The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Billings County, North Dakota

Billings County public meetings in 2025

31 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 30, 2025

Billings County Commission

Commission to nominate 2026 leadership and approve year-end budget items

The Billings County Commission will nominate a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2026 and approve end-of-year expenditures and required budget amendments. The meeting is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

budgetleadershiproad-bridgehiringcounty-commission
Wed Dec 17, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved a $237,033 amendment to the FY 2025 budget

The board unanimously approved the November 2025 minutes. It adopted a $237,033 amendment to the current fiscal year budget. The board also approved the financial statement and bill payments, set the regular 2026 meeting schedule, and scheduled the 2026 board election meeting.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

Billings County Commission

Billings County Commission to review 2023 audit and 2026 election planning

The Commission will review the Eide Bailly 2023 audit report and discuss the State's Attorney position hiring. The body will also address zoning permits, road engineering reports, and election precinct designations for 2026.

auditelectionsroadszoningappointments
✓ Decided: Board approved $12,000/month State’s Attorney contract and several permits

The Billings County Commission unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes and agenda, a series of resolutions including an Asphalt Surface Tech project, a $12,000 Glade School lease, and 2026 beer and liquor licenses. The commission also approved a communications tower CUP, abatements for five parcels, and one ARW and one pipeline permit. In the special meeting, the board contracted Jared Gietzen and Olivia Krebs for State’s Attorney services at $12,000 per month and confirmed leadership appointments for 2026.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a 305‑ft communications tower at 1488 Hwy 85 SW

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will recommend approval or denial of a Conditional Use Permit for Curt Walter’s Allo Towers project, a 305‑foot guyed wire communications tower on a 40‑acre industrial‑zoned parcel at 1488 Hwy 85 SW. The board will also review other zoning applications within the Medora Area Plan boundary. Additional discussion will focus on proposed amendments to the county zoning ordinance concerning housing and energy topics such as data centers, battery storage, and energy conversion facilities. Standing items include TRMF project updates and addressing any pending zoning violations.

zoninghousingenergycommunicationsplanning
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved October minutes and financial statements, then adjourned

The board approved the October 2025 minutes as read, with all members in favor. A motion to approve the financial statement and pay bills was also unanimously approved. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

Billings County Commission

Commission discusses 2026 State Attorney position and zoning matters

The Billings County Commission will discuss the State Attorney position for 2026. It will consider zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits and appoint a zoning board member. The commission will also receive road superintendent and engineering reports and handle revenue and expenditure vouchers.

attorneyzoningroadsbudgetpublic-commentappointments
✓ Decided: Commission approved purchase of six trucks for county road operations

The commission approved a $64,000 hoist lift purchase, authorized six new trucks and a $193,367 Gooseneck equipment purchase, and adopted mobile‑home tax abatements and a holiday schedule. It also appointed a hiring committee for the State’s Attorney position and set license fees.

Thu Oct 16, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Board to consider a short‑term rental permit and housing ordinance changes

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Oct 16, 2025 to recommend approval or denial of a conditional use permit for a 6‑bedroom short‑term rental on an 18.7‑acre parcel at 13603 38th St SW, which is zoned commercial. The board will also discuss recommendations to amend the county zoning ordinance on housing‑related topics. Additional agenda items include TRMF project updates, review of zoning applications within the Medora Area Plan boundary, and consideration of potential zoning violations.

zoninghousingshort-term-rentalsmedora-area-plantrmfviolations
Wed Oct 15, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved increased credit‑card limits for two fire officers

The board approved the September 2025 minutes, adding Garett Kessel as an attendee. They authorized the purchase of new gear for member Evan and additional wildland fire jackets. The board also approved covering about $1,600 in meals and lodging for a Hall of Fame ceremony, increased credit‑card limits for Kyle Shockley to $5,000 and Cody Armbrust to $2,000, and ratified the financial statement and bill payments. The meeting was then adjourned.

Fri Oct 10, 2025

Billings County Commission

Commission to discuss road reports and Buffalo Gap Road proposal

The Billings County Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss road designations and coordination with Golden Valley County. The body will also review correspondence regarding 2026 costs for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.

roadsinfrastructureintergovernmental-relationstransportation
Tue Oct 7, 2025

Billings County Commission

Commission to discuss budget and road projects

The Billings County Commission will hold a 2026 budget hearing and discuss future road projects, including Knutson Creek Road and West River Road. The meeting also includes a tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

budgetroadszoningpublic-workscounty-commission
✓ Decided: Commission transfers $12M from Capital Improvement Fund to Land Utilization Fund

The commission approved a $12,000,000 transfer from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Land Utilization Fund. It also approved the 2026 Final Budget and removed $500,000 for the airport from that budget. Additional actions included equipment purchases, a rezoning, and agreements related to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Chateau Road.

Thu Sep 18, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Consider rezoning a 10.99‑acre tract from Agriculture to Residential in SE1/4 34‑141‑99

The board will review an application from the Louisette Zeller, Kathleen Safratowich Living Trust to create a minor subdivision in the SE1/4 of section 34‑141‑99, including a request to rezone a 10.99‑acre rural residential tract from Agriculture to Residential. It will also consider any other zoning applications within the Medora Area Plan boundary before final approval by the zoning director. The meeting includes discussion of proposed amendments to the county zoning ordinance on housing topics, updates on the TRMF project, and a review of potential zoning violations. A vacancy for an at‑large board member will be announced, with appointments to be made on October 7, 2025.

zoningsubdivisionrezoninghousingboard-vacancyprojects
✓ Decided: Board rezoned 10.99‑acre tract from agriculture to residential

The Planning & Zoning Board approved its agenda and the minutes from the August 21 meeting. It approved application 2025‑25, rezoning the 10.99‑acre parcel from Agriculture to Residential. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Sep 17, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved the district’s financial statement and authorized bill payments.

The board approved the corrected August 2025 minutes. It also approved sending the existing Medora Tender to Fryburg Station after the new tender is in service. Finally, the board approved the financial statement and authorized payment of outstanding bills. The meeting was then adjourned.

Thu Sep 4, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Commission unanimously approved hiring a temporary special deputy with cost‑sharing

The board approved retaining Patrick Rummel as a temporary special deputy at $50 per hour, with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library reimbursing $25 per hour. It also approved several permits, a fence installation, EMS legal counsel meeting, random drug testing for EMS staff, and appointed Fire Chief Kyle Shockley as a delegate to the ND Association of Counties conference. A motion to hire outside counsel for road easement negotiations failed for lack of a second. The proclamation recognizing Ukraine’s Independence Day was adopted.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Board to consider Burning Hills Amphitheater rebuild and short-term rental permit

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will review two applications for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. The meeting includes a proposal for stage structures in Medora and a conditional use permit for a rental property.

zoningshort-term-rentalmedoraland-use
✓ Decided: Board approved two development applications, including a short‑term rental permit

The board approved the Burning Hills Amphitheater stage reconstruction application with conditions. It also approved a conditional use permit for a short‑term rental on 14981 Dutchmans Rd SW with health and safety conditions. The board recognized Connie Kasian’s resignation from the zoning board. A cabin under construction without a permit will be investigated.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved one-year renewal of supplemental insurance with Provident

The board voted to renew the supplemental insurance plan with Provident for one year, pending answers to questions about volunteer coverage and claim handling. The corrected August 2025 minutes were approved. The financial statement was approved and bills will be paid. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Board approves $2 M school district funding and adopts 2026 budget

The commission approved $2,000,000 from Bank Head Jones funds for the Billings County School District and adopted the 2026 preliminary budget. It also approved a $42,000 emergency‑fund payment to the Rural Fire Protection District for a grass unit, a $462,675 Fisher Sand & Gravel contract, a Clyde gravel lease, and a $115,523 Freightliner purchase plus a $96,923 crane and installation. All motions passed with unanimous aye votes.

Wed Jul 16, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board set September 17 budget hearing and approved June minutes

The board approved the corrected June 2025 minutes and the updated pledge report from 1st State Bank. It scheduled the BCRFPD budget hearing for September 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM and approved the financial statement, authorizing payment of outstanding bills. The meeting was then adjourned.

Thu Jul 3, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: County expands public safety retirement plan to all eligible dispatch and EMS staff

The commission unanimously approved several items, including the minutes from June meetings, an agenda addition for the NDPERS Public Safety participation agreement, and the expansion of the NDPERS Public Safety Defined Benefit Retirement Plan to all eligible dispatch and EMS employees effective August 1, 2025. It also approved the 2026 Southwest District Health Unit mill levy, upheld a conditional use permit for a short‑term rental, adopted a new public‑comment policy (Resolution 2025‑17), and authorized an emergency access road for the U.S. Forest Service. The request for BankHead Jones funding for a school expansion was tabled for further review. All votes were recorded as “All voted aye.”

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved conditional use permit for short‑term rental at 3516 East River Rd

The Planning & Zoning Board approved its agenda and the May 29, 2025 minutes unanimously. It then approved application 2025‑18, granting a conditional use permit for a two‑bedroom short‑term rental on 3516 East River Rd with health, safety and septic‑system monitoring conditions. The board also approved, administratively, a permit for a golf‑cart storage shed at Bully Pulpit Golf Course. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved purchase of $150,000 rescue truck and related equipment

The board approved the May 2025 minutes and adopted the 2026 preliminary fire department budget. It authorized the purchase of a 2011 International rescue truck for $150,000, an air‑cascade system for $21,000, and the conversion of an existing chassis into a 450‑500‑gallon wildland unit for $40,000. Earlier approvals included buying a demo Hurst tool set for $28,777 and a used 2" ram tool for $8,600. The board also approved the financial statement and adjourned the meeting.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Board approved a 2.5% cost‑of‑living salary increase for 2026

The commission approved a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employee salaries in 2026. It also authorized a $2,500 reward for arrests and convictions related to vandalism. Several zoning and development items were approved, including short‑term rental permits and a Medora Foundation hotel project. Seasonal EMT hires and an e‑bike purchase with grant funds were also approved.

Thu May 29, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved signage amendment moving sign control to Medora city code

The Planning & Zoning Board approved several conditional use permits for short‑term rentals, a cabin construction project, and a major subdivision and hotel development, each with specific conditions. The board also adopted amendments to the county signage ordinance, delegating sign regulation within the Medora extraterritorial zone to the City of Medora Zoning Code. All motions passed unanimously.

Wed May 21, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved purchase of larger ice machine for Fryburg Station

The board voted to purchase a larger ice machine for Fryburg Station, using district funds for the additional cost. It also approved the April 2025 minutes and the financial statement with payment of bills. The proposed purchase of new hydraulic tools was tabled pending cost and warranty information.

Thu May 1, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Board declared fire emergency and adopted burn restrictions

The commission removed the total burn ban and adopted Burn Restriction Resolution 2025‑16, declaring a fire emergency. Commissioners authorized Steven Klym to negotiate a land purchase, approved two ARW construction projects, and upheld two zoning applications with conditions. They also approved multiple payment claims, revenue vouchers and April payroll.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved a short‑term rental permit with conditions and a storage shed project

The Planning & Zoning Board approved the March 20 minutes and the meeting agenda. It tabled the Medora Foundation cabin application and approved a conditional use permit for a short‑term rental with two conditions. The board also approved a storage‑shed application, amended the Boots campground zoning to Recreational, and required dark‑sky lighting. The meeting was adjourned at 2:46 PM.

Wed Apr 16, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board approved $2,500 for a new ice machine at Fryburg station

The board approved a $2,500 allocation from the operating budget to purchase a new ice‑making machine for Fryburg station. It also approved a $1,200 purchase of a plaque honoring Scott Hutzenbiler, a $50 contribution to the North Dakota Firefighters Museum, and the quarterly pledge report from 1st State Bank. The financial statement was approved and all items passed unanimously.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved settlement with Short family over Little Missouri River crossing

The board approved a settlement agreement with the Short family (2 aye, 1 nay, motion carries). It also approved a Chateau Road easement, multiple zoning applications, ARW permits, a gravel and scoria price sheet, community blessing boxes, and changed the May meeting date to May 1. Several items such as the road‑closure easement and retirement discussion were tabled.

Thu Apr 3, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved Short family settlement and multiple zoning and road actions

The board approved the settlement agreement with the Short family, a Chateau Road easement, and several zoning applications. It also adopted new gravel and scoria pricing, authorized community blessing boxes, and moved the May meeting to May 1. Discussions on a private road easement and retirement policy were tabled for later.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

Billings County Commission

✓ Decided: Board approved settlement with Short family (2-1 vote)

The commission approved a settlement agreement with the Short family (2‑1). It also approved a Chateau Road easement and several zoning applications for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, all unanimously. Gravel and scoria pricing for county road work was adopted, and the May meeting was moved to May 1. All actions were recorded as approved by the board.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved multiple development applications with conditions

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Board approved the minutes and agenda for the March 20 meeting. It then approved four development applications—an event barn, a 10‑unit motel, a lodging cabin, and a temporary construction staging permit—each with specific conditions. The board also amended one condition of the temporary permit to include the contractor. The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM.

Wed Mar 19, 2025

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

✓ Decided: Board elects new President, Vice President and Secretary

The board approved the corrected February minutes and then held officer elections, naming Jon Klym as President, Brian Buckman as Vice President, and reappointing Corey Simnioniw as Secretary. A motion changed the board signer list to include Jon Klym, Brian Buckman, Corey Simnioniw and Kasey Malkowski. The financial statement was approved and bills authorized for payment, and the meeting was adjourned.