County Commissioner Meeting
Author: Rachael Brug MT43 News Staff Reporter
Article Published: 07/24/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 03Rachael Brug
MT43 News Staff Reporter
7/15/26
Broadwater County Commissioners advanced a proposed ordinance to raise the speed limit through Winston at their July 15 meeting, drawing public comment and data showing most drivers already exceed the current 15 mph limit, while also approving the county's $11.4 million preliminary budget and swearing in a new member to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority board.
Commission Chair Debi Randolph opened public comment by noting an MDT open house is scheduled for August 20 in the commission room, where residents can speak with Montana Department of Transportation representatives about county road projects. Randolph also expressed condolences on behalf of the commission following a shooting in White Sulphur Springs earlier in the week.
Winston speed limit discussion draws public support
Commissioners opened discussion on a proposed ordinance to raise the speed limit on Weasel Creek Road through Winston from 15 mph to 25 mph, with no vote taken Tuesday. A written ordinance is expected at the July 22 meeting, with a required second reading and vote scheduled for August 5.
Commissioner Lindsey Richtmeyer summarized data gathered by the sheriff's office using a speed monitoring sign along the roughly 930-foot stretch of road. Of 2,261 total vehicles recorded, about 70 percent were traveling between 16 and 25 mph, 17.5 percent exceeded 25 mph, and just 12.5 percent were at or under 15 mph. Richtmeyer said state law limits speed limits below 25 mph to areas with a school zone or senior center, and no documentation exists explaining how the 15 mph limit was originally set.
Three public commenters spoke in favor of raising the limit. Winston resident Steve Dunbar said drivers are being harassed by a neighbor who has placed unofficial speed limit signs near the road. "We moved out in the country not to be harassed like that," Dunbar said, adding that the current limit doesn't meet statutory criteria.
Audrey Walleser, an eight-year Winston resident, said the road is too often treated as an extension of private yards rather than a public thoroughfare, making the current limit difficult to enforce consistently. She said 25 mph is still cautious, but better reflects how the road functions.
Sheriff Mark Wood said he and another officer drove the stretch and agreed 25 mph is reasonable, citing similar speed limits on main roads through Radersburg and Toston. Wood said his office will speak with the resident putting up unofficial signs. "He can't be sitting out there — that's dangerous," Wood said.
Public Works Director T.J. Gravely noted that if the ordinance passes, his department would install updated signage. Commissioners reminded residents that written public comment must be received by 5 p.m. the day before a meeting and can be emailed to the commission.
Preliminary budget adopted
Commissioners unanimously approved the county's fiscal year 2026–27 preliminary budget at approximately $11.4 million, a roughly 1 percent increase over fiscal year 2026. Finance Officer Debbie Kelly and County Administrative Officer Bill Jarocki presented a simplified summary designed to be accessible to residents, with detailed documents available on the county website.
Jarocki said the preliminary budget may be adjusted once property tax revenue estimates arrive, noting that recent changes to state property tax statutes have created uncertainty on the revenue side. Personnel costs account for about 67 percent of the budget; operations and maintenance make up the remaining 33 percent.
Jarocki said Broadwater County came in approximately 8 percent under budget in fiscal year 2025 and appears on track to finish fiscal year 2026 — which closed June 30 — about 7 percent under budget. He credited quarterly budget check-ins with department heads as the primary driver of that fiscal discipline. Commissioners encouraged residents to reach out to Jarocki with questions or suggestions on county spending.
Rail board seat filled
Commissioners appointed J.B. Howick of Townsend to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority board, replacing Daryl Folkvord, who retired and resigned from the position. Howick, a Townsend City Council member and local business owner, was sworn in for a three-year term by Clerk and Recorder Angie Paulsen.
Howick said passenger rail is expected to reach Townsend between 2032 and 2034. "The question isn't whether the passenger rail will come," he said. "It's a question of whether we will take advantage of it," Randolph noted that Big Sky Passenger Rail is hosting a public conference in Helena on August 25.
TIF application discussed for Wheatland TED
Commissioners reviewed a draft tax increment financing application for the Wheatland Targeted Economic Development District, a commercially zoned area in southern Broadwater County. No action was taken; the draft is under review by the TED committee, with minor corrections noted, including typos and a mischecked box. Community Development Director Nicole Brown noted that a state-funded water study planning grant is underway for the TED area, and that access to water will be critical to future development there.
Commissioners also approved the July 8 minutes, bylaws for both the Townsend and Three Forks mosquito boards, and four sets of claims. The meeting adjourned at 10:56 a.m.
