County staff propose a grant-administrator position to bring local programs into planning department

Anaconda Deer Lodge County planning staff presented a proposal to create a new Encore House Community Grant Administrator and Project Manager position to manage several locally administered grant programs and related projects.

Carl, a planning department staff member, told the board the job description was modeled on existing planner roles and that the county expects a “large percentage” of the position’s salary to be covered by administration funds from specific grants, including a winter tourism recreation grant and potentially urban renewal/TIF work currently administered by Discover Anaconda. “If they are an expert grant writer, that much better off for the county,” Carl said, describing the county’s aim to attract strong candidates and to bring some program administration into the courthouse.

Commissioners pressed for more detail on current grant administration capacity. One commissioner warned of a past hire two decades ago that initially performed well but later produced net losses once salary and benefits exceeded grant receipts; the commissioner said the county then terminated that hire. The exchange highlighted concerns about oversight and whether the county has the staffing to monitor grant performance and ensure cost effectiveness.

Another commissioner noted the original purpose of a local development corporation was to handle funds and responsibilities outside routine county administration and questioned whether shifting program administration back into county government would duplicate or unsettle existing local organizations. Carl said Discover Anaconda is undergoing leadership and staffing changes and that bringing some duties into the county might be timely, but he did not propose an immediate transfer of programs.

The board did not take a formal vote. Staff said further conversations, including budgeting and precise salary/funding details, will continue in upcoming meetings before any hiring decision.

The board placed the matter on a future agenda for follow-up and requested additional fiscal detail and oversight plans.