Broadwater County Commissioners' Meeting July 25, 2022
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) representative, Katherine Anderson, presented the commissioners with an overview of the plan to conduct a series of listening meetings beginning in October in Broadwater County to develop an economic plan update for the county. The last economic report was published in 2004. Her organization will be working in concert with Montana State University, the Montana Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Broadwater County Development Council (BCDC). BCDC representative, Adam Six, said a survey asking residents what their needs and wants are for the next five years was sent out by mail in early June. For residents who did not receive one or forgot to fill out the survey, MEDA will be sending out a reminder card this week. County residents can take the survey online from the link listed on the card.
Renee Bauer, director of Family Promise of Greater Helena, made a request for matching funding to collaborate with BCDC on a project to set up one of their community outreach programs in Broadwater County. The program consists of three levels of assistance for needy families: 1) Providing families about to lose their homes with rent and food assistance; 2) Diverting families who are already without homes by giving temporary shelter; and 3) Stabilizing families with permanent housing, health evaluation, education opportunities and job seeking aid. The program staffers would begin by working with the schools, sheriff’s office, the hospital and churches to reach people who need help, she said.
Bauer explained she has received a $15,000 National Family Promise organization matching grant. She also has a Washington Foundation grant for $10,000. BCDC representative, Adam Six, explained his board has committed $8,000 of their county mill toward the project.
Commissioner Darrell Folkvord said in a separate interview that the commission definitely wants to support this important program. He explained, “We need to make sure the program will be sustainable so we will still need more discussion.”
Director of Public Health, Margaret Ruckey, announced she has access to the newest Covid vaccine. It is called Novavax. It is used to vaccinate again the latest COVID variants. The vaccine comes in a two-dose series of shots. She explained the catch is she must order no fewer than 100 doses.
“If community residents are not interested in another set of shots, then I won’t be ordering them as the federal government is limited in how many it has for public use”, she said. If residents are interested in taking the shots, they should let her know at the county health office at (406)266-5209.
In other business, the commissioners appointed Lacey Forrey to the Parks and Recreation Board for a three-year term.
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