Powder River Examiner -

My first month as commissioner has come to a close and it has certainly been an interesting experience. We are currently working on many administrative changes in the office. Working closely with the Clerk & Recorder, we are establishing new policies to better the interworking of county government. The next couple of weeks we will working on a procurement policy. This will put in place a set of guidelines on how larger purchases are made in the county. This policy is intended to protect the taxpayer’s money and ensure there is competitive quotes on larger purchases. It also will encourage the use of our local businesses and services so long as it isn’t at a significantly higher price. I encourage you to come in and meet with us if you see any other issues that could use improvement.

Many of you know that my family has endured much family loss in the past year; two of those fine people spent their final time at the Powder River Manor. Many times, when visiting those family members at the Manor, they would comment on how well cared for they were and how loved they felt. I want to personally thank the entire staff of the Manor for their dedication to the residents they care for.

One issue that has come to our attention is the need to increase the daily rates at the Manor. Currently private pay residents are paying well below what the Medicaid reimbursement is from the federal government. This may become an issue in the future because the federal government may come in and lower their Medicaid payments because of the private pay rates.

With the Manor already requiring an infusion of county tax dollars, if the federal government would lower this reimbursement rate, it would require even more county tax dollars to operate the Manor. The rate increase would be around 6.9 percent and would bring the rate very close to the state average for nursing homes. There will be a public hearing on the proposed rate increase on February, 19 at 1:30 p.m. in the Powder River County election room.

It doesn’t feel like it, but Spring is just around the corner and so is the inevitability of moisture and the frost leaving our road systems. We are trying to identify critical spots and make timely repairs. However, we may have to establish temporary weight restrictions in certain high traffic areas. I do understand the importance of roadways in Powder River County and their ultimate necessity in commerce. It is my goal this year to gain a better understanding of the road department and work with them on identifying their needs to make improvements to these areas. We are always looking for sources of gravel throughout the county. Landowners, if you know of sources that we are unaware of please contact the commissioner office if you are willing to work with us.

I am traveling to Helena this week for the MACO winter convention and to meet with legislators on issues that our effecting our county. Our first meeting was a coalition of counties with Forest land. It was brought to our attention that President Trump and the Forest Service are working towards establishing a good neighbor policy that will encourage counties, the State and the Forest Service to work together on shared management goals. I am excited about this willingness to work together and look forward to working with the Forest Service in the future.

Commissioner Lee Randall