, Mt. 59873 · (406) 827-6955, Fax: (406) 827-4388
May 14 , 2026
Agenda for Local Emergency Planning Committee M eeting May 14 , 2026
Call To Order @ 12:20pm
Public comment on agenda items : There was No Public comment.
Additions to the agenda : There were no additions to the agenda .
Approval of March 202 6 M eeting Minutes
Motion made by Kjirsten Mercer to accept the minutes as read and 2 nd by Jim Fey. Motion
carried.
Stake Hold Reports
Terrence Caldwell : DNRC stated 7 people are on site now for the summer. They are working on a
New County Coop Plan.
Daniel Stevens: Forest Service 500+ prescribed burns completed. Summer in full swing.
Jim asked the Forest Service if they needed to get permission to patch up C o rona Rd. It was agreed that
Jim would let the Forest Service handle it.
Kjirsten Mercer : Public Hea lth Flu numbers are down. Vila of Life has been passed out and if anyone
needs more, let Kjirsten know and she will get it to you. County AED ’s have been put in place. EMS
should have been notified of the different locations . Matt is working on a website for the Public to be
able to see the AED locations. Trout Creek Rural Fire stated that The Lakeside has 2 AED ’s now.
Cabinet Ridge Riders are getting 2 now. 1 Senior Center & the Groomers. The Noxon Emergency
Evacuation Stairs at the school have been completed. They look Awesome!!!!!
Matt Griffin : stated he is writing a Back Up Power & Capacity/Upgrade for the …
Mon May 11, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners to decide on employee insurance, contracts, and grant acceptance
The Board of County Commissioners will hold an administrative session on May 13 to discuss and decide on several items, including county employee insurance, fair cleaning and security contracts, a Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program sub-contract, and an asphalt bid opening. They will also consider acceptance of a DOJ OVW EIP grant and a resolution authorizing prosecutorial assistance. On May 14, the board will review facilities updates and discuss the FY 2027 budget allocation for herbicide treatment. No meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.
- County Employee Insurance decision
- Fair Cleaning Contract and Fair Security Contract
- Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program Sub-Contract or Agreement
- Resolution 2026-09 – Authorizing Prosecutorial Assistance
- FY 2027 Budget Allocation for Herbicide Treatment – AIP Task Force
insurancecontractsgrantsbudgetpublic-healthairportslaw-enforcementherbicide
✓ Decided: Board approved county employee health insurance option 2
The commissioners accepted option 2 for county employee health insurance, approving the fair cleaning and security contracts pending attorney review, and accepted several other contracts and grants. All motions passed with unanimous aye votes.
- Approved county employee health insurance option 2 (unanimous aye)
- Approved fair cleaning contract pending attorney review (unanimous aye)
- Approved fair security contract pending attorney review (unanimous aye)
- Accepted Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program subcontractor agreement (unanimous aye)
- Approved Amendment No. 1 task order for immunization services (unanimous aye)
- Awarded asphalt bid to Thompson River Ready Mix and Woods Crushing (unanimous aye)
- Approved DOJ Office on Violence Against Women grant (unanimous aye)
- Authorized hiring of attorney Adam Duerk for prosecutorial assistance (unanimous aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
May 11 th , 202 6 – May 15 th , 202 6
T uesda y , May 12 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , May 13 , 202 6
10:00 a.m. Airport Capital Improvement Projects
Airport Capital Improvement Projects-20260513_160249UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- County Employee Insurance decision
- Fair Cleaning Contract
- Fair Security Contract
- Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program Sub-Contract or Agreement - Sanders
County Public Health
- Asphalt Bid Opening continued
- Amendment No. 1 Task order – Immunization Services
- Department of Justice OVW EIP Grant Acceptance
- Resolution 2026-09 – Authorizing Prosecutorial Assistance
- Resolution 2026-10 – Authorizing Prosecutorial Assistance – Canceled
Administrative-20260513_193329UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thursday, May 14 , 202 6
10: 3 0 a.m. Facilities update with Tim Patton
Facilities update with Tim Patton-20260514_163035UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
11:00 a.m. FY 2027 Budget Allocation for Herbicide Treatment – AIP Task Force
FY 2027 Budget Allocation for Herbicide Treatment - AIP Task Force-20260514_170756UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Airport Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
10:00 a.m. – Ian Wargo of Robert Peccia Associates (RPA) was in attendance. Members of the Thompson
Falls Airport Board, Mr. Bob Rice and Mr. Gene Pope, were also in attendance.
Ian Wargo provided an update on ongoing projects at the Sanders County airports. Fuel system installation is
underway at the Plains Airport, and pavement maintenance projects are scheduled for this summer at both
the Plains and Thompson Falls Airports. He also reported that the Hot Springs Airport received $147,000 for
electrical improvements, which are underway.
Mr. Wargo discussed upcoming Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requests, including snow removal equipment,
revenue-generating T-hangar s , and Forest Service helipad s .
No public comment
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
County Employee Insurance decision
The Commissioners received three options to review and decide on for county employee health insurance.
They discussed the three options and the benefits of not switching health insurance carriers, including partial
savings and mu …
Tue May 5, 2026
Sanders County Park Board
Park Board to discuss Heron trails and Cabinet Gorge boat launch
The Sanders County Park Board will meet to discuss new business items including Heron trails and the Cabinet Gorge boat launch. Ongoing business includes potential updates to bylaws and addressing dead trees and personal property at Henry Creek. The board will also review and approve minutes from March and April 2026.
- Heron: Trails – discussion
- Heron: Cabinet Gorge boat launch – discussion
- Bylaws: potential update
- Henry Creek: Dead trees – ongoing business
- Henry Creek: Personal property – ongoing business
parkstrailsboat-launchbylawshenry-creek
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
SANDERS COUNTY PARK BOARD
Meeting Agenda
May 5, 2026 6:00PM
** Heron Community Center **
** Heron, MT **
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00pm meeting
ROLL CALL: Board members
AGENDA: Changes and approval
MINUTES: A pproval for March and April 2026 minutes
FINANCIAL:
UPDATE ON NEW SUBDIVISIONS:
COMMUNICATIONS:
*PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN AT THE END OF EACH AGENDA ITEM.*
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Heron: Trails
2. Heron: Cabinet Gorge boat launch
ONGOING BUSINESS:
1. Bylaws: Update?
2. Henry Creek: Dead Trees
3. Henry Creek: Personal Property
ADJOURN:
NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2, 2026 @ SANDERS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
SC Park Board Commissioners:
Kayla Mosher/Chair, Lionel Bates/Vice-Chair, Morgan Leaf/Secretary, David Mitchell, Ron
Blacic, John Haakenson
Mon May 4, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Asphalt bids opened, petition policy and airport lease on agenda
The Board of County Commissioners meets on Thursday, May 7. Items include opening asphalt construction bids, considering Resolution 2026-08 (Petition Policy), and approving an Airport Hangar Lease Agreement. The County Attorney and Human Resources will provide updates, and a CWPP update is scheduled for approval.
- Asphalt Bid Opening with partial recording due to technical issues
- Resolution 2026-08 - Petition Policy
- Airport Hangar Lease Agreement
- CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan) update approval
- County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
asphalt-bidspetition-policyairportcwppcounty-attorneyhuman-resourcesadministrative
✓ Decided: Board approved airport hangar lease agreement with Michael Wells
The commissioners approved several items, including the April 2026 county claims, the Community Wildfire Protection Program update, the petition policy resolution, and the airport hangar lease agreement. They also declared a 1992 skid steer surplus and set a deadline to review asphalt bids. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved April 2026 county claims ($750,254.40) – all aye
- Approved Community Wildfire Protection Program update – all aye
- Approved petition policy resolution 2026-08 – all aye
- Approved airport hangar lease agreement with Michael Wells – all aye
- Declared 1992 Uni-Loader skid steer surplus property – all aye
- Moved asphalt bids under advisement until May 13 – all aye
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
May 4 th , 202 6 – May 8 th , 202 6
T uesda y , May 05 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , May 06 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, May 07 , 202 6
11:00 a.m. County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield-20260507_170523UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:00 p.m. Asphalt Bid Opening – Partial recording due to technical issues
Asphalt Bid Opening-20260507_190727UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Audit County Claims
- CWPP update approval
- Meeting Minutes
- Resolution 2026-08 - Petition Policy
- Airport Hangar Lease Agreement
Administrative-20260507_193232UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2:00 p.m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
Human Resources update with Rich Wallace-20260507_200429UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
The Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that are not listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date and time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without
notice. If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-6966. *As per MCA 2-3-
203(3), the Presidin …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Thursday, May 7, 2026 , at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield
1 1 :00 a.m.
The Deputy County Attorney is reviewing the Plains EMS land lease request and preparing a short-form
contract template for county use.
Mrs. Hatfield is reviewing the Hot Springs refuse tax appeal to determine how far back the
Commissioners may legally issue refunds.
Mrs. Hatfield provided the Park Board with information about Henry Creek parkland and advised that
she remains available if additional assistance is needed.
Mrs. Hatfield is researching the replacement of stop signs at county/state intersections.
The County Attorney's office will review the Fair security and cleaning contracts.
No public comment
Asphalt Bid – Continued
1:00 p.m.
Received two bids for asphalt
- Thompson River Ready Mix
- Woods Crushing
The commissioners discussed needing extra time to review and compare the two bids
Commissioner Rowan motioned to take the bids under advisement until Wednesday , May 13th, at 1:30 p.m.
Commissioner Holland – 2 nd
No public comment , all voted aye, motion carried
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting …
Mon Apr 27, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board to consider road maintenance agreement and alcohol tax funding
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday includes an Office of Emergency Management update and administrative items such as a Road Maintenance Agreement and Alcohol Tax Funding Designation. Wednesday's Land Services update is canceled, but a County Employee Insurance update is scheduled.
- Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
- Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement
- Alcohol Tax Funding Designation
- Approval of meeting minutes from April 14, 15, 16, and 23, 2026
- County Employee Insurance update with Morgan Hirschenberger
emergency-managementroadsalcohol-taxemployee-insurancecounty-commissionersadministrative
✓ Decided: Board approved Schedule A road maintenance agreement with USFS
The commissioners approved a Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service that adds additional county roads for maintenance. They also designated alcohol tax funds to the AWARE program and approved recent meeting minutes. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement with USFS (unanimous)
- Designated alcohol tax funding to AWARE program (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes for 04/04/26, 04/15/26, 04/16/26 & 04/23/26 (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
April 2 7 th , 202 6 – May 1 st , 202 6
T uesda y , April 28 , 202 6
10 :3 0 a .m. Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin-20260428_163110UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement
- Alcohol Tax Funding Designation
- Meeting Minutes – 04/14/26, 04/15/26, 04/16/26, and 04/23/26
Administrative-20260428_195525UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
Wednesday , April 2 9 , 202 6
11:00 a.m. Land Services update with Chris McComas – Canceled
1 :3 0 p.m. County Employee insurance with Morgan Hirschenberger
County Employee Insurance update with Morgan Hirschenberger-20260429_193044UTC-Meeting
Recording.mp4
Thursday, April 30, 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
T he Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4 :00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that may not be listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date/time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without notice.
If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-69 66 . *As per MCA 2-3-203(3), the
Presiding Office …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
1 0: 3 0 a.m.
T he Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) update is complete and currently circulating for
signatures.
Initiated development of a countywide mass-casualty response .
Provided assistance to the Plains School Board in strengthening its emergency preparedness program.
Coordinating with the hospital to plan and conduct a large-scale patient surge exercise.
Continued ongoing community coordination and interagency collaboration efforts.
Met with the Red Cross Program Manager and toured shelter sites across the Plains.
Explored potential grant opportunities to fund backup generators for the county courthouse and other
critical emergency facilities.
Met with Montana State University (MSU) representatives and community members to discuss
forming a coordinated large animal evacuation group for emergency response.
No public comment
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement
The Schedule A Road Maintenance Agreement with the USFS for the Kootenai Natio …
Wed Apr 22, 2026
Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force Board
Task force to vote on 2026 management plan update and herbicide contractor
The Sanders County Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force will consider and vote on the 2026 update to the management plan, review funding status and new funding requests, and select a contractor for herbicide application. Other agenda items include inspection station updates, scientific advisory panel summary, and education outreach.
- Vote on 2026 Management Plan Update
- Consideration of new funding requests
- Selection of 2026 herbicide application contractor
- Review of inspection stations
- Flow forecasts and pre-treatment monitoring timeframe
aquatic-invasive-plantstask-forcemanagement-planherbicidefundinginspection-stationseducation
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Sanders County AIP Task Force
Meeting Agenda
April 22, 2026, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
2nd Floor Conference Room, Sanders County Courthouse
Call-in Number: 406-541-5646, Code 805791
1. Introductions/confirm quorum
2. Review agenda
3. Announcements
4. March 25 meeting minutes *
5. Follow-up tasks from previous meeting
6. Inspection Stations
7. Scientific Advisory Panel meeting summary
8. Management Plan Review, Consider 2026 Update *
9. 2026 funding status, consideration of new funding requests *
10. Consider 2026 herbicide application contractor *
11. Flow forecasts, pre-treatment monitoring timeframe
12. Education and Outreach
13. WMCC next meeting April 23, 2026
14. Review of checklist
15. Next meeting: May 27, 2-4 pm
* Denotes action items requiring vote.
Mon Apr 20, 2026
Board of Commissioners
Board will consider the Airport Grant Agreement for Plains and Thompson Falls airports
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss an Airport Grant Agreement for the Plains and Thompson Falls airports. They will also consider Resolution 2026-08 concerning the county’s petition policy. A continued opening of the Road Oil bid will be addressed. Updates from the County Attorney (canceled) and Human Resources will be provided.
- Airport Grant Agreement – Plains and Thompson Falls airports
- Resolution 2026-08 – Petition Policy
- Road Oil bid opening continued
- County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield (canceled)
- Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
airportspetition-policyroad-oil-bidhuman-resourcescounty-attorney
✓ Decided: Board approved airport grant agreements for Plains and Thompson Falls airports
The Board approved the airport grant agreements to seal‑coat runways at the Plains and Thompson Falls airports. They moved Resolution 2026‑08, which would prohibit political activities on county‑owned property, to be reviewed further. The Board also awarded the road‑oil contract to Ergon Emulsions. All three motions passed unanimously.
- Approved airport grant agreements for Plains and Thompson Falls airports (all aye)
- Moved Resolution 2026‑08 petition policy to further review (all aye)
- Awarded road‑oil bid to Ergon Emulsions (all aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
AGENDA - PUBLIC MEETING
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioners ’ Office :
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls
April 20 th , 202 6 – April 24 th , 202 6
T uesda y , April 21 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Wednesday , April 22 , 202 6
NO SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Thursday, April 23 , 202 6
11:00 a.m. County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield – Canceled
1:30 p.m. Administrative
- Airport Grant Agreement – Plains and Thomson Falls Airports
- Resolution 2026-08 - Petition Policy
- Road Oil bid opening continued
Administrative-20260423_193728UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
2 :00 p .m. Human Resources update with Rich Wallace
Human Resources update with Rich Wallace-20260423_201753UTC-Meeting Recording.mp4
T he Board of County Commissioners meets weekly on Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4 :00 p.m. There may be issues
discussed during the meeting that may not be listed on the agenda. If a decision is required on items of significant interest, it will be scheduled for
another date/time and posted. Public comments will be heard on agenda and non-agenda items. This schedule is subject to change without notice.
If you have any questions about the schedule or if anyone attending needs special assistance, please call 406-827-69 66 . *As per MCA 2-3-203(3), the
Presiding Officer of any meeting may close the meeting when the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy or legal interest. All meetings
will include discussions and/or decisions unless …
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
No Scheduled Meetings for Tuesday, April 21, 2026
No Scheduled Meetings for Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the
Sanders County Commissioners' Office, 1037 West Main Street, Suite 102, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.
Present were Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Commissioner Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J. Holland,
and Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward.
County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield – Canceled
1 0:00 a.m.
Routine County Administrative Business
1 :30 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed mail, emails, and meeting dates.
Airport Grant Agreement
Sanders County received two grants to seal coat the airport runways at the Plains and Thompson Falls Airports
- Commissioner Rowan motioned to approve the airport grant agreements for the Plains and Thompson
Falls Airports
Commissioner Holland – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Resolution 2026-08 – Petition Policy
The Board considered Resolution 2026-08, which proposes prohibiting political activities on County-owned
property and designating these areas for official county business only.
Public Comment: Mindy Ferrell and Mark Sheets found the proposed policy overly restrictive. They asked the
Board to delay the resolution for further review, refinement, and public input. Ms. Ferrell also requested a
clearer definition of which county properties are affected. Tamra Raiche-Shear stated the policy is well written
and …
Wed Apr 15, 2026
Weed Board
Weed Board to discuss Blueweed program hiring and $2,500 donation
The Sanders County Weed Board meets to review reports on Rush Skeletonweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil, discuss old business including drone spraying and public outreach scheduling, and consider new business such as the Blueweed Program with hiring and a $2,500 cost share donation. The board will also approve permits, time sheets, and claims.
- Blueweed Program: hiring coordinator and assistant, cost share award, $2,500 CWFF donation
- Drone spraying update: securing contractor
- Education/outreach schedule (April–September) with topics like spring spraying and blueweed
- Calibration Day set for 4/22/26
- Hand/backpack sprayer purchases and safety audit results
weed-boardinvasive-speciesagriculturehiringdrone-sprayingpublic-outreachpermits
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Agenda
Sanders County Weed Board
Wednesday – April 15, 2026 6:30 p.m.
County Weed Shop, 36 Old Airport Road, Plains, MT.
Meeting call to order:
Quorum: Yes/No
Time:
Attendees:
Review of Previous Meeting’s Minutes:
Comments/revisions:
Motion to accept meeting minutes:
Second:
Motion: (Carry/fail)
Public Input:
Agenda Review:
Comments/additions:
Rush Skeletonweed Report:
Eurasian Watermilfoil Report:
Subdivision Report: 4/8 review findings (Rory & Wendy)
Old Business:
• Education/Public Outreach
o Plan schedule (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, etc), topic and authors
▪ April – Spring Spraying, Herbicide and Equipment Availability, Weed Board
Resources offered, Advice, Calibration
▪ May – Blueweed and Rush Skeleton Task Force
▪ August - Spraying/Fall Spraying
▪ September – Winterizing Equipment
• Drone spraying update: Securing contractor? etc.
• Herbicide Supplier Performance check
• Contract Sprayers update
• Calibration Day (4/22/26).
Motions/Seconds:
New Business:
• Blueweed Program:
o Coordinator & Assistant hiring.
o Cost Share Award
o Program Implementation
o CWFF Cost Share Guidelines ($2500 donation)
• Additional Hiring needs
• Safety Audit Results
• Hand/backpack sprayer purchases
Motions/Seconds
“I Control My Own” Permits:
• Permits to approve
• Status/timeline of renewals
Motion to approve permits:
Second:
Motion:
Complaint Forms/Compliant Compliance:
• Garrison 2nd year compliance chec …
Wed Apr 15, 2026
Refuse District
Board will consider the Hot Springs School District refuse appeal
The Sanders County Refuse District Board will discuss a refuse service appeal from the Hot Springs School District. They will review the March 2026 financial reports and the accounts receivable aging summary. A request for public lands cleanup will be considered, and a recycling report will be presented by Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson.
- Refuse appeal from Hot Springs School District
- Review of March 2026 Sanders County Refuse financial reports
- A/R aging summary for March 2026
- Public lands cleanup request
- Recycling report presented by Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson
waste-managementfinancepublic-landsrecyclingappeals
✓ Decided: Board approved minutes, deferred fee refund appeal, and approved cleanup request
The board approved the January 21, 2026 meeting minutes. It placed the Hot Springs School District refuse‑fee refund request under advisement pending a county attorney review. The board also approved a one‑day public‑lands cleanup request using a county refuse container.
- Approved January 21, 2026 meeting minutes (all voted aye)
- Deferred Hot Springs School District refuse‑fee refund appeal until county attorney review (all voted aye)
- Approved public‑lands cleanup request at Big Prairie (all voted aye)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Sanders County Refuse District Board Meeting
Commissioners ’ Office
1037 West Main St., Suite 102, Thompson Falls, MT 59873
April 15 , 202 6 , at 10 :0 0 a.m.
AGENDA
Call to Order
Open Meeting: 10 :0 0 a.m.
Approval of January 15 , 202 5 , Meeting Minutes
Agenda Items
Refuse Appeal – Hot Springs School District
Sanders County Refuse Financial Reports for March 202 6 will be printed and given to the
Commissioners & Refuse Supervisor Jason Peterson for Review.
A/R Aging Summary – March 2026
Public Lands Cleanup request
Recycling Report: Brought in person by Jason Peterson, Refuse Supervisor
The next Meeting is on Wednesday, July 15 , 202 6 , @ 10:00 a.m.
Public Comment
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Sanders County Refuse District Meeting Minutes
The Sanders County Refuse District Board met on April 1 5 , 2026 , at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanders Coun ty
Commissioners' Office , Thompson Falls, Montana. Presiding Officer Anthony B. Cox, Commissioner John J.
Holland, Commissioner Dan B. Rowan, Executive Assistant Cassandra Ward, Treasurer Alisa Garcia , and Refuse
District Manager Jason Peterson were in attendance .
Commissioner Holland motioned to approve the meeting minutes for January 21, 2026
Commissioner Rowan – 2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
Discussed a request from the Hot Springs School District Board for a refund of refuse fees on a parcel used solely
as a parking lot with no structures. The district requested reimbursement for the past ten years. The Board will
ask the County Attorney to review and advise on the allowable refund period.
Commissioner Rowan motioned to take this refuse appeal under advisement until the county attorney reviews
Commissioner Holland -2 nd
No public comment, all voted aye, motion carried
The Board reviewed Accounts Receivable and Financial Reports.
The County Treasurer discussed the need to increase solid waste fees, noting that current rates do not fully cover
operational costs. Preliminary calculations will be prepared to determine potential fee adjustments.
The Board reviewed the status of large container charges and noted that only four accounts remain outstanding.
Mr. Peterson received a bill from Republic Servic …
Showing the 30 most recent meetings of 55 on record. See the yearly meeting archives below for the full history.
🌐 County-level context (Sanders County)
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Traffic fatalities3 (2024)
Business establishments394 (2,585 employees · 2023)
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$933/mo (44 assisted households · 2025)
Adults with low literacy19.0% (low numeracy 33% · 2017)
Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD, NCES PIAAC
City profile
Everything below is drawn from this city’s own public record and primary-source government data. AI-written summaries are a finding aid, not a citable quote.
Outcomes — economic mobility
source: Opportunity Atlas (Harvard) · research useFor kids who grew up here in low-income households, their adult household-income rank (0–1). The average hides a gap by race:
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Where it’s happening
geocoded land-use decisions🗺 Interactive map
Every rezoning, development approval, and permit — explore the geocoded records in the
research explorer.
Meeting archives
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