Butte meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Library board approves minutes; solar grant heads to council

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Library Board of Trustees approved its May meeting minutes unanimously at its Aug. 19 meeting, the only formal decision among recent local government meetings. The board also discussed a $39,000 solar installation grant from NorthWestern Energy that will now go to the Council of Commissioners for approval and bidding.

Library Board

The board voted unanimously to approve the May minutes. It also directed the librarian to determine whether an earlier greenhouse grant can be used elsewhere or returned. A substitute wage increase is set to begin July 1, 2026. No other formal votes were taken.

Other recent meetings

Several boards met during the past two weeks, but their agendas were published without minutes, so no decisions are confirmed.

• **Council of Commissioners** (Aug. 12 and Aug. 19) considered setting Metro Sewer user rates, purchasing county-owned land, scheduling FY2027 budget hearings, and a legal review of parking contracts. The Aug. 19 agenda included Resolution No. 2026-34 authorizing the sale of tax-deeded real property and agreements with Core Technologies LLC and BNSF Railway.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 12) considered a clinical affiliate agreement with Montana Tech's nursing school, a $100,749 amendment to a state HIV/Hepatitis prevention task order, and a memorandum of understanding with Action Inc. for Head Start.
• **Business Improvement District** (Aug. 12) reviewed a CDBG grant update, streetscape enhancements, the Mayer Building fence project, and a garbage can and festival cleanup review.
• **Parking Commission** (Aug. 18) considered adjusting the 2-hour parking district boundary near the library, affecting four spaces on Broadway Street and five on Idaho Street.
• **Urban Forest Board** (Aug. 18) reviewed finances and discussed Uptown tree planting and Farmers Market Saturdays.
• **Behavioral Health Local Advisory Council** (Aug. 19) discussed recruiting a county commissioner and the Sept. 30 launch of the Angel initiative.
• **Greenway Authority Board** (Aug. 20) discussed the Durant Canyon project and the Craddock easement.
• **Archives Board** (Aug. 10) considered deaccessioning six items, including statues, a 1925 Mountaineer, and a class photo.
• **Study Commission** (Aug. 10) discussed voter education and ballot items.

Coming up

• **Urban Revitalization Board** (Aug. 25) will vote on four matching grant applications for downtown property improvements, with recommended funding from $1,086.91 to $29,303.77. One item seeks to increase a feasibility study grant from $25,000 to $38,200.
• **Business Improvement District** (Aug. 26) will discuss streetscape enhancements, bike racks, a potential food truck park, and fence options for the Mayer Building.
• **Council of Commissioners** (Aug. 26) will consider scheduling public hearings for the FY2027 Final Budget and utility rates, and will review requests to purchase county land at 65 Oro Fino Gulch Road and Mammoth Park.
• **Planning Board** (Aug. 27) will hold a public hearing on a preliminary plat for Quarry Meadows, a 66-lot subdivision on 17.4 acres south of Four Mile View Road, and a zoning ordinance update to repeal and replace Title 17.

Butte to host 2028 State A basketball tournament; Council weighs budget, sewer rates

The Butte Civic Center will host the 2028 MHSA Boys' & Girls' State 'A' Basketball Tournament, the Civic Center Board decided at its Aug. 6 meeting. The board also approved its April minutes unanimously. The tournament award is expected to bring teams and visitors to the city, though no financial details were provided in the minutes.

Decisions

Civic Center Board (Aug. 6) — Approved April minutes as presented (unanimous) and received updates on new business, including the 2028 tournament award. The board also discussed a proposed clear bag policy for MHSA events and noted progress on the Engine 25 project. Blackfoot Communications expressed interest in placing a communication center on the property.

Agenda highlights (pending decisions)

Several boards met this week with items on their agendas but have not yet published minutes. Key items include:

Council of Commissioners (Aug. 5) — Held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget and user rates for Storm Water, Solid Waste, and Lighting/Fire Hydrant Districts. Also on the agenda: a $114,000 audit contract with Newland and Company, a $13,500 demolition award for 2761 Colusa Street, a $27,140 change order for the Zoning Code Update with Orion Planning and Design, and a $6,686.55 annual DocuSign invoice.

Council of Commissioners (Aug. 12) — Scheduled a public hearing to establish Metro Sewer user rates, and considered purchases of county-owned land, including a vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota (Parcel 690200), land bordering 65 Oro Fino Gulch Road, and Mammoth Park (deemed surplus). The council also requested a legal review of parking enforcement contracts with Municipal Parking Services.

Board of Health (Aug. 12) — Considered a clinical affiliate agreement with Montana Tech's Sherry Lesar School of Nursing, a $100,749 amendment to a state HIV/Hepatitis prevention task order, and an MOU with Action Inc. for Head Start. A presentation on a medical monitoring study was also scheduled.

Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 4) — Reviewed demolition requests for 711 Maryland Avenue and 407 North Jackson Street, and a design review for the Knights of Columbus building at 224 West Park Street. Updates on the Basin Creek Park Historic District and the Butte Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program were also on the agenda.

Archives Board (Aug. 10) — Scheduled votes on deaccessioning six items, including statues, instructional material, news clippings, a 1925 Mountaineer, a class photo, and duplicate newspapers.

Other meetings — The Weed Control Board (Aug. 4) met to approve minutes and receive federal/state updates. The Airport Authority Board (Aug. 5) discussed a hangar project and a TSA inspection. The Business Improvement District (Aug. 12) reviewed a CDBG grant update, streetscape enhancements, and the Mayer Building fence project. The Study Commission met Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 to discuss voter education and ballot items.

Coming up

• **Urban Forest Board** — Aug. 18, 2026: Review finances, Uptown tree planting, and Farmers Market Saturdays.
• **Parking Commission** — Aug. 18, 2026: Reconsider adjusting the 2-hour parking district boundary near the library, affecting four Broadway Street spaces and five Idaho Street spaces.
• **Council of Commissioners** — Aug. 19, 2026: Set public hearings for FY2027 budget and utility rates, vote on Resolution No. 2026-34 authorizing sale of tax-deeded property, and act on agreements including Barracuda Licensing renewal and a BNSF Railway pipeline license.
• **Greenway Authority Board** — Aug. 20, 2026: Discuss Durant Canyon project strategy, Craddock easement, and ICMM update comments.
• **Planning Board** — Aug. 27, 2026: Public hearing on Quarry Meadows Major Subdivision (66 lots, 17.4 acres south of Four Mile View Road) and a minor subdivision at 217 Terre Verde Drive. Also, a zoning ordinance update to repeal and replace Title 17.

Butte Civic Center to host 2028 State A basketball tournament; boards weigh grants and budget

The Butte Civic Center Board approved its April minutes unanimously on August 6, and received an update that the 2028 MHSA Boys' & Girls' State 'A' Basketball Tournament will be held at the Butte Civic Center. No other decisions were recorded this week; most boards met to consider agenda items with votes pending.

Civic Center Board

The board approved the April 9 meeting minutes as presented (unanimous). Under new business, it received updates on the 2028 MHSA tournament award, an expression of interest from Blackfoot Communications to place a communication center on the property, a proposed clear bag policy for MHSA events, and progress on the Engine 25 project.

Urban Revitalization Board

Meeting July 28, the board considered four matching grant requests for property improvements. Staff recommended a combined $291,000 in funding, including:

• Up to $150,000 for a fire sprinkler system and fire escape at Curtis Music Hall, 15 W. Park.
• Up to $3,428.44 for siding, fencing, and sidewalk at 739 S. Main.
• Up to $112,576.25 for exterior improvements at 329 W. Mercury (Butte Central Community).
• Up to $24,993.75 for soil-damage mitigation at 9 S. Idaho (Butte Central Catholic Schools).

No votes were taken; the agenda was published without minutes.

Council of Commissioners

On August 5, the council held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget and proposed user rates for the Storm Water System, Solid Waste Disposal, and Lighting and Fire Hydrant Districts. The agenda also included:

• A standard audit contract with Newland and Company for $114,000.
• A demolition award of $13,500 for 2761 Colusa Street.
• A zoning code update change order not to exceed $27,140 with Orion Planning and Design.
• An annual maintenance invoice for DocuSign software totaling $6,686.55.

These items were listed for consideration; no decisions were reported.

Other meetings

• **Fair Board** (July 28): Planned the 2026 BSB County Fair, reviewed sponsorship letters, and discussed bylaws and a 4-H memorandum of understanding.
• **Business Improvement District** (July 29): Reviewed applicants for a BID Coordinator position and discussed technology purchases for the role.
• **Local Government Study Commission** (August 3): Held a procedural meeting with public comment, minutes approval, and updates on voter education and ballot items.
• **Weed Control Board** (August 4): Reviewed July minutes, heard public comments, and received federal and state management updates.
• **Historic Preservation Commission** (August 4): Reviewed demolition requests for 711 Maryland Avenue and 407 North Jackson Street, and a design review for 224 West Park Street (Knights of Columbus).
• **Airport Authority Board** (August 5): Approved minutes and bills, and discussed a hangar project and a TSA inspection.

All of these meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Butte-Silver Bow boards set stage for budget, grants, and fair planning; no decisions yet recorded

Most Butte-Silver Bow public bodies met over the past two weeks on agenda-only items, meaning minutes have not yet been published and no final decisions are confirmed in the available records. The most consequential items on the table — a $291,000 package of matching grants and the Fiscal Year 2027 preliminary budget — were listed for discussion or consideration, not for final action.

Urban Revitalization Board considers $291,000 in grants

On July 28, the Urban Revitalization Board was scheduled to review four matching grant requests for property improvements, with staff recommending a combined $291,000 in funding. The largest item was up to $150,000 for a fire sprinkler system and fire escape at Curtis Music Hall, 15 W. Park. Other requests included up to $3,428.44 for siding, fencing, and sidewalk work at 739 S. Main; up to $112,576.25 for exterior improvements at 329 W. Mercury (Butte Central Community); and up to $24,993.75 for soil-damage mitigation at 9 S. Idaho (Butte Central Catholic Schools). Minutes were not yet published, so the board's actions are not confirmed.

Council of Commissioners reviews FY 2027 budget and land-use items

The Council of Commissioners met July 22 on an agenda-only basis. Items listed included a presentation on the FY 2027 preliminary budget (Communication No. 2026-364), a presentation on Senate Bill 117 for a large-taxpayer reserve account (Communication No. 2026-365), and a request to schedule a public hearing for a sole-source contract with DiJulio Displays for Christmas street decorations (Communication No. 2026-355). Commissioners were also set to consider purchase authorization for a vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota, Parcel 690200 (Communication No. 2026-300), and an ordinance to allow golf carts on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less (Communication No. 2026-207). Proposed public hearings for FY 2027 final budget and user rates for Storm Water, Solid Waste, Lighting, and Fire Hydrant Districts, plus Metro Sewer user rates, were also on the agenda.

Zoning Board takes up setback variance

The Zoning Board of Adjustment held a special meeting July 23 to continue discussion on Variance #VAR-26-0013, a request to reduce a required side yard setback from 15 feet to 0 feet for a corner lot in the C-2 Community Commercial zone, located north of 1315 S Montana St. No decision is confirmed in the available record.

Fair Board plans 2026 county fair

The Butte-Silver Bow County Fair Board met July 28 to coordinate the 2026 county fair, including dates, venue, events, and volunteers. The board also reviewed 2026 sponsorship and donation cover letters, discussed creation of board bylaws, core values, and a mission statement, and considered a Memorandum of Understanding with 4-H. A treasurer's report on account balances, invoices, and budget was also listed.

Other boards: parking, trees, and BID hiring

The Parking Commission's July 21 agenda listed only routine reports, with no new business, contracts, or ordinance items scheduled. The Urban Forest Board, also meeting July 21, discussed the DNRC Tree Planting Grant, an Arbor Day celebration held June 5, uptown tree planting, tree planting on Rowe Road on June 12, and Farmers Market Saturdays on Park Street. The Uptown Butte Business Improvement District Board met July 29 to review applicants for a BID Coordinator position, schedule interviews, and discuss technology purchases including a laptop and phone for the coordinator.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m.** — Butte-Silver Bow Local Government Study Commission, Council Chambers. Public comment, approval of June 29 minutes, voter education discussion, and ballot item updates.
• **Aug. 4** — Historic Preservation Commission reviews demolition requests for 711 Maryland Avenue and 407 North Jackson Street, plus a design review for 224 West Park Street (Knights of Columbus).
• **Aug. 4, 7:00 p.m.** — Weed Control Board, 600 Gilman Ave. Approval of July 7 minutes, federal and state management updates, and progress reports.
• **Aug. 5** — Council of Commissioners holds a public hearing on the FY 2027 Final Budget and user rates. Also listed: a $114,000 standard audit contract with Newland and Company, a $13,500 demolition award for 2761 Colusa Street, a zoning code update change order not to exceed $27,140 with Orion Planning and Design, and a $6,686.55 annual DocuSign maintenance invoice.
• **Aug. 5** — Airport Authority Board discusses a hangar project and a TSA inspection.

Butte-Silver Bow meetings: Fire jurisdiction vote, property sales, and health funding on July agendas

Butte-Silver Bow's boards and commissions covered a wide range of business in the week of July 7–16, from fire department boundaries and property sales to public health funding and park rehabilitation. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes of scheduled votes cannot be confirmed from the available agendas.

Council of Commissioners — July 8 and July 15

The Council of Commissioners had two meetings on the calendar. The July 8 agenda included public comment and discussion on nuisance dog barking (Communication 2026-278), a request to purchase a vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota (Communication 2026-300), and a public hearing request for a sole-source Christmas decorations contract (Communication 2026-355).

The July 15 meeting was scheduled for final readings of Ordinance No. 2026-02, which would amend Fire Department jurisdictional area designations in the municipal code (Sections 2.16.020(B) and (C)), and Resolution No. 2026-33, authorizing the sale of parcels in Lots 13–18, Block 16, Home Addition, for community development. The resolution references $59,681.05 from a trustee sale.

The council was also set to schedule public hearings for August 5 and August 23 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and establish user rates for storm water, solid waste, lighting and fire hydrants, and Metro Sewer services. Other items included authorization to proceed with bidding on the Roosevelt Drive Safety and Realignment Project and a permit for the An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival to use the Original Mine Yard August 10–17, 2026.

Board of Health — July 8

The Board of Health agenda listed six funding authorizations totaling more than $900,000 across public health programs:

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness task order: $75,385.00
• Cancer Control, Asthma, Tobacco, and Arthritis programs: $405,204.50
• WIC nutrition education and breastfeeding support amendment: $171,118.00
• Bridgercare Title X project services agreement: $126,221.71
• HIV/Hepatitis prevention and treatment outreach amendment: $100,749.00
• Immunization services task order: $25,573.00

The July 15 council agenda separately referenced Montana DPHHS grants of $25,527.54 and $25,573 for vaccine-preventable disease programs.

Land Sales Committee — July 14

The committee was scheduled to discuss Communication #2026-339, a treasurer's request for a resolution approving a tax deed public auction for certain county-owned parcels, and Communication #2026-300, Paul Vannoy's request to purchase the vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota (parcel 690200) for infill development.

Parks & Recreation Board — July 13

The board agenda included a presentation on the Basin Creek Park Rehabilitation Project and discussion of a potential sale of surplus park property at Mammoth Park to Roxzan Spolar. Updates on Highland View Golf Course and Ridge Waters Water Park were also listed.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 7

This agenda featured a public hearing on EPA Brownfields abatement at Basin Creek Park and rehabilitation design discussion with Great West Engineering. Certificates of Appropriateness were listed for review at 739 South Main Street, Covellite Theatre (215 W. Broadway, awning), 121 East Broadway (Old Salvation Army), and 329 Mercury Street (St. Patrick's Church).

Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 16

The board was set to consider three variance requests and a Special Use Permit for a short-term rental at 834 W Granite St (COND-26-0016). Variances included a request to reduce a side yard setback from 15 feet to 0 feet north of 1315 S Montana St (VAR-26-0013), relief from multiple setback and lot requirements in an R-3 zone (VAR-26-0016), and a side yard setback reduction from 15 feet to 3 feet at Perry Lode Minor Sub Lot 1 (VAR-26-0017).

Other meetings

The Fair Board reviewed the 2026 BSB County Fair Plan and discussed creating bylaws and a Memorandum of Understanding with 4-H. The Archives Board reviewed proposed deaccessions of JFK ephemera, Greeley Elementary history, and train closure articles. The Transportation Coordinating Committee reviewed bus contracts, inspections, and driver certificates, plus discussion of Senate Bill 245 on human trafficking awareness training for bus drivers. The Behavioral Health Local Advisory Council discussed recruiting a county commissioner to join the council. The BID Board reviewed Administrative Assistant applications and the Toole Design Group streetscape contract.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Parking Commission:** Routine reports only; no decisions scheduled.
• **July 22 — Council of Commissioners:** FY2027 preliminary budget presentation, Senate Bill 117 large-taxpayer reserve account discussion, sole-source Christmas decorations hearing request, and golf cart ordinance request for streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
• **July 23 — Zoning Board of Adjustment (special):** Continued discussion on variance VAR-26-0013, the side yard setback reduction request near 1315 S Montana St.

Butte-Silver Bow Study Commission finalizes ballot questions; Council set for fire jurisdiction, property sale votes

The Butte-Silver Bow Local Government Study Commission finalized ballot language for five government-reform questions at its July 1 meeting, including an 8-1 vote to add a volunteer fire coordinator to the unified fire services option. Meanwhile, the Council of Commissioners is scheduled for final votes July 15 on a fire department jurisdictional boundary change and a property sale for community development.

Study Commission ballot questions finalized

The Study Commission approved revised ballot language across multiple questions at its July 1 meeting, according to official minutes. The unified fire services option was amended to add a volunteer fire coordinator appointed by volunteers, passing 8-1. The commission unanimously approved ballot language for the executive structure (specifying an at-large mayor and "form of government"), legislative structure (removing "part-time" from the current option), neighborhood councils (with corrections), and reclamation department changes. A contingency plan for a two-option fire question — reaffirmed by a prior 6-3 vote — remains in place if the three-option version is not allowed.

A separate June 29 Study Commission meeting was scheduled to consider final report approval, but minutes have not yet been published. That agenda listed final report approval under unfinished business, approval of minutes from June 15 and June 22, and a next meeting scheduled for August 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Council of Commissioners: fire jurisdiction, property sale pending

The Council of Commissioners has multiple items pending final action. Ordinance No. 2026-02 would amend the fire department's jurisdictional area designations in the municipal code (Chapter 2.16). Resolution No. 2026-33 would authorize the sale of a parcel in Block 16, Home Addition, for community development, with $59,681.05 from a trustee sale referenced in the July 8 agenda. Both are scheduled for final reading July 15.

The July 1 and July 8 council agendas — minutes not yet published — also listed approvals of memorandums of understanding with the Butte Police Protective Association, Operating Engineers Local 400, and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 381; authorization to apply for a $7,000 TBID grant for Parks marketing; and approval of a $39,000 grant for library solar panels. A public hearing on a sole-source contract for Christmas decorations is set for July 15.

The July 15 council agenda also schedules public hearings for August 5 and August 23 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and set user rates for storm water, solid waste, lighting and fire hydrants, and Metro Sewer services. A construction approval letter for the Roosevelt Drive Safety and Realignment Project is requested with the Federal Highway Administration.

Airport Authority Board approves routine items

The Airport Authority Board unanimously approved its April 1 minutes, bills as presented, and March 31 financial statements at its July 1 meeting, per official minutes. The meeting focused on progress updates for AIP projects and the hangar project, with no substantive policy decisions.

Fair Board discusses July 31–August 1 county fair

The Fair Board met June 30 and received a 4-H update noting a cashier's check was sent to Batey's Event Rentals for tent rentals. The board confirmed 2026 county fair dates of July 31–August 1 at the Civic Center. No formal motions, votes, or approvals were made. By-laws and a 4-H MOU have not yet been drafted. A karaoke company proposal will be discussed at the July 23 meeting.

Board of Health reviews public health funding

The Board of Health's July 8 agenda — minutes not yet published — listed multiple funding authorizations: $75,385.00 for public health emergency preparedness, $405,204.50 for cancer control, asthma, tobacco, and arthritis programs, $171,118.00 for WIC nutrition education and breastfeeding support, $126,221.71 for a Bridgercare Title X project services agreement, $100,749.00 for HIV/Hepatitis prevention and treatment outreach, and $25,573.00 for immunization services.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Archives Board:** Reviews proposed deaccessions including JFK ephemera and Greeley Elementary history, plus a director's report on website redesign and history hikes.
• **July 13 — Parks & Recreation Board:** Presentation on the Basin Creek Park Rehabilitation Project and discussion of a potential sale of surplus park property (Mammoth Park) to Roxzan Spolar.
• **July 14 — Land Sales Committee:** Considers a tax deed public auction for county-owned parcels and a request from Paul Vannoy to purchase a vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota for infill.
• **July 15 — Council of Commissioners:** Final votes on fire department jurisdictional boundaries and the Home Addition Block 16 property sale; public hearings scheduled for August budget adoption and utility rate-setting.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Adjustment:** Reviews three setback variance requests and a Special Use Permit application for a short-term rental at 834 W Granite St.

Study Commission finalizes ballot questions; Council weighs fire jurisdiction, property sales, and FY2027 budget

The Butte-Silver Bow Local Government Study Commission finalized several ballot questions on July 1, including an amended unified fire services option that passed 8-1 to add a volunteer fire coordinator appointed by volunteers. The commission also unanimously approved ballot language for executive structure, legislative structure, neighborhood councils, and a reclamation department question. A contingency plan for a two-option fire question was reaffirmed under a prior 6-3 vote if the three-option version is not allowed.

Most other meetings in the past two weeks were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Airport Authority Board

The board unanimously approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes, bills as presented, and March 31 financial statements. The meeting focused on progress updates for AIP projects and the hangar project. No substantive policy decisions were made.

Council of Commissioners

The Council had multiple agenda-only meetings. On June 24, items included a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-02 amending the fire department's jurisdictional boundaries, proposed amendments to nuisance dog barking and tiered chicken-keeping ordinances, a request to purchase the vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota (Parcel 690200), a presentation on the FY 2027 County-Wide Maintenance District Workplan, and committee discussion of personnel policy amendments and an $859,331.63 FY 2026 expenditure report.

On June 29, Finance Director Karen Hassler was scheduled to present the preliminary FY2026-2027 budget, with a vote to refer it to the Finance & Budget Committee.

On July 1, the Council agenda included Ordinance No. 2026-02, Resolution No. 2026-33 authorizing sale of real property for community development (Home Addition block 16), approvals of MOUs with the Butte Police Protective Association, Operating Engineers Local 400, and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 381, authorization to apply for a $7,000 TBID grant for Parks marketing, approval of a $39,000 grant for library solar panels, and authorization for a Tax Deed public auction with cash-only payments.

Urban Revitalization Board

The board reviewed over $200,000 in matching grant requests for building repairs. Items included up to $21,375 for 742 Maryland (roof, siding, deck), up to $43,568 for 215 W. Broadway (stained glass and masonry), a grant amendment increasing funding to $28,914.50 for 440 N. Main (St. Mary's Church), and up to $95,640 for 341 Anaconda Rd for a fire sprinkler system. A loan underwriting agreement with the BLDC was also on the agenda. Outcomes are not yet published.

Fair Board

The Butte-Silver Bow County Fair Board met June 23 and June 30 to review the 2026 County Fair plan, including dates, venue, events, sponsorships, and volunteers. The board also discussed creating bylaws and a memorandum of understanding with 4-H. Minutes are not yet published.

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The LEPC's June 24 agenda included one hazmat incident reported since the last meeting, a Bert Mooney Airport tabletop exercise scheduled for August, a fire station alerting system update, public health and St. James Hospital updates, and the MEMA annual conference in Miles City September 22-24. No emergency alerts were issued since the prior meeting.

Other Boards

The Butte-Silver Bow Local Government Study Commission met June 22 and June 29 to discuss and consider approval of its final report. The June 29 agenda listed a vote on final report approval, with the next meeting scheduled for August 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The BID Board on July 1 discussed hiring an administrative assistant, website updates, streetscape projects, and community feedback. Minutes are not yet published for these meetings.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Public hearing on EPA Brownfields abatement at Basin Creek Park, plus design review COAs for 739 South Main Street, Covellite Theatre (215 W. Broadway), 121 East Broadway, and 329 Mercury Street (St. Patrick's Church).
• **July 7 — Weed Control Board:** Federal and state management updates and a progress report on weed control.
• **July 8 — Council of Commissioners:** Public comment on nuisance dog barking, the 640 S. Dakota lot purchase, a sole-source Christmas decorations contract hearing, Ordinance 2026-02, and Resolution 2026-33 with $59,681.05 from a trustee sale.
• **July 8 — Board of Health:** Multiple funding authorizations totaling over $900,000, including $405,204.50 for cancer, asthma, tobacco, and arthritis programs and $171,118.00 for WIC nutrition support.
• **July 14 — Land Sales Committee:** Tax deed auction authorization and Paul Vannoy's request to purchase the vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota for infill.

Study Commission Amends Fire Services Ballot Question, Other Boards Eye Grants and Budget

The Butte-Silver Bow Local Government Study Commission approved revised ballot language for the fire services question on July 1, adding a volunteer fire coordinator appointed by volunteers. The amendment passed 8-1 as part of a broader set of unanimous votes finalizing ballot questions for executive and legislative structure, neighborhood councils, and the reclamation department.

The commission also reaffirmed a contingency plan for a two-option fire question if the current three-option version is rejected by election officials, relying on a prior 6-3 vote. Those decisions, drawn from official minutes, cap months of study on potential changes to the city-county government.

Meanwhile, the Urban Revitalization Board weighed more than $200,000 in matching grant requests, the Council of Commissioners began its budget review, and several boards set the stage for mid-July actions on historic properties, public health funding, and land sales.

Study Commission Finalizes Ballot Language

Meeting on July 1, the commission marked up the unified fire services ballot option to include a volunteer coordinator role. The commission then unanimously approved ballot language specifying an at-large mayor and the phrase “form of government” for the executive question, and removed the word “part-time” from the current legislative option. Corrections to the neighborhood councils and reclamation department questions also passed without dissent. No action was taken on the commission’s final report or preliminary report revisions, which remain under discussion.

Budget and Revitalization Grants

The Council of Commissioners held a preliminary budget presentation on June 29, with Finance Director Karen Hassler outlining the FY2026-2027 proposal. The council voted to refer the budget to the Finance & Budget Committee for detailed review. No dollar figures from the proposed budget were immediately released.

On June 23, the Urban Revitalization Board considered several matching grant requests: up to $21,375 for exterior work at 742 Maryland; up to $43,568 for stained glass and masonry at 215 W. Broadway; an increase to $28,914.50 for St. Mary’s Church at 440 N. Main; and up to $95,640 for a fire sprinkler system at 341 Anaconda Rd. The board also reviewed a loan underwriting agreement with the Butte Local Development Corp. Official minutes were not yet published.

Public Safety, Property, and Animal Ordinances

The Council of Commissioners met June 24 with a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-02, which would amend the designated jurisdictional area of the fire department. The same agenda included proposed updates to nuisance dog barking and tiered chicken-keeping ordinances, a request to purchase a vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota, and committee reviews of personnel policy amendments and $859,331.63 in expenditures.

On July 1, the council again considered the fire department jurisdictional ordinance, as well as a resolution authorizing sale of real property for community development (Home Addition block 16). The consent agenda that day included labor agreements with police, operating engineers, and transit workers; a $39,000 grant for library solar panels; and a request to apply for a $7,000 TBID grant for parks marketing.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee on June 24 heard a Red Cross presentation, reviewed one hazmat incident, and discussed an upcoming tabletop exercise at Bert Mooney Airport in August. The Business Improvement District board on July 1 reviewed financials, discussed hiring an administrative assistant, and prioritized streetscape projects.

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority Board approved minutes, bills, and financial statements unanimously on July 1, with no new policy decisions. The meeting focused on progress updates for AIP and hangar projects.

Coming Up

• **Historic Preservation Commission** (July 7): Public hearing on EPA brownfields abatement at Basin Creek Park and design reviews for several historic properties, including the Covellite Theatre and St. Patrick’s Church.
• **Council of Commissioners** (July 8): Further action on the fire department jurisdictional area ordinance, the proposed purchase of 640 S. Dakota, a tax deed auction resolution, and committee reports on economic development and finance.
• **Board of Health** (July 8): Task orders and agreements totaling more than $900,000 for emergency preparedness, cancer control, WIC nutrition, HIV/hepatitis prevention, immunizations, and other public health services.
• **Land Sales Committee** (July 14): Discussion on authorizing a tax deed auction for county-owned parcels and a request from Paul Vannoy to purchase the vacant lot at 640 S. Dakota for infill.