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.

Earlier weeks

• week of 2026-06-29 — Study Commission Amends Fire Services Ballot Question, Other Boards Eye Grants and Budget

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.