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Broadwater County Commission Meeting - 09/16/2026
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Commissioners Approve Treasurer Training Contract, Advance Passenger Rail Planning

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Commission Meeting - 09/16/2026

Meeting addresses cash reconciliation transition and regional transportation initiatives

The Broadwater County Commission, led by Chair Debi Randolph, met September 16 to approve a consulting contract for treasurer training and hear updates on passenger rail development and subdivision regulations.

Training Contract to Support Treasurer Transition:

The Commission approved a six-month contract with Scribner Consulting for $1,500 monthly, beginning October 26 through March 2027. The training focuses on cash reconciliation and accounting procedures for the county treasurer's office during the transition between outgoing Treasurer Melissa Franks and her successor, taking office January 1, 2027.

County Administrative Officer Bill Jarocki endorsed the contract, emphasizing the complexity of county government accounting. "The county has a lot at stake," Jarocki said. "We need to be realistic and not just plain hopeful that the situation's going to go well."

The Scribner Consulting representative, a former county clerk, treasurer, and grant writer with 20 years of county government experience, will work with both Franks and the incoming treasurer. The contract includes a flat rate for cash reconciliation training and $150 hourly rates for additional services such as tax bill and mill levy reviews.

Treasurer Reports on Reconciliation Progress:

Treasurer Melissa Franks reported that delinquent tax collection letters sent August 28 have brought in $109,951.86 to date, effectively reducing delinquent property taxes. Franks also addressed social media misinformation regarding missing county funds, clarifying that a prior cash reconciliation issue—not theft—had been resolved with help from state officials and MACO (Montana Association of Counties).

Passenger Rail Planning Moves Forward:

JB Howick, Broadwater County's representative to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority board, presented the organization's annual report. The effort to restore passenger rail service along the southern route through Broadwater and Madison counties continues, with the Big Sky North Coast Corridor Line projected to serve approximately 360,000 annual passengers.

Howick recommended the county consider forming an urban transportation district to coordinate bus service and other transit needs in conjunction with a future train station. "If you thought you started early enough, you didn't," Howick quoted an industry panelist, urging long-term planning for the rail system's arrival, expected in the mid-2030s.

Subdivision Regulations Updated:

Community Development Director Nichole Brown presented final amendments to the county's subdivision regulations, focusing on environmental assessment requirements, water rights documentation, and noxious weed management plans. The amendments clarify state and local requirements for subdivision applicants and align supplementary documents with county regulations.

The Commission also approved an agricultural exemption for property on Delger Road and approved a preliminary plat for G&J Estates, a four-lot subdivision in southern Broadwater County.