Broadwater County commissioners approve AG assistance in felony case, three public-health grants, airport junction work and claims

The Broadwater County Commission on Feb. 25 approved a resolution to appoint an Assistant Attorney General from the Montana Attorney General’s Office to serve as a special deputy county attorney and assist with filing charges and prosecuting a specific felony case. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher said the AG’s prosecution services are provided under statute and “we're not paying them for their time,” though he added that normal trial costs such as witness fees, transcripts and jury costs remain the county’s responsibility.

The board also approved three grant applications presented by Diane Thorne of Broadwater County Public Health to the Rocky Mountain Development Council for services running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027: a $29,000 state homemaker grant intended to cover homemaker wages, supplies and county vehicle maintenance and fuel; a $1,333 federal respite grant with a $333 county match requirement; and a $9,000 state skilled nursing grant. Thorne said the programs “help our elderly community members who usually live alone, have one or more illnesses, and have a low income, thus allowing them to remain in their homes and live independently.” Commissioners moved and seconded a single motion to approve all three applications, which passed.

Adam McDonald, chair of the Townsend Airport Board, asked the commission to approve a Northwestern Energy quote to install a new electrical junction box and cut into the primary service to serve future hangars. McDonald said the airport board’s recommendation is to pay the initial $4,717 installation cost so future hangar lessees would tap into the installed junction later, rather than requiring the first lessee to bear the installation. The commission approved the quote by motion.

Finally, the board approved payroll and claims brought forward at the meeting, including a payroll listing of $275,889.95 and a claim of $249,999.16 that, as discussed, included airport improvement expenses. The chair called for voice votes on the motions; commissioners signified “aye” and each motion passed.

Votes at a glance
• Resolution to appoint Assistant Attorney General as special deputy county attorney to assist in a felony prosecution — Motion moved and seconded; passed (voice vote: ayes).
• Public Health grant applications (homemaker $29,000; respite $1,333 with $333 county match; skilled nursing $9,000) — Motion moved and seconded; passed (voice vote: ayes).
• Northwestern Energy quote for Townsend Airport junction box ($4,717) — Motion moved and seconded; passed (voice vote: ayes).
• Claims: payroll $275,889.95 and claims $249,999.16 — Motion moved and seconded; passed (voice vote: ayes).

The commission did not record roll-call tallies or named votes in the meeting transcript; motions were moved and seconded by commissioners identified only as speakers in the transcript and approved by voice vote. The chair noted signed documents would be provided to staff for processing.