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Broadwater County Commissioners Meeting April 1, 2026
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Rachael Brug

MT43 News Staff Reporter

Broadwater County commissioners appointed Undersheriff Mark Wood as interim sheriff on April 1, citing the need for continuity after former Sheriff Nick Rauser stepped down effective March 24.

Wood introduced himself as a longtime law enforcement officer and said he is stepping into the role as undersheriff while also running as a candidate for sheriff. He told commissioners he has 46 years of public service, including 36 years in law enforcement, and has worked for Broadwater County for 10 years after retiring from Washington, D.C., in 2016. “Thank you for entrusting me with this,” Wood said, adding that while there will be a learning curve, he has a strong team and knows where to ask for help. Chair Debi Randolph and commissioners Jesse Swenson and Lindsey Richtmyer approved the appointment by resolution with no public comment.

The commission also approved an agreement with Northwestern Energy to install fire-detection cameras on the county’s radio repeater tower, contingent on final legal review. Townsend Rural Fire District Chief Ed Shindoll said the cameras would help monitor for fires and infrastructure issues along power lines, with fire officials gaining access to the camera feeds for earlier detection and situational awareness. Commissioners emphasized there is no monetary exchange in the agreement. Shindoll said installation is expected in late May or early June, and the camera views would also be available to the public through Northwestern Energy’s system.

Commissioners reviewed and approved the annual work plan from the Rocky Mountain Development Council (RMDC), which outlines services provided to Broadwater County through the regional Area Agency on Aging and community development programs. Commissioners noted RMDC services support vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and low-income residents, through coordination of in-home services such as homemaker assistance and respite care, nutrition and meal programs, wellness checks and outreach to reduce isolation, and help with transportation to medical appointments and essential services.

Commissioners also highlighted RMDC’s role in assisting the county with grant writing, administration, and compliance, and supporting economic development and infrastructure planning work, which they said can be difficult for small rural counties to manage alone.

In other business, commissioners held a public hearing on fiscal year 2024–2025 budget amendments. Finance Officer and Payroll Administrator Debbie Kelley said the amendments are part of the audit process and are intended to align original appropriations with actual revenues and expenditures, including items not originally budgeted. She said the supporting documentation includes about nine pages of adjustments, summarized by fund in the resolution, and was posted online for public review. No one offered public comment.

Commissioners approved permit documentation for an Elkhorn Vet Clinic septic and drainfield replacement presented by Kevin Angland, CFM of Great West Engineering.

The commissioners also approved continued work on proposed subdivision regulation amendments. Community Development Director Nichole Brown said staff will post a redlined draft online and allow two weeks for public and commissioner review before bringing the revisions back for a future decision.