CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

07-17-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Monday July 17, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m.

Lee LaBree, Larry Pelster and Ralph Brownfield called into the meeting for public comment on the longevity policy.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to sign and return the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding form. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Present for the Road grader bid opening: Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp, Randy Reeding DSR Inc, Equipment, Dana Brentlinger RDO Equipment Company, and Truman Neprud Tractor and Equipment Company.

DSR Inc bid a 2023 Sany SMG 200 list price $369,848.00 less the trade-in value of 2015 Cat $172,470.00 price with trade $197,378.00.

RDO Equipment Company: 2023 John Deere 872G list price $543,031.25 trade in value of 2015 Cat $172,000.00 price with trade $332,031.25.

Tractor and Equipment Co. $446,600.00 trade value of 2015 Cat $218,000.00 price with trade $228,600.00. Randy, Dana and Truman left the meeting. The Commission and Carl compared the specs of the bids and discussed the options of the road grader bids.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to purchase the 2023 SMG 200 AWD Sany road grader from DSR Inc. for the final price of $197,378.00. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The Track and Arena grounds and the Bump and Run track maybe maintained by Carter County Employees. All County owned equipment must be operated by a licensed county employee.

Longevity Policy discussion: Guests: Treasurer Jesi Pierson, Deputy Treasurer Cecile Smith-Kuehn, Lee LaBree, Superintendent of schools/Clerk of Court Tracey Walker, Joe Breeding, DES coordinator Georgia Bruski, and Thebe Thomas. Chairman Rod Tauck opened the discussion public comment on the longevity Policy.

The Longevity policy is a pay compensation based on the years of service that is separate from the cost of Living adjustment (COLA). The Policy, as of June 12, 2023 pays 1% per year starting at the 3rd year of employment, up to 18 years. The cost to the taxpayers will be minimal.

Deputy Clerk and Recorder Dana Eshelman joined the meeting.

There was discussion pertaining to paying longevity based on employees’ previous position, rather than the current position, as well as the fact that there is a difference in pay between full time and part time employment.

The second point of clarification includes a break in employment. The policy currently states that an employee who chooses to sever employment with the County may retain years of service upon re-hire with the County if the length of time away from the County is less than or equal to the years of service.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to change the current Longevity Policy to a maximum employment gap of 3 years. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Tauck made the motion that when longevity is figured on previous employment, it should be frozen at the base of their last employment. Commissioner Watkins commented unless there is a legal reason not to pay on previous years’ service. Commissioner Watkins intends to keep the policy the same. There was no second and the motion died on the floor.

Commissioner Castleberry made a motion to approve the amended Carter County longevity Policy and include the Longevity Policy as an appendix to the County Personnel Policy. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The guests left the meeting.

There was a discussion of general accounting practices in preparation for Fiscal 2023-2024 budget. Commissioner Castleberry moved to take maintenance position salary from General fund facility maintenance rather than hospital fund and general fund. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Don Hotter of Don’s Electric gave Commissioner Tauck rough estimated cost to complete the hospital generator project. The plan includes use of the old generator and the installation of smaller propane tank.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting.

Commissioner Tauck discussed requesting a quote for tree trimming at the hospital parking area from Al’s Tree Service. Judy suggested trimming the trees near the concession stand at the event center as well.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12 p.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.

Justice of the Peace Kathy Rosencranz, Reta Malenovsky and Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting.

Judge Rosencranz has interviewed Reta for the position of Justice Court Clerk with 34-40 hours a week; She was pleased with Reta’s interview and requested permission to hire her. Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright questioned the need for a 34-40 hour a week clerk in the Justice of the Peace office.

Judge Rosencranz is required to follow statue where she is not allowed to speak to the defendants in a case before they appear in court therefor she requires a clerk to run the office legally and efficiently.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to hire Reta Malenovsky as Justice Court Clerk for 34-40 hours a week with a start date in August 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. Reta and Judge Rosencranz left the meeting.

The commission placed a call to Al of Al’s Tree Trimming Service to request a quote for services at the hospital parking lot and the concession stand area at the event center.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright has reached out to Fallon County for information regarding specs and prices on a new ambulance.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Commissioners proceedings for June 30, 2023, July 03 and 10, 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board