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Commissioner Meeting
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Commissioner Meeting

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

Broadwater County commissioners on May 27 approved the Broadwater County DUI Task Force’s annual plan and budget for the state fiscal year 2027, appointed a three-person committee for the county’s federal post-election audit, and voted to give county employees a 90-cent-per-hour cost-of-living adjustment starting July 1.

The Board of Commissioners, chaired by Debi Randolph, first heard from Tracie Kiesel, who brought forward the DUI Task Force’s FY27 annual plan, meeting calendar, budget and member contact list. Kiesel said the plan’s goals remain unchanged: reducing impaired driving to prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes, injuries and fatalities in Broadwater County.

Kiesel said the task force supports high-visibility enforcement, public education, responsible alcohol service, youth access prevention, and treatment and accountability for DUI offenders. She also explained why “occupant protection” — including seat belt education — is a major part of the plan.

“If our goal is reducing injuries and fatalities, people are not dying because they are drinking,” Kiesel told commissioners. “They are dying from blunt-force trauma,” often because seat belts were not worn or not worn properly.

The task force’s revenue comes from driver’s license reinstatement fees, Kiesel said. Individuals pay $200 to reinstate a license, and task forces receive half. The county also receives House Bill 132 distributions — pooled reinstatement fees from counties without task forces.

Kiesel said the task force expects to carry over about $16,000 and that the FY27 budget does not significantly change from FY26. She highlighted the task force’s alcohol-free Super Bowl party, which drew 45 students this year, and noted the event doubles as a non-enforcement opportunity for law enforcement to build relationships with youth. Admission is two nonperishable food items, which are donated to the school’s student pantry.

Commissioners also approved Kiesel’s request to fund one vehicle camera system for a new Sheriff’s Office vehicle, describing it as a safety tool that can also support DUI investigations.

In election-related business, Angie Paulsen, Broadwater County clerk and recorder and elections administrator, asked commissioners to appoint a three-person committee for the June 12 federal primary post-election audit.

Commissioners appointed Commissioner Jesse Swenson, Treasurer Melissa Franks and Finance Officer Debbie Kelly. Paulsen said the audit will begin at 8:15 a.m. at the Flynn Building and will include a hand count of ballots from two precincts selected through a statewide process.

Paulsen also noted the vote canvass is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, at 11 a.m.

Later, commissioners approved a 90-cent-per-hour COLA for all county employees effective July 1, emphasizing the adjustment is meant to keep pace with inflation and support retention as the county competes with employers in Helena and Bozeman.

Commissioners also approved minutes from April 15, May 6 and May 20, and approved payroll claims totaling $284,338.71.