Anaconda meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

County commission approves $330,838 in claims, sets road hearing; other boards meet on budgets and projects

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission made the only final decisions among recent local government meetings, approving more than $330,000 in claims and scheduling a public hearing on a road abandonment request. Other boards met to discuss budgets, projects, and programs, but took no formal action.

County Commission (Aug. 18)

The commission voted 5-0 to authorize payment of claims #150038-150122 totaling $330,838.29. Notable items within that total include $6,500 for the MSU Local Government Center, $23,400 for an audio system, and $34,000 for road equipment.

Commissioners also set a public hearing for Sept. 8, 2026, on Tony Puccinelli's road abandonment request (5-0). Two special events were approved, both pending insurance certificates: the Washoe Theatre 90th Anniversary/Marquee Lighting event on Sept. 24, 2026, and the Christmas Stroll on Nov. 27, 2026, at Kennedy Commons.

Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire District (Aug. 11)

The fire department and fire service area held back-to-back meetings. The department reviewed its budget and discussed the status of equipment including the ET, Cistern S2, and rescue truck. The service area reviewed the department's budget and considered new business including Rising Sun and fee certification based on updated real estate values from the state. No decisions were listed; minutes have not yet been published.

Public Housing Authority Board (Aug. 18)

The board met to approve minutes, review bills and communications, and hear reports on vacancies, financial statements, and police statistics. New business included a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) update. Information items covered the 2024 PHAS score, a master meter replacement at NWE Cedar Park, and the 2026 commercial energy contract. The agenda was largely routine with no major decisions listed.

Greenway Service District Board (Aug. 20)

The board discussed an update on the Durant Canyon project following a meeting with BAP (Patriot) and BNSF Railroad, the Craddock easement, and draft comments on an ICMM update. It also approved June minutes. No decisions were recorded.

DUI Task Force (Aug. 20)

The task force reviewed financial and MIP/DUI reports and discussed unfinished business, including the Camp H20 2026 report, the Cheers to Sober Drivers! program update, and signage/bumper sticker designs. No new business was listed.

Coming up

The County Commission will hold a work session on Aug. 25, 2026, at which it will hold a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-2027 annual budget. Other discussion items include a standard audit contract with Newland & Company, a request to set a public hearing date for the Jones Creek Subdivision preliminary plat (suggested Sept. 22, 2026), an ambulance standby agreement for the 2026 football season at Mitchell Stadium, and a special event request for the Wildlife Art Expo/Vintage D. Fenders Car Show on Main Street (Sept. 19, 2026). Most items are for discussion rather than final decision.

Library board approves minutes; county commission to weigh tax exemption, budget hearing

The Hearst Free Library Board of Trustees approved minutes from its April and May meetings at a special meeting on August 3, the only formal decision made by a local body in the past two weeks. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission met on August 4 but took no action, with several significant items — including a tax exemption for a building project and a budget hearing date — still pending. The Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire District also met on August 11 but has not yet published minutes or decisions.

Recent meetings

Library Board (August 3) — The board unanimously approved minutes from its April 13 and May 4 meetings. The director reported on ongoing programs, a donated 3-D printer, and upcoming events. No new or unfinished business was discussed, and no public comment was made.

County Commission (August 4) — The commission discussed, but did not vote on, a resolution (No. 26-18) to grant a tax exemption and rate reduction to ICW Montana for a building at 611 Walnut Street. It also considered setting a public hearing for the FY 2026-2027 annual budget on August 25, 2026, along with donations of $4,000 to the Deer Lodge County 4-H Leaders’ Counsil and $3,500 to the Anaconda Weekly Review. A change order for the 2026 Street Improvements Project on Stumptown Road was also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire District (August 11) — The department and fire service area held back-to-back meetings to review the department’s budget, equipment status (including the ET, Cistern S2, and rescue truck), and fee certification based on updated real estate values from the state. No decisions have been reported.

Coming up

County Commission — August 18, 2026 — The commission will consider setting a public hearing for a road abandonment request by Tony Puccinelli, with a suggested date of September 8. It will also review special event permits for the Washoe Theatre’s 90th anniversary and marquee lighting (September 24) and the Christmas Stroll (November 27), both pending certificates of insurance. Claims and minutes from the August 4 meeting are also on the agenda.

Public Housing Authority Board — August 18, 2026 — The board will review routine items including July extraordinary expenditures, vacancies, financial statements, and a RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) update. Information items cover the 2024 PHAS score, a master meter replacement at NWE Cedar Park, and the 2026 commercial energy contract.

DUI Task Force — August 20, 2026 — The task force will hear reports on the Camp H20 2026 program, the Cheers to Sober Drivers! update, and DUI Task Force signage and bumper sticker designs. No new business is listed.

Greenway Service District Board — August 20, 2026 — The board will discuss the Durant Canyon project following a meeting with BAP (Patriot) and BNSF Railroad, the Craddock easement, and draft comments on an ICMM update. The meeting is open in person or via Microsoft Teams.

Planning Board recommends Jones Creek subdivision; other boards approve minutes

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Planning Board recommended approval of a two-lot subdivision on Jones Creek, sending the application to the County Commission. In other recent meetings, the County Commission held a work session to prepare agenda items, and the Airport and Library boards approved meeting minutes.

Planning Board

At its July 27 meeting, the Planning Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a subdivision application from Travis and Shellie McKelvy to create two residential lots in the West Valley Development District. The recommendation includes seven conditions of approval. The application now moves to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission for a final decision. The board also approved minutes from its July 26 meeting with one correction, also by a 6-0 vote.

County Commission work session

On July 28, the County Commission held a work session to review several items but took no final votes. The commission placed the following items on its agenda for future action: a public hearing date for the FY2027 budget (proposed for Aug. 25, 2026), an MSU Extension Services Agreement, a quote from Montana Pro Audio for an audio/video system, a $3,500 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review, a Board of Health appointment request, and a Deadringer Horseshoe Tournament pending insurance.

Airport Board

The Airport Advisory Board approved the minutes from its April 29 meeting by a 3-0 vote on July 29. Members discussed airport development plans, land acquisition, and potential fuel price increases, but took no other formal actions.

Library Board

The Hearst Free Library Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Aug. 3 and unanimously approved minutes from its April 13 and May 4 meetings. The director reported on ongoing programs, a donated 3-D printer, and upcoming events. No new or unfinished business was discussed, and no public comment was made.

County Commission agenda (Aug. 4)

The County Commission's Aug. 4 agenda included a resolution (No. 26-18) for a tax exemption and rate reduction for ICW Montana at 611 Walnut Street, a proposed Aug. 25 public hearing for the FY 2026-2027 annual budget, a $4,000 donation to the Deer Lodge County 4-H Leaders' Counsil, a $3,500 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review, and Change Order #2 for the 2026 Street Improvements Project on Stumptown Road. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire District will hold back-to-back meetings on Aug. 11. The department will review its budget and discuss the status of equipment including the ET, Cistern S2, and the rescue truck. The service area will review the department's budget and consider new business including Rising Sun and fee certification based on updated real estate values from the state.

County Commission sends ambulance levy to ballot; budget hearing and tax exemption on deck

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission voted unanimously this month to place a 4-mill ambulance service levy on the general election ballot, a move aimed at shifting ambulance funding from city residents to a countywide system.

Ambulance levy heads to voters

On July 21, the Commission approved Resolution No. 26-17, placing the 4-mill ambulance service levy question before voters in the general election. The vote was 5-0. According to the meeting summary, the measure is intended to equalize funding by spreading ambulance costs across the county rather than relying on city residents alone.

The same meeting saw the Commission authorize payment of claims 149888 through 149973, totaling $918,955.07, also on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners additionally approved a Clinical Affiliate Agreement between the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing at Montana Tech and County Public Health (5-0) and approved minutes from the July 7 and July 14, 2026 meetings (5-0).

Commission work session sets future agenda

On July 28, the Commission held a work session to prepare items for future votes. No final decisions were made. Items placed on a future agenda include:

• A FY2027 budget public hearing, proposed for August 25, 2026.
• The FY2027 MSU Extension Services Agreement.
• A quote from Montana Pro Audio for an audio/video system.
• A $3,500 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review.
• A Board of Health appointment request.
• A Deadringer Horseshoe Tournament, pending insurance documentation.

Planning Board to weigh Jones Creek Subdivision

The Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing on a 2-lot subsequent minor subdivision application by Travis and Shellie McKelvy. The proposal, in the West Valley Development District, would create Lot 1 at 20 acres and Lot 2 at 122.61 acres. Minutes from the July 27 meeting have not yet been published; the information comes from the posted agenda.

Airport Board hears manager and consultant reports

The Anaconda Airport Board met July 29 to review a Manager's Report from Monte Belgarde and a Consultant Report from Matthew Wilder of Robert Peccia and Associates. The agenda also included approval of previous minutes and old and new business. Minutes were not yet available.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Hearst Free Library Board of Trustees:** The board will review the Director's, Financial, and Building reports and consider approval of April 13 and May 4, 2026 meeting minutes. No new or old business items are listed for decision.
• **Aug. 4 — County Commission:** Commissioners will discuss Resolution No. 26-18, a tax exemption and rate reduction for ICW Montana at 611 Walnut Street; the proposed August 25, 2026 public hearing date for the FY 2026-2027 Annual Budget; a $4,000.00 donation to the Deer Lodge County 4-H Leaders' Counsil; a $3,500.00 donation to the Anaconda Weekly Review; and Change Order #2 for the 2026 Street Improvements Project on Stumptown Road.

Anaconda officials approve $900,000 in claims, set stage for ambulance levy vote

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioners authorized more than $900,000 in claim payments and approved a new utility ordinance earlier this month, while laying the groundwork for a countywide ambulance levy that could appear on the next general election ballot.

County Commission

On July 7, the County Commission approved payment of claims #149750 through #149885 totaling $900,276.02 on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners also approved Ordinance No. 282 regarding utilities, which takes effect 30 days after passage, and authorized a $3,500 funding request for CCCS Inc-Discovery House for FY 2026-2027. Both passed 5-0. June 2026 meeting minutes were approved 5-0.

A week later, on July 14, commissioners reviewed Resolution No. 26-17, which would place a countywide ambulance levy on the ballot. County Attorney Morgan Smith and staff member Toni approved the resolution language for ballot compliance. No formal votes were recorded at that meeting. A $33,469 public-health emergency preparedness task order was presented but not formally approved.

DUI Task Force

The Driving Under the Influence Task Force approved a $2,000 financial support payment to Camp H2O on July 9, acting unanimously. Members also unanimously approved May meeting minutes, accepted a financial report showing a balance of $21,377.77, and accepted MIP reports. Discussion of the "Cheers! To Sober Drivers" program was tabled until next month by unanimous vote.

Economic Development Board

The Economic Development Board met July 8 to consider funding recommendations for two local businesses: GWE Don's LLC (dba Anaconda Building Center) and Valley Bank. The board may recommend funding to the ADLC Commission on these items. Minutes from the January 8, 2026 and June 26, 2024 meetings were also on the agenda. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Board of Adjustments

On July 9, the Board of Adjustment held a public hearing on Variance 26-004, a request by the Nelson family to create a 0.5-acre lot on the "A" Hill property. The request seeks relief from the 10-acre minimum lot size required in the Anaconda Residential Estate District. Minutes have not yet been published.

Old Works Golf Course Authority Board

The board met July 13 to review May financial statements and receive updates on the clubhouse, course conditions, and operations. Discussion items included merchandise sales, tournaments, events, and marketing, along with an operations subsidy and capital improvements funds update. Minutes have not yet been published.

Public Housing Authority Board

The Anaconda Public Housing Authority met July 15 to review financial statements, extraordinary expenditures, and community police statistics. Discussion items included June extraordinary expenditures for PHA/Pintlar, a Pintlar fence discussion, the RAD Incentive Compensation Plan, and a general RAD update. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The County Commission meets July 21 with a full agenda. Items include Resolution No. 26-17 to place a permanent ambulance service levy question on the ballot, Economic Development Board recommendations to grant up to $376,000.00 to Don's Building Center and up to $600,000.00 to Valley Bank for a new bank building, a $3,500.00 funding request for the Anaconda Adult Learning Center for FY 2026-2027, and Change Order #1 for the ADLC 2026 Street Improvements Project. Commissioners will also consider a clinical affiliate agreement with Montana Tech's nursing school and a memorandum of understanding with Gallatin County on a juvenile detention facility.

County Commission approves $900,276 in claims, utility ordinance; ambulance levy and economic development grants on deck

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission approved more than $900,000 in claim payments and a new utility ordinance at its July 7 meeting, while several other local boards met or prepared to weigh in on funding requests, zoning variances, and public safety programs.

County Commission: Claims, Ordinance, and Funding

The Commission voted 5-0 on four items. It authorized payment of claims #149750 through #149885, totaling $900,276.02. It approved Ordinance No. 282, which amends utility regulations regarding communications company infrastructure; the ordinance takes effect 30 days after passage. The Commission also approved a $3,500 funding request for CCCS Inc-Discovery House for fiscal year 2026-2027, and approved June 2026 meeting minutes. All four votes were unanimous.

Economic Development Board: Funding Recommendations Pending

The Economic Development Board met July 8 to consider funding recommendations for two local businesses. The agenda included a funding recommendation for GWE Don's LLC, doing business as Anaconda Building Center, and a funding recommendation for Valley Bank — both to be forwarded to the ADLC Commission for final action. The board also planned to approve minutes from its January 8, 2026 and June 26, 2024 meetings and to hear public comment on non-agenda items. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Board of Adjustments: Lot Size Variance Hearing

The Board of Adjustment held a public hearing July 9 on Variance 26-004, a request from the Nelson family to create a 0.5-acre lot on the 'A' Hill property. The property is in the Anaconda Residential Estate District, which requires a minimum 10-acre lot size. The board's decision has not yet been published.

DUI Task Force: Camp H20 Vote and Program Updates

The Anaconda DUI Task Force met July 9 to vote on financial support for the Camp H20 program. The agenda also included updates on the Cheers to Sober Drivers program, review of new signage and bumper sticker designs, a financial report, an MIP/DUI report, and planning for the next fiscal year. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

July 13 — Old Works Golf Course Authority Board: The board will review May financial statements, approve June 1 board minutes, and receive updates on the clubhouse, course conditions, operations, merchandise sales, tournaments, events, and marketing. An operations subsidy and capital improvements funds update is also scheduled.

July 14 — County Commission: The Commission will discuss Resolution No. 26-17, which would place four permanent mills for countywide ambulance services on the general election ballot. Also on the agenda: a Clinical Affiliate Agreement between the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing and County Public Health, a Public Health Emergency Preparedness task order with the State of Montana DPHHS, and two economic development grants — up to $376,000.00 to Don's Building Center and up to $600,000.00 to Valley Bank.

July 15 — Public Housing Authority Board: The board will review June extraordinary expenditures for PHA/Pintlar, discuss the Pintlar fence, and receive updates on the RAD Incentive Compensation Plan and current budgeting. Community police statistics are also on the agenda.

Anaconda roundup: URA rescinds $75,000 grant, County approves Fitzpatrick consulting contract

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Urban Renewal Agency Board rescinded a $75,000 grant for 300 W. Commercial after determining the property sits outside the district, while the County Commission approved a consulting services agreement with John Fitzpatrick on a 5-0 vote.

Urban Renewal Agency Board — June 22

The URA Board took several financial actions, all approved 4-0. It rescinded a $75,000 award for 300 W. Commercial because the property is outside the district. The Board approved a $5,250 payment to the Historic Resource Board and accepted a $40,750 return on that project. It also approved an extension for the Goosetown Athletic Center project to December 31, 2026.

The Board accepted a financial report showing a net balance of -$57,370.34, approved the administrator's edits to Grant Guidelines, and approved two changes to Grant Agreements. February 11, 2026 minutes were approved with four edits.

County Commission — June 23

The Commission approved a consulting services agreement with John Fitzpatrick on a 5-0 vote. It also introduced Ordinance No. 282, which amends Chapter 20 (Utilities) of the county code, on a 5-0 vote, with a public hearing set for July 7, 2026.

A special event permit for the Goosetown Softball Tournament was discussed at length, but no vote was taken. A separate work session the same day produced no votes or actions.

Tree Board — June 22

The Tree Board held a procedural meeting to elect officers — chair, vice chair, and secretary — and to set a regular meeting schedule. The board also reviewed the ordinance that created it, Sec. 14-160. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes of the officer elections and schedule decisions are not yet confirmed in the record.

Coming up

July 7 — County Commission: Public hearing and possible approval of Ordinance No. 282 amending Chapter 20 (Utilities). The Commission will also vote on a $3,500 funding request for CCCS Inc-Discovery House for FY 2026-2027, a memorandum of understanding with MM Blue Sky LLC for realignment of Pintlar Peaks Drive, and an amendment to the Goosetown special event permit.

July 9 — Board of Adjustments: Public hearing on Variance 26-004, a request from the Nelson family to create a 0.5-acre lot on the 'A' Hill property, which would require relief from the 10-acre minimum lot size in the Anaconda Residential Estate District.

July 9 — DUI Task Force: Vote on financial support for the Camp H20 program, plus updates on the Cheers to Sober Drivers program, new signage and bumper sticker designs, and next fiscal year planning.

URA Board Rescinds $75,000 Grant; Commission Sets Utility Hearing

The Urban Renewal Agency Board voted 4-0 on June 23 to rescind a $75,000 grant for 300 W. Commercial after determining the property lies outside the district. The board also extended a deadline for the Goosetown Athletic Center and approved a payment to the Historic Resource Board. Meanwhile, county commissioners introduced a utilities ordinance that gets a public hearing July 7.

Urban Renewal Agency Board

The board rescinded the $75,000 award, approved a $5,250 payment to the Historic Resource Board, and accepted the return of $40,750 from that board. The Goosetown Athletic Center project extension runs through Dec. 31, 2026. All votes were 4-0.

Members also approved edits to grant guidelines, two changes to grant agreements, and the February 11 meeting minutes with four edits. A financial report showed a net balance of -$57,370.34.

County Commission

Commissioners voted 5-0 on June 23 to approve a consulting services agreement with John Fitzpatrick and to introduce Ordinance No. 282, which would amend Chapter 20 (Utilities). A public hearing on the ordinance was set for July 7.

A work session earlier that day covered the consulting agreement, the ordinance, and a special event permit for the Goosetown Softball Tournament, but no votes were taken. The tournament permit was discussed at length in the regular meeting but was not voted on.

Tree Board

The Tree Board met June 22 to elect officers and set a meeting schedule. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

July 7 – County Commission: Public hearing on Ordinance No. 282 (utilities amendment). Commissioners are also expected to vote on a $3,500 funding request for CCCS Inc-Discovery House for fiscal year 2026-2027, a memorandum of understanding with MM Blue Sky LLC for realigning Pintlar Peaks Drive, and an amendment to the Goosetown special event permit.

July 9 – Board of Adjustments: Public hearing on Variance 26-004, a request from the Nelson family to create a 0.5-acre lot in a zone with a 10-acre minimum.

July 9 – DUI Task Force: Vote on financial support for the Camp H20 program, plus review of new signage and bumper sticker designs and fiscal-year planning.