CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

05-25-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Thursday, May 25 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; and Pamela Castleberry, member were present. Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman was absent.

Senior Coordinator Tricia Lovec joined the meeting with a request to re-advertise for the Senior meals contract, as Diane Wear turned down the contract. The Commission agreed to request for bids for the Senior Citizens meals.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to accept the resignation of Kamely Harkins from the position of Justice Court Clerk. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. Judy stated that Kamely will retain the position as dispatch for Senior Transportation. The motion carried.

Guest to the meeting Chip Dye. County Attorney Corbit Harrington. The Durm Road Writ of Review was discussed. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve attorney Harrington to move forward with the court proceedings. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. Chip left the meeting.

There was discussion regarding the bill from Otis elevator for the emergency service call.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board

05-31-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Wednesday, May 31 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

There was no public comment.

The Commission reviewed and approved the Payroll in the amount of $251,341.84 and Claims in the amount of $176,800.15.

The Commission discussed the Otis elevator emergency call Claim in the amount of $4,625.00. Maintenance contacted Otis to let them know not to come for a seconded service call as there was a scheduled call out later in the week when Otis received the parts to complete the repair. The first call out was prepaid in advance. The Commission has agreed not pay the emergency callout for $4,625.00 Claim at this time.

Deputy Clerk and Recorder Dana Eshelman joined the meeting. Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright called into the meeting for Deputy Clerk and Recorder Dana Eshelman’s six (6) month probation review. She stated that Dana is doing well and recommended ending her probation period. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to release Dana from probation. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. The call ended with Judy and Dana left the meeting.

The Commission received notice of a land conservation Easement for the L.O. Ranch.

Attorney Harrington joined the meeting.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the Proceedings from May 15, 2023. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment, and the motion carried.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 1 p.m.

The Salary Compensation Board meeting included Bill Kennedy, Mikel Fruit, Treasurer Jesi Pierson, and Deputy Treasurer Cecile Kuehn. Attorney Harrington gave a brief overview of the role of the Salary Compensation Board as well as how the Cost of Living used to figure a change in salary. Jesi suggested 6.4% Cost of living increase. There was a $1.64 increase for non-elected and part time employees.

Treasure Jesi Pierson made the motion for a cost of living increase of 6.4%. Mikel Fruit seconded the motion. Commissioners Castleberry and Watkins voted in favor.

Commissioner Castleberry moved to carry the 6.4% increase on the cost of living of elected officials as recommended by the salary compensation board. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Jesi requested that the Commission look into providing a longevity pay scale for the County. She suggests longevity start at 3 years where employees would receive an increase of 1% a year based on the employees starting employment date to July 1st of that fiscal year. There was discussion of a cap at 20 or 25 years. Jesi will present more information at the next commissioners meeting. Jesi and Cecile left the meeting.

2023 Growth Policy: Cam LaBree from Land Planning Board joined the meeting as well as Robie Culver of Stahly Engineering via Teams on line platform.

The CDBG grant in the amount of $30,000.00 plus $10,000.00 County match will cover the cost of the policy update.

Robie requested that a contact person be appointed as well as a committee consisting of Planning Board members, a Commissioner, and members of the public.

There will be 2 or 3 monthly meetings with the Growth Policy Committee to work through the update of the document. There was a meeting with the Commission and the Land planning board set for July 10, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. and a public input meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board