Commission authorizes $900,276 in claims, funds Discovery House and approves Pintlar Peaks MOU

Anaconda Deer Lodge County commissioners on July 7 authorized county claims, approved a modest donation to a local youth placement program, and approved a memorandum of understanding tied to a subdivision road realignment.

The Commission authorized payment of claims numbered 149750–149885 totaling $900,276.02. Chair Kevin Hart read the largest line items, which included $301,591 to Hoffman R&M for Anaconda street improvements; $124,962 to MMIA for fiscal‑year 2027 insurance; $99,940 to Hydro‑Tech for courthouse stone and floor repairs; $301,591 for street work (Hoffman R&M); and a series of other vendor payments listed during the meeting. The motion to authorize payment was made by Commissioner Ed Beaudette and seconded by Commissioner Steve Gates; the vote carried 5‑0.

The Commission also approved a $3,500 contribution to CCCS Inc.'s Discovery House for FY 2026–2027 (motion by Commissioner Beaudette; seconded by Commissioner Beausoleil). County Attorney Morgan Smith and CEO Bill Everett described Discovery House as an important local placement option for juvenile cases.

Finally, the Commission approved a memorandum of understanding with MM Blue Sky LLC that will allow recording of a boundary line adjustment tied to a proposed realignment of Pintlar Peaks Drive. Planning Director Carl Hamming briefed commissioners on edits made in response to an adjacent property owner's comments; the MOU was approved 5‑0.

Commissioners indicated they would continue to track the county's larger outlays and encouraged staff to monitor capital projects associated with vendor payments.