April 9, 2024

070
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
April 9, 2024
Commissioners Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 Compensation Board Hearing. Dan Coolidge, Bob Johnson, Gordy Hill, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, HR Specialist Kate Asbury, Treasurer Lori Lynde, and Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen were present. Bullock moved to open the Public Hearing for the Carbon County Compensation Board for Fiscal Year 2024-2025; Blain seconded; motion carried.
9:05 County Attorney Alex Nixon joined the meeting. Discussion of Health Insurance premium changes and anticipated rate increases. Asbury noted Marsh McLane expects the increase to be in the single digits. The County expects to have new rates by the 19th. Asbury reviewed current insurance benefits. Newell reviewed revenue and expenditure trends and increases from COVID and natural disasters. 9:22 Public members met separately to discuss and make a recommendation. Commissioners and elected members discussed the number of County Full-Time Employees.
9:50 Public members rejoined the meeting. Coolidge presented their recommendation of a 6% increase; 4.1% to cover the Conusmer Price Index (CIP) increase plus 1.9% to help cover the gap between last year’s CIP and the approved wage increase. Coolidge and Hill noted their recommendation considered helping make employees whole because of the lower increase last year. Discussion of full compensation package and if benefits could be inhanced including providing matching contributions to deferred compensation accounts. The general consensus from Commissioners was that benefit enhancements, especially deferred compensation, might be a hard sell to employees. 10:00 public members departed.
10:10 Bullock moved to approve claims for March 2024; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Bullock moved to approve employee time as submitted; Blain seconded; motion carried.
11:00 Tim Jager with the ARETE Design Group met regarding the Salt Shed contract. If commissioners approve he will send to Langlas for final signature and bonding. Discussion of surveying crew, ordering items with long lead time, Bullock moved to approve the AIA Standard Form of Agreement between Owner (Carbon County) and Contractor (Langlas & Associates) for the Salt Shed Building pending formal acceptance and bonding from Langlas; Blain seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned.

Red Lodge City Council Representative Sandy Conlee met regarding funding for law enforcement services provided by the Red Lodge Police Department outside of the Red Lodge City limits. Newell noted the creation of a special district outside of City’s jurisdiction would require an interlocal agreement with the County and the County would participate in how funding is allocated (likely via a joint board). Newell also noted the Dispatch fee formula reduces the City’s annual dispatch cost by 30% to account for interagency operations and mutual aid response. Bullock discussed costs of road maintenance and plowing that may be assumed by City if Remington Ranch subdivisions were annexed. Council is also contemplating seeking approval for utilizing Resort tax for law enforcement operations (currently only capital expenditures may use resort tax). Conlee also noted garbage fees will be added to water bills going forward rather than being added to property tax bills.

11:55 Bullock moved to approve Justice Court End of Period Disbursement for March 2024; Blain seconded; motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer