Broadwater commissioners hear spring roadwork plans, public health update and delinquent tax report
Author: Rachael Brug, MT43 News Staff Reporter
Rachael Brug
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Broadwater County commissioners heard updates on spring road work, public health, and county finances during their March 18 meeting, held without Chair Debbie Randolph, who was away on other county business. Commissioners Jesse Swenson and Lindsey Richtmyer conducted the meeting, approving minutes and a claim at the close of the session.
Public Works Director T.J. Gravely told commissioners residents should expect to see graders and other equipment across the county as crews begin spring hauling and shaping. Gravely said crews have been working on the north end of the valley and the back side of the lake, including Avalanche and Gravely Lane, and were working on Lower Confederate. A brief storm that brought rain and snow “kind of screwed them up pretty good,” he said, adding that the public was frustrated but understanding.
Gravely also provided an update on the long-running Old Town Bridge project. Dirt work between the two bridges is complete, he said, and the county is waiting for asphalt plants to open—typically around April 15, though he said plants could open as early as April 1. Once paving is complete, Old Town should reopen, finishing what Gravely described as a four-year process. Looking ahead, he said he expects to seek bids to crush about 10,000 yards of gravel at Lone Mountain this fiscal year, with an estimated cost of about $85,000. Gravely and Richtmeyer also discussed posting a road-maintenance priority explanation on the county website to help residents understand why some roads are graded more often than others.
In a separate note, Gravely clarified that the county’s solid waste operation is not responsible for early-morning garbage pickup in town, saying that service is handled by the city. He said revenues at the landfill are growing, driven by increased intake of trees and non-household waste, and that new landfill decals are expected in the office on Thursday, with mailings planned for April and May. Replacement decals cost $10, he said.
Public Health representative Ruby Taylor reported low levels of flu and COVID-19 cases in the county and no measles cases. She said flu shots are available through the end of June and noted a vaccine grant from the Broadwater Community Health Foundation, with payment plans available when needed. Taylor also said the department is planning a summer bike rodeo, likely in June.
County Treasurer Melissa Franks reported the county balanced for February—three months in a row—and said the office collected $111,157.25 after delinquent tax letters went out, with a remaining delinquent real property balance of $339,386.34. Franks said the county is aiming for an April audit and is working to clear outstanding payroll and claims items that may be contributing to a discrepancy commissioners said had been around $217,000, with about $117,000 potentially identified so far.
Commissioners later approved the March 4 minutes and a single claim totaling $45,323.75, then adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
