Pondera County commissioners approve budget amendments, sheriff vehicle purchase and multiple agreements
March 01, 2026 | Pondera County , Montana
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The Board of Pondera County Commissioners met across four scheduled sessions in June 2024 and approved a series of administrative actions and formal resolutions affecting county operations and finances.
Among the approvals, commissioners ratified annual right-of-way forage (haying) agreements for multiple landowners after a motion by Commissioner Thomas A. Kuka, seconded by Commissioner Zane Drishinski; the motion carried. The board also authorized payment of $4,938.00 in membership dues to the Natural Resource Coalition after a motion by Commissioner Zane Drishinski.
The board approved the purchase of a 2024 RAM 1500 for the Pondera County Sheriff Department from Billion DCJR for $42,074.00, to be paid from Public Safety Capital Improvement funds. Commissioners noted competing bids from Van Motors ($58,376.00 for a 2024 Silverado) and Courtesy Ford ($48,549.00 for a 2024 F150).
On June 12 the board adopted Resolution #40 to amend the 2023/24 county budget to add and correct grant revenues and appropriations (for example, adding $75,000 to revenue code 2980-331148 and the matching contract-services expenditure). The resolution passed on a 3-0 vote and was signed by Chair Jim Morren and Member Thomas A. Kuka; Clerk and Recorder Kody L. Farkell attested.
At its June 19 meeting the board adopted Resolution #41, forgiving an interfund loan from the General Fund to the Port Authority Fund (principal $12,962.50 plus accrued interest) and treating the forgiveness as a transfer; that resolution passed 3-0. On June 26 the board adopted Resolution #42 to add $20,000 in grant revenue and matching contract-services spending in fund 2981; that resolution also passed on a 3-0 vote.
Commissioners tabled Resolution #43 (the intent to dissolve the Northern Montana Joint Refuse Disposal District) after a motion by Commissioner Kuka and second by Commissioner Morren. The board approved an extension for an aggregate testing permit (originally submitted July 6, 2023) to run from June 18, 2024 through November 1, 2024.
The board certified the canvass of the June 4, 2024 federal primary election and directed the Clerk and Recorder to enter the official results into county records. Commissioners also approved the FY2024-25 DUI Task Force plan.
Finally, the board approved claims totaling $458,532.54 and payroll totaling $333,139.60 (combined disbursements of $791,672.14). The meeting adjourned on June 28, 2024.
Votes at a glance: motions in the minutes are recorded as “motion carried” unless a roll-call tally is given. Resolutions #40, #41 and #42 passed 3-0; Resolution #43 was tabled.
Among the approvals, commissioners ratified annual right-of-way forage (haying) agreements for multiple landowners after a motion by Commissioner Thomas A. Kuka, seconded by Commissioner Zane Drishinski; the motion carried. The board also authorized payment of $4,938.00 in membership dues to the Natural Resource Coalition after a motion by Commissioner Zane Drishinski.
The board approved the purchase of a 2024 RAM 1500 for the Pondera County Sheriff Department from Billion DCJR for $42,074.00, to be paid from Public Safety Capital Improvement funds. Commissioners noted competing bids from Van Motors ($58,376.00 for a 2024 Silverado) and Courtesy Ford ($48,549.00 for a 2024 F150).
On June 12 the board adopted Resolution #40 to amend the 2023/24 county budget to add and correct grant revenues and appropriations (for example, adding $75,000 to revenue code 2980-331148 and the matching contract-services expenditure). The resolution passed on a 3-0 vote and was signed by Chair Jim Morren and Member Thomas A. Kuka; Clerk and Recorder Kody L. Farkell attested.
At its June 19 meeting the board adopted Resolution #41, forgiving an interfund loan from the General Fund to the Port Authority Fund (principal $12,962.50 plus accrued interest) and treating the forgiveness as a transfer; that resolution passed 3-0. On June 26 the board adopted Resolution #42 to add $20,000 in grant revenue and matching contract-services spending in fund 2981; that resolution also passed on a 3-0 vote.
Commissioners tabled Resolution #43 (the intent to dissolve the Northern Montana Joint Refuse Disposal District) after a motion by Commissioner Kuka and second by Commissioner Morren. The board approved an extension for an aggregate testing permit (originally submitted July 6, 2023) to run from June 18, 2024 through November 1, 2024.
The board certified the canvass of the June 4, 2024 federal primary election and directed the Clerk and Recorder to enter the official results into county records. Commissioners also approved the FY2024-25 DUI Task Force plan.
Finally, the board approved claims totaling $458,532.54 and payroll totaling $333,139.60 (combined disbursements of $791,672.14). The meeting adjourned on June 28, 2024.
Votes at a glance: motions in the minutes are recorded as “motion carried” unless a roll-call tally is given. Resolutions #40, #41 and #42 passed 3-0; Resolution #43 was tabled.
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