REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday March 31, 2026
ALL PRESENT: Commissioner Morse, Chair, Commissioners Waters and White; Board Clerk Teri Reitz; Clerk and Recorder Jeff Martin.
PLEDGE: MOMENT OF SILENCE, Held.
Commissioner Waters made a MOTION to Table Item 7 on the Consent Agenda, Commissioner White seconded. Passed Unanimous.
9:00 a.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS A.) Resolution 26-41 to Hold Election to Issue Bonds for Yellowstone County Detention Facility. Ms. Melissa Williams, Chief Civil County Attorney stated that we have the Resolution to Hold Election to Issue Bonds and the Resolution to Approve a Public Safety Mill Levy. This is the time and date set for a public hearing on both resolutions. We have discussed these resolutions extensively in our previous public hearings, but just as a reminder this is the resolution for jail expansion. The Commissioners did provide us the opportunity to study this issue for years. We engaged HDR, Justice Planners and A &E to do a jail needs assessment report. The recommendation coming out of that report was for an expansion for a facility that would cost $226,000,000. The board has been promoting and working hard at case processing efficiencies, opening the short-term detention facility creating an arraignment court and making space for 2 additional District Court Judges, specialization and revamping of how we do our probation violations, etc. Revamping this criminal justice coordinating council as well so that we know that all stakeholders are represented so after all that work is complete this is what you have in front of you and today is the time for the public hearing. If the board approves both resolutions, we will work with the Election Administrator to ensure that an election plan is developed. Prior to the election this coincides with the general election, so we dont need a special election plan today. Any questions before we open the Public Hearing? Commissioner Morse stated just so the publics aware the jail needs assessment has recommended a $226,000,000 expansion but it is going to be $195,000,000: $175,000,000 for bonds to expand the jail and then $20,000,000 for an operational levy. Ms. Williams responded, that is correct Commissioner. The original recommendation was reduced with the jail efficiencies but $175,000,000 for the bond and $20,000,000 for the levy for the operations. Commissioner Morse asked how many beds we will get for that. Ms. Williams stated that we will get at least 320 beds. There is a belief that we could build more beds, but we want to be very transparent and the guaranteed number that we can build is 320 beds that also gives us shelled space for up to 1500 beds. So, if this is approved, goes on the ballot and is approved by the voters you would have shelled space and services for 1500 beds and you would have the additional 320 beds that get you to your 20-year projection. Any other questions? Commissioner Waters stated if I may clarify one thing, the support services were up to 1500 wasnt the shelled space for 512? Ms. Williams stated that the shelled space would be for an additional 512 beds above your 320 and then you have your 434 already there and that gets you to 1500 and then all support services thats food, laundry and all the various billed items. Commissioner Morse opened the Public Hearing. Six people spoke in favor of Resolution 26-41 and Resolution 26-42. Hearing no other comments Commissioner Morse closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Waters made a MOTION to approve Resolution 26-41, Commissioner White seconded. Passed Unanimous. B.) Resolution 26-42 to Approve a Public Safety Mill Levy. Commissioner Morse opened the Public Hearing. Hearing no comments Commissioner Morse closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Waters made a MOTION to approve Resolution 26-42, Commissioner White seconded. Passed Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGULAR, CONSENT AND FILED AGENDA ITEMS Hearing no comments Commissioner Morse continued the Board Meeting.
COMMISSIONERS Proclamation Child Abuse Prevention Month. Commissioner White read the Proclamation into the record. Commissioner White made a MOTION to approve the Proclamation, Commissioner Waters seconded. Passed Unanimous.
CLAIMS Batches 26-125, 26-126 and 26-127. Commissioner White made a MOTION to approve the Claims, Commissioner Waters seconded. Passed Unanimous.
CONSENT AGENDA 1. COMMISSIONERS A.) Term End Thank You Letter Woody Woods, Lockwood TEDD. B.) Board Reappointment Glenn Paulson to Shepherd FSA. 2. COUNTY ATTORNEY Resolution 26-40 Requesting Prosecutorial Assistance in State v. ME. 3. ELECTIONS A.) Resolution 26-28 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Carroll Drainage District. B.) Resolution 26-29 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Danford Drainage District. C.) Resolution 26-30 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Nutting Drainage District Board. D.) Resolution 26-31 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Laurel Fire District Board No. 5. E.) Resolution 26-32 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Laurel Fire District Board No. 7. F.) Resolution 26-33 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Lockwood Fire District Board No. 8. G.) Resolution 26-34 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Worden Fire District No. 4. H.) Resolution 26-35 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Crystal Springs Water District. I.) Resolution 26-36 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Hidden Lake Water and Sewer District. J.) Resolution 26-37 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Huntley Water and Sewer District. K.) Resolution 26-38 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Worden/Ballentine Water and Sewer District. L.) Resolution 26-39 to Cancel and Elect by Acclamation for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Water and Sewer District Board. 4. FINANCE A.) Semi-Annual Financial Report and Quarterly Progress Report for the Lockwood TEDD. B.) Contract Amendment Parking Lot Design Cushing Terrell. C.) Bonds for Lost Warrant. 5. METRAPARK 1 Year Renewal of MetraPark Network/Internet Services Provided by Lumen. 6. PUBLIC WORKS Proposed Land Trade Letter. 7. SHERIFF Donation of Decommissioned Patrol Vehicle to Shepherd Fire Department. TABLED 6. HUMAN RESOURCES A.) Letter to The Prism Health Group. B.) PERSONNEL ACTION REPORTS Justice Court 1 Appointment; Elections 1 Appointment.
FILE ITEMS 1. AUDITOR Payroll Audit Mrach 1 to March 15, 2026. 2. COMMISSIONERS A.) Board Minutes Heights Water District February 2026. B.) Board Minutes Tax Appeal Board 3/24/26. C.) Letter from BOI Notice to Yellowstone County, Zoning Change. 3. COUNTY ATTORNEY Jail Needs Assessment. 4. FINANCE Notification of Compliance with Award Closeout Process from the U.S. Department of Treasury, Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF). 5. HUMAN RESOURCES March 1 to March 15 Payroll Audit. Commissioner Waters made a MOTION to approve the Amended Consent Agenda and place the File Items to file, Commissioner White seconded. Passed Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON COUNTY BUSINESS Hearing no comments Commissioner Morse adjourned the meeting at 9:20 a.m.
APPROVE ATTEST
DATE