Powder River Examiner -

This is the first of an ongoing column regarding happenings with the County Commissioners, wrtten in Powder River County Commissioner Lee Randall’s own words.

I first want to thank the community for the trust they have bestowed upon me through last year’s election. I am committed to this county, and my hope is that we can keep this community great for our kids and grandkids to grow up in, while in the same respect, have a place for our seniors to retire in and call home. After being sworn in and taking office the 1st of the year, I was honored that my fellow commissioners elected me chairman of the board. I take this vote of confidence very seriously.

I write you today because I want to open a communication line from the commissioners office to the public. My goal is to update the community on important issues facing the county and to encourage the public to engage our office. As a disclaimer, these updates will come to you as my perspective as the presiding officer, and do not hold any legal binding opinions of the full commission.

My first couple weeks of office, as you can expect, have been a flurry of learning the inter-workings of county government. I am thankful for my past legislative experience, as I feel I have a good understanding of the state side of county government. None the less, I have spent countless hours combing through Montana code on the states expectations of local government. I want to thank my fellow commissioners for their insight and help transitioning into my new position.

Some time last year, the commission came to the realization that most of our county boards have never been officially created though resolution, or if they have, there is no known record. So our first task has been officially and legally establishing the boards. This was done last week, now moving forward we will be focusing on the county boards that have no bylaws and working to establish clear and concise operating guidelines. But this is no easy task as Powder River County has at least 15 official boards. I anticipate this process with take a couple of months, at the least, and I encourage the public to give us input as we move forward in adopting official policies for these boards.

Also, per Montana law many of these boards have terms, and once the terms of a member is up, we are required by state law to allow 30 days to transpire before we appoint a member to the board. Currently we have no term limits on boards, so if you are an active member of a board and wish to remain on the board, please make sure you contact the clerk and recorders office. After the 30 days has passed, the commission will look at all applicants that wish to be on a board, and will make appointments. Per Montana law, county boards do not have the authority to choose their own board members. Recommendations may be made to the commission but the ultimate decision of appointment is the commission’s and public input is encouraged.

In the short time I have been in office I have the greatest respect for the office of the clerk and recorder. I have realized that this office is critical to the function of local government and to the commissioners office, and want to personally thank the former clerk and recorders and tell the community that you have made an excellent choice in your newly elected clerk and recorder. Cynde’s office has been very willing to go above and beyond what is required to help the commissioners office.

I look forward to serving our county and want to extend to you an invitation to our office, you are always welcome, and at any time you would like to meet with me, I am more the willing to hear your concerns or comments. Lee Randall