Sanders County, Montana

Board of Commissioners

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

Refuse District

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

Weed Board

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

Board of Commissioners

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

Local Emergency Planning Committee

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

Board of Commissioners

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

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Board of Health

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)

Board of Commissioners

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

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.

Sanders County Park Board

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

Board of Commissioners

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)

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)

Board of Commissioners

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.)

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)

Weed Board

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

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

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

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)

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Sanders County Park Board

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

Board of Commissioners

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

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

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force Board

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

Board of Commissioners

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

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)

Refuse District

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

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)

Weed Board

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

Board of Commissioners

The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will hold a series of administrative and training meetings from April 13 to April 17. The schedule includes land use training, refuse district meetings, and administrative business such as minutes and tax refunds.

• Land Use Training with MACo
• Sanders County Refuse District Meeting
• Property Tax Refund Request – John Trochmann
• Magnesium Chloride and Road Oil Bid Opening
• County Journal Voucher and Budget Review

The commissioners approved the meeting minutes for late March and early April. They authorized a $188.35 property‑tax refund for John Trochmann and approved the transfer of two $500,000 certificates of deposit to Valley Bank. The board also awarded the magnesium‑chloride road‑treatment bid to We Dust Control and De‑icing Inc.

• Approved meeting minutes for 03/31/26, 04/01/26, 04/02/26, 04/07/26, & 04/09/26 (motion carried)
• Approved property‑tax refund of $188.35 to John Trochmann (motion carried)
• Approved transfer of two $500,000 CDs to Valley Bank for a 7‑month term (motion carried)
• Awarded magnesium‑chloride bid to We Dust Control and De‑icing Inc. (motion carried)
• Noted no bids received for road‑oil contract (no action taken)

Board of Health

The Board will consider approving the minutes from its January 14, 2026 meeting. It will also receive updates on the Paradise Parcel project from Tina Scott and on the Vial of Life program. No other action items are listed.

• Approval of January 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Paradise Parcel update with Tina Scott
• Vial of Life update

The Sanders County Board of Health met on April 8, 2026. The board approved the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting after Bina Eggensperger moved and Catherine Dewitt seconded the motion; the motion carried with all votes in favor. The board also received an update on a Paradise property violation and noted ongoing work on Vials of Life kits, but no further actions were decided.

• Accepted Jan 8, 2026 Board of Health meeting minutes (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will open bids for flood repairs and hold an update meeting with the United States Forest Service. The board is also reviewing several contracts and a resolution to cancel warrants in the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

• Sanders County Flood Repairs bid opening
• Contract with RTKS Limited
• SWCA Change Order
• Aquatic Invasive Plant Task Force Contract
• Resolution 2026-07 regarding cancelation of warrants in the Clerk and Recorder's Office

The commissioners awarded the Sanders County Flood Repairs contract to Travers Excavator Service for $48,980. They approved several contracts and change orders, including an environmental health contract with RTKS Limited, a $14,822 SWCA change order, an Aquatic Invasive Plants task force contract, and a resolution canceling warrants. The board also approved the transfer of a $1 million certificate of deposit to Valley Bank, adopted a building-use policy for political activity, and approved updates to the Park Board bylaws.

• Awarded $48,980 flood repair contract to Travers Excavator Service (unanimous)
• Approved RTKS Limited environmental health contract (unanimous)
• Approved $14,822 SWCA change order (unanimous)
• Approved Aquatic Invasive Plants task force contract (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-07 canceling warrants (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $1 million certificate of deposit to Valley Bank (unanimous)
• Approved county building-use policy on political activity (unanimous)
• Approved updates to Sanders County Park Board bylaws (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will review meeting minutes, audit county claims, and a property tax refund request from Hot Springs School District. They will decide on extending the Republic Services disposal contract and on Resolution 2026‑06, which revokes Resolution 2025‑29. Additional agenda items include a refuse hauling bid opening and an RFQ opening for engineering and planning consultants for Plains and Thompson Falls airports.

• Resolution 2026‑06 revoking Resolution 2025‑29
• Republic Services disposal contract extension
• Hot Springs School District Property Tax Refund Request
• Refuse Hauling Bid Opening (April 1, 2026)
• Engineering and Planning Consultants RFQ Opening – Plains and Thompson Falls Airports (April 2, 2026)

The board approved several routine items. It extended the Republic Services garbage‑disposal contract, approved a $75.14 tax refund to Hot Springs School District, and approved March 2026 county claims. It also appointed Larry Lack to the Aquatic Invasive Plants task force, awarded a refuse‑hauling bid to Sanders County Equipment Rental, and selected Robert Peccia & Associates for airport engineering services. All motions passed unanimously.

• Extended Republic Services disposal contract (all aye)
• Approved $75.14 tax refund to Hot Springs School District (all aye)
• Approved March 2026 county claims of $5 17 ,532 .35 (all aye)
• Approved revocation of Resolution 2025‑29 (Resolution 2026‑06) (all aye)
• Appointed Larry Lack to Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force Board (all aye)
• Awarded refuse‑hauling bid to Sanders County Equipment Rental ($801.07 per load) (all aye)
• Selected Robert Peccia & Associates for airport engineering and planning services (motion carried)
• Approved meeting minutes for 03/19/26, 03/24/26, 03/26/26 (all aye)

Weed Board

The Sanders County Weed Board will discuss updates on blueweed grant status, review "I Control My Own" permit renewals, and consider recommendations for herbicide suppliers and county road spraying contractors. It will also vote on time‑sheet and claim approvals. The meeting includes reports on rush skeletonweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, and subdivision impacts.

• Herbicide supplier evaluation/recommendation
• County road spraying contractor evaluation/recommendation
• Blueweed grant status update
• "I Control My Own" permit renewals
• Approval of time sheets and claims

Board of Commissioners

The commissioners will receive updates from the Office of Emergency Management and the County Attorney, and hear a Plains EMS land lease presentation. They will also discuss several administrative matters, including a SWCA change order, an Independent Contractor Agreement, the Rock Creek Road Realignment Contract with Thompson Contracting, and a Chemical Bid Award. A Human Resources update will be provided as well.

• Rock Creek Road Realignment Contract with Thompson Contracting
• SWCA change order
• Independent Contractor Agreement
• Chemical Bid Award
• Plains EMS – Land Lease in Plains

The March 24 meeting provided updates on emergency management and a Plains EMS land lease request, with no formal decisions made. On March 26, the commissioners approved an independent contractor agreement with Michelle Puiggari, a contract for the Rock Creek Road realignment with Thompson Contracting, and awarded the chemical bid to Nutrien Solutions. All three motions passed unanimously.

• Approved independent contractor agreement with Michelle Puiggari (all aye)
• Approved Rock Creek Road Realignment contract with Thompson Contracting (all aye)
• Approved chemical bid award to Nutrien Solutions (all aye)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to review budget vouchers and administrative items. The session includes a site assessment approval for the Paradise Center Brownfields project and the opening of chemical bids.

• Phase 2 site assessment approval at Paradise Center (Brownfields)
• Chemical Bid opening
• County Journal Voucher and Budget Review
• Approval of meeting minutes from 03/10/26, 03/11/26, and 03/12/26

The commissioners unanimously approved Phase 2 of the tank removal at Paradise Center. They also approved the meeting minutes for 03/10/26, 03/11/26, and 03/12/26. A motion to take the three chemical bids under advisement for weed‑board review was likewise carried unanimously.

• Approved Phase 2 tank removal at Paradise Center (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes for 03/10/26, 03/11/26, and 03/12/26 (unanimous)
• Moved chemical bids to weed board for review (unanimous)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The committee will approve the minutes from the February 12, 2025 meeting. It will review the Emergency Operations Plan and discuss BNSF hazardous‑material training. New business includes consideration of working groups and Tier II reviews. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026, with a decision pending on a hybrid/virtual format.

• Approval of February 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Discussion of BNSF hazardous‑material training
• Consideration of working groups
• Tier II reviews

The committee heard no public comments and did not adopt any motions. A motion to approve the January 12, 2025 minutes was made and seconded, but the outcome was not recorded. The Emergency Operations Plan review will proceed with outreach to Emergency Support Functions, and the BNSF hazmat training was praised with a recommendation for it to become annual. The next meeting is set for May 14, 2026 at the courthouse.

• Motion to approve Jan 12 2025 minutes motioned by TCRFD and seconded by LNF (outcome not recorded)

Board of Commissioners

The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will discuss a Sanitarian update that includes an Antimony Mine variance request to install a drainfield on slopes greater than 25%. They will review a Land Services item for the final plat application of Amended Lot 3 in the Thompson Minor Subdivision. The administrative agenda includes meeting minutes, a February 2026 audit of county claims, an AIP Board appointment, and a recommendation of award for Plains and Thompson Falls Airport pavement maintenance. Two scheduled updates (C‑PACE and County Attorney) are cancelled.

• Antimony Mine variance request to install drainfield on slopes >25% (Sanitarian update)
• Final Plat Application for Amended Lot 3 of Thompson Minor Subdivision (Land Services)
• Recommendation of award for Plains and Thompson Falls Airport Pavement Maintenance (Administrative)
• Audit of County Claims – February 2026 (Administrative)
• AIP Board appointment (Administrative)

The commissioners approved the Antimony Mine variance request to install a drain field on slopes greater than 25%, with a requirement for monitoring. They also granted final plat approval for Amended Lot 3 of the Thompson Minor Subdivision, approved February 2026 county claims totaling $952,327.68, and signed the award recommendation for airport pavement maintenance. All motions passed with unanimous aye votes.

• Approved Antimony Mine drain‑field variance (all aye)
• Granted final plat approval for Amended Lot 3 of Thompson Minor Subdivision (all aye)
• Approved February 2026 county claims of $952,327.68 (all aye)
• Approved meeting minutes for 02/24/26, 02/26/26, and 03/04/26 (all aye)
• Signed recommendation of award for Plains and Thompson Falls Airport Pavement Maintenance (all aye)

Board of Commissioners

The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will discuss an Airport Hangar Lease Agreement, review and decide on a procurement policy, consider an amended resolution on elected officials' salaries, and vote to revoke a prior resolution. Additional updates on land services and county employee insurance will be presented but are not listed as decisions.

• Airport Hangar Lease Agreement
• Procurement Policy Review and Decision
• Amended Resolution 2025-17 – Elected Officials Salaries
• Revoke Resolution 2025-29
• Land Services update with Chris McComas

Board of Commissioners

The Sanders County Board of Commissioners will discuss an update from the Office of Emergency Management, award the bid for the Rockcreek Road realignment, and consider two contracts: one with Hit Hard or Go Home Motorsports and another for QTpod services. Additional updates will be provided by the County Attorney and Human Resources. Public comments are allowed on agenda and non‑agenda items.

• Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
• Rockcreek Road realignment bid award
• Contract with Hit Hard or Go Home Motorsports
• QTpod contract
• County Attorney update with Jania Hatfield

The commissioners approved several contracts and meeting minutes. They awarded the Rock Creek Road Realignment project to Thompson Contracting after reviewing seven bids. They also approved the minutes for February 11, 12, and 18, signed a contract with Hit Hard or Go Home Motorsports for the county fair Destruction Derby, and approved a QTpod contract for the Plains Airport fuel credit‑card system. All motions passed with all commissioners voting aye.

• Awarded Rock Creek Road Realignment contract to Thompson Contracting (all aye)
• Approved meeting minutes for 02/11/26, 02/12/26, and 02/18/26 (all aye)
• Signed contract with Hit Hard or Go Home Motorsports for county fair Destruction Derby (all aye)
• Approved QTpod contract for Plains Airport fuel credit‑card system (all aye)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to conduct budget reviews and hear appeal continuations regarding boundary line relocation exemptions. The board will also consider contracts and change orders for county engineering and airport projects.

• Appeal hearing continuation for Yoder et. al. Boundary Line Relocation Exemption Denial
• Appeal hearing continuation for Lynch Creek Land LLC et. al. Boundary Line Relocation Exemption Denial
• Jackola Engineering and Architecture Contract
• Plains Airport Fuel System change order
• Riverbank Stabilization Project change order

The commissioners unanimously approved the Treasurer’s request to invest $249,000 in a three‑month certificate of deposit at First Security Bank. They also approved the HVAC engineering contract for the courthouse, a change order for the Plains Airport fuel system, a change order for the Riverbank Stabilization project, and a grant‑preparation contract with Morrison & Maeirle. Additionally, the board granted appeals for boundary‑line relocation exemptions for Yoder et al. and Lynch Creek Land LLC, and approved a variance for areas A, D, and E.

• Approved $249,000 3‑month CD investment (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Approved Jackola Engineering contract to replace courthouse HVAC (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Approved Plains Airport fuel system change order for 58 sq yd concrete (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Approved Riverbank Stabilization project change order including archaeological review (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Approved Morrison & Maeirle contract for grant assistance on Riverbank Stabilization (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Granted appeal for Yoder et al. Boundary Line Relocation exemption (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Granted appeal for Lynch Creek Land LLC Boundary Line Relocation (all voted aye, motion carried)
• Granted variance for areas A, D, and E while maintaining conveyance limits on tract 3 (all voted aye, motion carried)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Sanders County Local Emergency Planning Committee will convene to review minutes, discuss old business including a community wildfire protection plan and an Emergency Management Performance Grant, and address new business and communications plans. The committee will also determine the location for its next meeting in March.

• Approval of September 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Community wildfire protection plan discussion
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
• Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Review
• Regional hazard mitigation plan discussion

The committee voted to appoint Matt Griffin as the new chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. The members also approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. Both actions passed unanimously.

• Appointed Matt Griffin as LEPC chair (unanimous)
• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hear updates from Sanitarian and Environmental Health, Office of Emergency Management, and Land Services. Administrative business includes meeting minutes, appointments to the DUI and AIP task forces, renewal of the Montana Association of Counties Health Care Trust, and a contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants. The meeting will also continue the Rock Creek bid opening.

• Sanitarian and Environmental Health update with Tina Scott
• Office of Emergency Management update with Matthew Griffin
• Land Services update with Chris McComas
• Administrative items: meeting minutes, DUI Task Force appointment, AIP Task Force appointment, Health Care Trust renewal, contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants
• Continuation of the Rock Creek bid opening

The commissioners accepted and signed the SWCA Environmental Consultants contract for the Riverbank Stabilization Project. They also renewed the MACo Health Care Trust, appointed Kevin Kerr to the DUI Task Force, amended the AIP Task Force bylaws, reappointed four agencies to the AIP Task Force Board, and placed the Rock Creek bid under advisement until February 24, 2026. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Accepted meeting minutes from Jan‑Feb 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Kevin Kerr to the DUI Task Force Board (unanimous)
• Amended AIP Task Force bylaws (unanimous)
• Reappointed Avista, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, US Forest Service, and Montana BASS Federation to the AIP Task Force Board (unanimous)
• Renewed MACo Health Care Trust for supplemental vision and dental insurance (unanimous)
• Accepted and signed SWCA contract for Riverbank Stabilization Project (unanimous)
• Took Rock Creek bid under advisement until Feb 24 2026 (unanimous)

Sanders County Park Board

The Sanders County Park Board will vote on the December 2025 meeting minutes and consider proposed by‑law changes. The board will review a financial report showing $83,132.86. Updates on the Heron walking path, Henry Creek, Cherry Creek, and new park signage will also be discussed.

• Vote on December 2025 meeting minutes
• Consider by‑law changes requiring a board vote
• Review financial report of $83,132.86
• Updates on Heron Walking Path, Henry Creek, and Cherry Creek
• Discuss wording for new park signs

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold appeal hearings regarding boundary line relocation exemptions and approve opioid funds disbursements. The meeting also includes a bid opening for the Rock Creek Road Realignment project.

• Appeal hearing: Lynch Creek Land LLC et. al. Boundary Line Relocation Exemption Denial
• Appeal hearing: Yoder et. al. Boundary Line Relocation Exemption Denial
• Approval of Opioid Funds Disbursement
• Rock Creek Road Realignment bid opening

The commissioners approved county claims for January 2026 totaling $381,771.82. They denied refuse‑charge appeals from Clark Fork Land Development and two CSKT properties while approving one CSKT appeal. They also approved a $5,000 opioid‑funds disbursement for AEDs and placed several boundary‑line and road‑realignment matters under advisement.

• Approved county claims for January 2026 totaling $381,771.82 (motion carried)
• Denied Clark Fork Land Development refuse‑charge appeal (motion carried)
• Denied CSKT refuse‑charge appeals for tax rolls 19444 and 19388, approved appeal for tax roll 15102 (motion carried)
• Approved $5,000 opioid‑funds disbursement for AED purchase (motion carried)
• Took Yoder boundary‑line relocation exemption appeal under advisement until Feb 17, 2026 (motion carried)
• Took Lynch Creek Land LLC boundary‑line relocation exemption appeal under advisement until Feb 17, 2026 (motion carried)
• Took Rock Creek Road realignment bid matter under advisement until Feb 11, 2026 (motion carried)

Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force Board

The Sanders County Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force will consider several reports and updates, including the 2025 Reservoir‑Wide Monitoring Report and the Annual Inspection Station Report. The meeting will include a review of the 2026 funding request and a discussion of a management plan for new shoreline developments. Members will also consider a bylaws amendment related to membership renewals and elect a Vice‑Chair.

• Membership renewals and consideration of a bylaws amendment
• Annual Inspection Station Report
• 2025 Reservoir‑Wide Monitoring Report
• Management Plan Review (new shoreline developments)
• 2026 funding request review

Board of Commissioners

The Commissioners will receive updates on public health, emergency management, and the county attorney. They will discuss a proposed amendment to the Coyote Crest Major Subdivision covenants. The agenda includes detailed reviews of pavement maintenance projects at Thompson Falls and Plains airports, including contract negotiations and FAA grant applications. No formal decisions are listed for this meeting.

• Proposed amendment to the Declaration of Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions for Coyote Crest Major Subdivision
• Thompson Falls Airport pavement maintenance (AIP 3-30-0076-018-2026) – RPA task orders, contract negotiations, FAA grant application
• Plains Airport pavement maintenance (AIP 3-30-0059-019/020-2026) – RPA task orders, contract negotiations, FAA grant applications
• Blueweed Taskforce Management Plan (administrative discussion)
• Human Resources update with Rich Wallace

Weed Board

The Sanders County Weed Board will review reports on rush skeletonweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, and a subdivision. It will discuss old business items such as an education outreach schedule, a fire agreement payment question, and a budget update. New business includes consideration of a Blue Weed Grant and renewal of “I Control My Own” permits. The board will also vote on time sheets and claims.

• Rush Skeletonweed Report
• Eurasian Watermilfoil Report
• Subdivision Report
• Blue Weed Grant (new business)
• "I Control My Own" permit renewals

Refuse District

The board will review refuse appeals from several individuals and entities. The meeting also includes a review of December 2025 financial reports and a recycling report.

• Refuse appeals for Clark Fork Land Development LLC (Butcher's Nook)
• Refuse appeals for Tonya Pederson Smith
• Refuse appeals for Allen and Angela Clairmont
• Refuse appeals for Shiva Kon /BBB Enterprises LLC
• Refuse appeals for Whitepine Community United Methodist Church and USA in trust for CSKT & Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

The board approved refunds of refuse fees for Tonya Smith ($160), Angela and Allen Clairmont ($300), Shiva Con ($160), and six CSKT parcels. It denied the exemption request from Whitepine Community Church. It also approved refunds for six CSKT tax rolls and denied refunds for two other CSKT rolls. All motions carried with unanimous aye votes.

• Approved $160 refund to Tonya Smith and removal from tax bill (motion carried)
• Approved $300 refund to Angela and Allen Clairmont (motion carried)
• Approved $160 refund to Shiva Con and removal from tax bill (motion carried)
• Approved refunds for CSKT tax rolls 15291, 18090, 15036, 15511, 15102, 15021 (motion carried)
• Denied refunds for CSKT tax rolls 19444, 19388 (motion carried)
• Denied exemption request for Whitepine Community Church (motion carried)
• Motion to take Clark Fork Land Development refund request under advisement (motion carried)
• Motion to verify buildings on CSKT parcels and remove refuse fee where appropriate (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will meet to discuss the reconsideration of Resolution 2025-29 regarding the Election Administrator appointment and budget concerns. The board will also address administrative contracts and personnel appointments. Other sessions include updates from Land Services and Fish and Wildlife.

• Reconsideration of Resolution 2025-29 (Election Administrator appointment)
• Southwest Montana Consulting Inc. Service Contract (Sanitarian)
• Riverbank Stabilization RFP award
• Otto family conveyance decision
• Clerk and Recorder appointment

The board rescinded Resolution 2025‑29 to appoint an Elections Administrator, accepted the Otto Family Conveyance appeal, renewed the Southwest Montana Consulting contract, hired SWCA Environmental Consultants for riverbank stabilization, and appointed Nicola McDonald as Clerk & Recorder. All motions passed unanimously.

• Rescinded Resolution 2025‑29 for Election Administrator appointment (all aye, motion carried)
• Accepted Otto Family Conveyance appeal and overturned denial (all aye, motion carried)
• Renewed Southwest Montana Consulting Inc. sanitarian services contract (all aye, motion carried)
• Hired SWCA Environmental Consultants for riverbank stabilization project (all aye, motion carried)
• Appointed Nicola McDonald as Clerk & Recorder (all aye, motion carried)

Board of Health

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will receive a Sanitarian and Environmental Health update from Tina Scott, conduct interviews for the Riverbank stabilization RFP, review administrative items including two contracts, and hold a Board of Health meeting. Several items are cancelled, and public comments are allowed on agenda and non‑agenda topics.

• Sanitarian and Environmental Health update with Tina Scott
• Riverbank stabilization RFP interviews
• Pavlik Electric Co. Inc. Contract (administrative item)
• Stockman, Kast, Ryan + Company Contract (administrative item)
• Board of Health meeting

Sanders County Park Board

The park board will vote on proposed by‑law changes. It will review the financial item showing $83,132.86. Updates will be given on the Heron walking path, Henry Creek, and Cherry Creek projects, and the board will discuss wording for new park signs. The meeting also includes routine items such as minutes approval and public comment.

• Vote on proposed by‑law changes
• Review financial amount of $83,132.86
• Discuss update to Heron walking path
• Discuss update to Henry Creek
• Discuss update to Cherry Creek

Board of Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will review a land services update that includes the Otto Family Conveyance Denial Appeal. They will also consider an audit of county claims and a grant agreement for a body scanner for the sheriff’s office. Two scheduled items—a meeting with Lori Hughes on the animal control program and the meeting minutes—are cancelled.

• Land Services update – Otto Family Conveyance Denial Appeal
• Audit of County Claims
• Grant Agreement – Sheriff’s Office body scanner
• Meeting with Lori Hughes – Animal Control Program (cancelled)
• Meeting Minutes (cancelled)

The commissioners voted to take the Otto Family Conveyance denial appeal under advisement until Jan. 21, 2026. They approved the county claims for December 2025, authorizing warrants for $1,158,820.16. They also approved and will sign the grant agreement for a sheriff’s office body scanner funded with $141,500 from the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust Fund, pending county attorney approval.

• Postponed Otto Family conveyance appeal until Jan 21, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved December 2025 county claims, authorizing $1,158,820.16 in warrants (motion carried)
• Approved and will sign sheriff’s office body scanner grant agreement for $141,500, contingent on attorney approval (motion carried)