Powder River Examiner -

Monday, July 10, 2023

Commissioner Chair Lee Randall called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioners Lori Fortner and John Olson were present.

The board reviewed the Comprehensive Capital Improvements Plan Project – Approve Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP) Planning Grant Application. Commissioner Randall signed the plan and it will be submitted through Great West Engineering.

The board then reviewed the Bridge Preliminary Engineering Report Project, and approved MCEP Planning Grant application; Commissioner Randall signed the application.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board to conduct his department update. Gravel hauling, cleaning car gates and crushing were discussed. Mullanix reported on Bloom Creek Road and the repairs on the Ranch Creek Road. Mullanix updated the board on two applications he has received and will be scheduling interviews.

Cathy Landa, Justice of the Peace, met with the board to conduct her offices’ 2023-24 budget meeting. Landa informed the board there will not be much change in her budget this year.

Libby Nisley, Pool Supervisor, met with board to conduct the pool’s 2023-24 budget meeting. Nisley has requested the board consider filling the kiddie pool and create a covered patio area for sitting and an area for getting out of the sun. The board will consider this option. Nisley also updated that the state inspector was here and there were a few minor issues on the report. Nisley reported the drain did not have correct paperwork and the lifeguard zones were not posted. Nisley is in the process of correcting the issues.

Adam Johnson, EMS Director, met with the board to conduct his 2023-24 budget meeting. Johnson reported his budget request has been lowered substantially and grants are being applied for to assist in funding for the department. The CIH program was discussed, and Adam suggested the county do a community assessment.

The board then reviewed the One Health proposal to manage the clinic. After discussion the board unanimously agreed to decline the proposal.

Jeff Noble, County Attorney, stopped in to request the sign and Memorandum of Understanding between Carter County and the Carter County Sheriff's Office and Powder River County and the Powder River County Sheriff's Office for Law Enforcement Extraterritorial Assistance and Activities. The board reviewed and signed the MOU.

Commissioner Randall opened the meeting at 1:30 for public comment on the increase of private pay. Paige Powell and Nadine Elmore were present, and no public comment was heard. Elmore updated the board on various options of rate increases. The board made no decisions.

Nadine Elmore then conducted her weekly nursing home update. Elmore reported the recent hire of billing manager has been a great addition to the facility. Elmore also reported on basic department happenings. Paige Powell conducted a Director of Nursing update. Both Elmore and Powell reported things are going well at the Manor.

Jeff Noble, County Attorney, and Kacey Stanley met with the board to conduct his 2023-24 budget meeting. Noble requested the board consider moving Stanley to ¾ status.

The board spent the remainder of the day reading correspondence and taking care of various administrative duties and will reconvene Monday, July 17, 2023.