County commissioners renew Home Companion program, keep dam releases at 70 CFS
Granite County commissioners took their most significant votes of the past two weeks on July 7, unanimously renewing the Area V Home Companion Program agreement with Granite County Medical Center for FY 2026-2027 and voting to continue dam outflow at roughly 70 cubic feet per second. Both votes were unanimous.
County Commissioners — July 7
The board accepted the June 30, 2026 minutes unanimously, then voted unanimously on two substantive items: the Home Companion Program renewal and the continued dam-outflow operation at approximately 70 CFS.
Commissioners directed staff to request proof of insurance and a traffic-control plan from the Granite Road haul-truck operator. Staff were also tasked with obtaining options and costs for a new courthouse panic-button system and security cameras.
The board tabled a proposal to donate unused county computers, pending information on data-wiping costs. Commissioner Kulaski was assigned to coordinate with residents on placement of two solar-powered speed signs on Georgetown Lake Road. Staff were directed to continue documenting road-crew activities electronically or on hard copy.
County Commissioners — July 14 (agenda only)
Minutes have not yet been published for the July 14 session. The agenda listed a legislative update on proposed Montana Code amendments, including changes to MCA 45-8-209, and a workshop update on the Flint Creek Dam Comprehensive Assessment with HDR. Also on the agenda: an encroachment permit for a new approach along Boulder Creek Road, a Philipsburg Cemetery District No. 1 account balance and operational update, and implementation of a new electronic timesheet system with the Clerk and Recorder's Office.
Airport Board — July 15 (agenda only)
The Granite County Airport Board agenda included discussion and a recommendation on the airfield budget for county commissioners, an update on the current airfield power supply from NW Energy, follow-up on hangar lease rates, and an update on Drummond Airfield and Riddick Field, including the future of runway lights and the beacon. The board also planned to review the June 23 county commissioners meeting on airfield future plans. No minutes are available yet.
Study Commission — July 15 (agenda only)
The Local Government Review Study Commission was scheduled to review its adopted final report and decide whether to issue a minority report. The agenda described the meeting as procedural, with no rezonings, contracts, or fee changes. Members also planned to set a date to appear on the County Commission agenda.
Library Board — July 6 (agenda only)
The Philipsburg Community Library Board of Trustees agenda listed a review of the 2026-2027 budget with no action scheduled, plus discussion of an encroachment recommendation to present to county commissioners on July 28, 2026.
Coming up
- **July 21 — County Commissioners:** Review of 2026 General Election ballot language regarding the Local Government Review Study Commission's final report; Energy Partners Pre-Buy Propane Contract for Solid Waste and Road Departments; proposal for new evidence lockers at the Granite County Jail Building; easement to the Town of Philipsburg for a water service line; and Federal Forest Reserve / Secure Rural Schools funding allocations for FY 2026-2027.
- **July 21 — Philipsburg Community Library Board:** Consideration of the 2026-27 budget, an MOU for AED acquisition, a new tenant for Office C, a $25,000 mortgage payment request using 2025 fundraising funds, and a $5,920.50 amendment to the Friends agreement.
- **July 22 — MT Opioid Abatement Region 4 Board:** Agenda lists the same library budget and AED items, plus a request for assistance with a Rotary concert setup.