Toston Bridge On Commissioners’ Agenda For September 7
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Hal Plummer, of Toston, inquired during public comment at the Broadwater County Commissioners meeting Monday whether the question of reopening the Toston Bridge would be on the agenda. Chairman Darrel Folkvord had spoken with the department of highways off-system bridge program coordinator. There will be a representative from the program to talk about the Toston Bridge at the commissioner's meeting on September 7.
County Health Director Margaret Ruckey was unable to attend the meeting so the contract for in-home care services for the elderly with Rocky Mountain Area IV Agency on Aging was tabled.
The commissioners approved Dwight Thompson’s request for a Canyon Ferry Airport lease agreement. The agreement to lease a hangar was vetted last week by members of the Broadwater Airport Board.
Commissioners also approved a resolution to approve help from Meagher County Attorney Burt Hurwitz in cases involving felonies or misdemeanors. No attorney fees will be paid by Broadwater County for Hurwitz’s services.
County Finance Officer Debbie Kelley presented an amended 2021-2022 budget for public hearing. She said several line items such as Wheatland Road, Price Road, Rolling Glen were closed out of the Public Works budget since those areas were now complete. She explained that for years the Solid Waste budget had been in arrears with overspending to keep up with transfer station work and road work.
“This is the first year the department has been able to cut costs so now begins this fiscal year with a surplus of $250,600 to use toward equipment upkeep and upgrades,” she said.
She complimented the commissioners on a change in philosophy about working with the various county departments. “They are doing much better keeping within their budgets because you have encouraged them to do so,” she said.
The commissioners approved the adopted change to the final budget.
Greenway Subsequent Minor Subdivision’s plat approval was once again put on hold until the developers can form a useable fire protection plan with the Three Forks Fire Department.
During a lull of business, Folkvord reported he had attended the Passenger Rail Summit in Billings last week. Broadwater County is one of several Montana counties which would be impacted favorably by a passenger rail system. The proposed route would travel through North and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington, he said. The rail system would also connect existing rail service both on Montana’s north and south boundaries. Amtrak and federal officials were in attendance as were Montana Rail Link and BNSF railway owners.
Folkvord noted the Spokane airplane beacon is in service again, thanks to the Airport Board.
Commissioner Randolph reported on a zoom meeting she attended. The meeting was organized by Planning Board director Nichole Brown. “She opened our minds about the issue of affordable housing in Broadwater County. The idea would be to build small houses for seniors who don’t need the room, thus making 3 and 4-bedroom houses available for families.” Randolph said.
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Image 1 Caption: Toston Bridge
