March 26, 2018

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
March 26, 2018
Commissioners Scott Blain and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Assistant Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Mary Cameron, Diane Dimich, Gordon Sirrine, Appointed Commissioner Robert “Pits” DeArmond, and Carbon County News Editor Alistair Baker were present.
Mary noted Mental Health Center Therapist Summer Peterson is on maternity leave and the addiction counselor has taken another job. The addiction counselor from Hardin will be picking up clients via tele-med. Commissioner Blain noted the Mental Health Center is having some struggles. The Carbon County Mental Health Center was profitable in 2017, serving 117 clients. Commissioner Blain also noted Carbon County funds the Mental Health Center at the highest level of participating counties: Carbon County’s funding is equivalent to $2.64/person or $4.18/person with the alcohol tax; next is Big Horn County with funding levels at $2.09/person; Stillwater County’s funding is equivalent to $1.06/person. Commissioner Blain asked Mary if it would be beneficial to send counselor to other areas of county. Mary noted they do not see a lot of clients from Bridger and Joliet; she thought having a councilor there one day a week may help keep those people in County for treatment rather than going to Billings.
8:50 Justice of the Peace Kevin Nichols joined the meeting. He swore in Robert “Pits” DeArmond as the Bridger District Commissioner.
9:00 Treasurer Jane Swanson-Webb, Justice of the Peace Kevin Nichols, Clerk of District Court Rochelle Loyning (via Phone), Pam Christ, Gordon Hill, and Joe Johnson met with Commissioners for Compensation Board Public Hearing. Pam asked about the status of the wind farm; Commissioners noted EverPower is still waiting on their power purchase agreement. Joe asked about the increase in net position; Angela noted the increase was because of the completion of the West Fork Road Reconstruction and Completion of the Red Lodge Creek Road Bridge.
9:30 County Attorney Alex Nixon joined meeting. Public members met independently. Commissioners and elected officials discussed salary increases versus increasing contributions to insurance premiums.
9:55 Kevin Nichols and Alex Nixon left the meeting for court appearances.
10:25 The public members of the Compensation Board rejoined the meeting. They recommend a 3.25% salary increase considering the 2017 Consumer Price Index of 2.1% and insurance premium increase of 3%. They believe tax revenues will continue to increase with the County continuing to grow.

Commissioner Blain moved to approve Commissioner Proceedings for February 26, 2018; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Blain noted Nelcon has asked if the County would agree to trade gravel for millings from the highway realignment.
11:20 Commissioner Blain left the meeting
DES Coord. / GIS Mgr. Tom Kohley met with Commissioners to discuss flooding issues. There have been some minor washouts, but the road crews have been able to manage all of them.
12:00 Adjourned

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Assistant