Pondera commissioners loan PILT funds to Port Authority and place 4‑mill levy on June ballot

The Pondera County Board of Commissioners approved a loan of $12,962.50 from payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILT) received for Blue Sky Villa to the Pondera Regional Port Authority, to be used as revolving loan funds for small businesses or as operating support under the terms of the existing loan agreement.

The Board first recorded the loan approval in early January and later formalized the action through Resolution #21 (adopted Jan. 17, 2024), which directs the Clerk & Recorder to effect the transfer from the county general fund. The loan is subject to repayment or forgiveness under the May 3, 2023 loan agreement referenced in the minutes.

Separately, on Jan. 31 the commissioners adopted Resolution #27 to place a countywide ballot question on the June 4, 2024 primary election asking voters to continue a 4‑mill levy to fund operations of the Pondera County Regional Port Authority for 10 years. The resolution estimates the levy would generate approximately $82,000 annually and provides examples of homeowner impacts (an estimated $5.40/year for a $100,000 home). The motion carried 3-0.

The actions were taken by unanimous vote and recorded in the county minutes. The Clerk & Recorder attestation in the minutes records the required motion and second for each resolution; the minutes do not record additional debate or amendment language beyond the stated loan terms and levy language.