BELLE FOURCHE—The Butte County Commissioners held their first meeting of the month at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7. Pastor Tom Smith led in a moment of prayer. Judge Day then swore in appointed Commissioner for Butte County District #5, Jason Kari. Committee appointments were discussed; Frank Walton committees will be assigned to Jason Kari.
Public comments included Dale Simanton, Robert VanSickle, and Stacy Moke speaking on contracting some highway tasks; request for commissioners to look for ways to save money coming from taxpayers (lunch at LEPC); and maintenance of Sourdough Road. Additional discussion was held regarding Sourdough Road and other roads.
Beginning at 10 a.m., a public hearing was held for the 2026-2030 Five-Year County Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan. Daniel Chichoz of Brosz Engineering presented the Plan. Discussion included Gaver Bridge bid award, replacing bridges with culverts when feasible, saving risers for the museum, miles of gravel (approximate cost is $10,000 per mile), point system for BIG grants, Lewis Road, and adding Gammon Road bridge back in plan. The Plan was approved unanimously.
Dispatch Supervisor Katy Thompson provided an activity report, which included the number of calls and current and future staffing requirements.
VSO Jasen Saivong provided an activity report including the number of new calls in September, disability compensations, benefit applications, death benefits, dismissals, and DAV transports. Saivong provided information on VA-related issues with the government shutdown such as delays, no headstone placement, pre-planning for burial, and no outreach to some partners. The Mitigation Plan needs some updates requested by FEMA.
Highway Superintendent Dwayne Heidrich provided an activity report, including hauling gravel, blading, mowing, and repairing signs. Heidrich asked for approval to have a cost estimate to crush gravel so it can be determined how much can be crushed and get on schedule.
Discussion was held regarding Sourdough Road condition, signs, and Viken Road. Baseline magging will be done in 2026.
The meeting went into Executive Session at 11:33 a.m. and reconvened at 12:31 p.m. There was no action as a result of the Executive Session.
States Attorney Barnaud gave an activity report, including new cases, types of cases, the number of residents in jail (12), and staffing changes.
Auditor Capp provided an activity report, including building activities and options for commissioners tablets. Discussion was held regarding the Building Maintenance position. Discussion was held on commissioner preference for tablets or laptops, shared drive storage, and cybersecurity.
Benefits Administrator Heather Abraham and Adam Woxland from Principal presented Life Insurance options. Commissioners unanimously voted to accept the proposal from Principal Insurance. Benefits Administrator Heather Abraham presented information on Health Insurance. Some more information will follow regarding a self-funded health insurance plan. High-deductible plans are not a viable option. Creditable insurance is required due to recent Federal legislation, which affects 9 people on the county plan. Additional discussion was held regarding the amount the county covers for spouse and family insurance. Delta Dental will move to 100% pay for preventative care.
Committee Reports were given. Erk with the Fair Board reported they are working on a quote to replace the wood siding with tin siding on four buildings. The National Guard will be asked to join for coats of valor. Batterman with EDC reported no significant changes. Building updates are done and full of tenants. Ager reported on the Ambulance.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m. The next Butte County Commissioners meeting will be held October 21 at 9:30 a.m.
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