April 14, 2020

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
April 14, 2020
Commissioners Scott Blain and Bill Bullock; Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Daniel; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; Deputy Clerk and Recorder Lola Ashby (tele-conference); and Gordon Sirrine (tele-conference) were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
9:00 Commissioner Bullock moved to approve Resolution 2020-13 Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget Amendment; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.
9:15 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley joined the meeting.
9:30 Commissioner Bullock moved to approve the Roberts Water and Sewer District Interlocal Agreement regarding Community Development Block Grant funding; Commissioner Blain seconded. Discussion that this pass-through funding is the best mechanism for unincorporated towns to provide these services to citizens. The district is now clear of litigation and the project can commence. Motion carried. Sirrine departed the meeting.
9:50 Discussion regarding employee paid COVID-19 leave. The County will ensure that it’s being applied uniformly. Discussion whether the County will stick to its previously established guidelines or default to newly published Federal guidelines. Commissioners will default to the Federal guidelines beginning in the next pay-period. Beginning April 26th, any self-identified “high-risk” employee will need to provide a doctor’s note. Discussion regarding COVID-19 tax implications on the County budget.
10:10 Sirrine rejoined the meeting.
10:15 Commissioner Bullock moved to approve Employee Time as submitted; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:30 Newell presented the Collateral Report on behalf of Treasurer Lori Lynde. Total cash was $19,131,668.70 reflecting a $4M increase due to Wind Impact Fee funds. Commissioner Bullock moved to approved the County Treasurer’s Quarterly Collateral Report; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.
Newell noted that the County received a letter from the Montana Board of Investments stating that it is suspending short-term investment pool (STIP) deposits because the Reserve is above policy minimums at present and to increase returns earned by participants. This will continue until situational changes demand policy response. This is due to unprecedented moves in the US financial markets in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
11:00 Ashby departed the meeting.
11:15 Newell discussed the CentralSquare contract signed last week. Bank of Red Lodge has provided three and five-year financing options. Given uncertain economic times due to COVID-19, Commissioners directed Newell to explore five-year financing.
12:00 Adjourned.
1:00 Meeting resumed to conduct interviews for the vacant Bridger Road Crew position. Bridger Road Supervisor Vern Adkins joined in-person. Gordon Sirrine joined via tele-conference. Interviewees were Ledale Hill, Grady Althoff, John Hansen, Matthew Combs, Jesse Branger, and Seth Holdbrook.

Respectfully submitted: Barbara Daniel, Commissioners’ Secretary