County, Schools Receive Oil Payments
Roosevelt County continues to profit from oil activity in northeastern Montana.
The county’s quarterly distribution recently received was $2.723,548.76. The amount was for the quarter ending in September.
Overall, collections were $5,958.321.21. The county’s share is $1,062,728.73. Schools in the county received a total of $2.7 million.
“Oil production in Roosevelt County is definitely on an increase,” Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said.
This is only the eighth time that the county’s share is more than $1 million and first time since 2022.
Roosevelt County’s distribution of $2,723,548.76 ranks second highest in Montana. Richland County stands first at $6,694.184.70. Fallon County is third at $1,553,868.01, Powder River ranks fourth at $830,805.44.
Bainville School leads the county and state by receiving a payment of $977,362.22 during the quarter.
Amounts for other Roosevelt County school districts were Culbertson at $105,870.47, Poplar at $14,902.72, Froid at $10,335.25, Wolf Point at $3,521.78, Frontier at $1,835.45 and Brockton at $1,192.97.
Also during the meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, commissioners heard from a representative of the Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-profit organization, who wished to obtain a letter of support for permitting reform. Commissioners opposed the request. Oelkers said he’s in favor of all-of-the-above energy sources, but he is a strong proponent for coal, oil and gas production.
“I don’t want any restrictions on fossil fuels,” Oelkers said. “Renewables aren’t there yet.”
He asked the representative to contact individuals of the Montana Association of Counties’ energy committee and the Montana Association of Oil and Gas Counties.
Commissioners acknowledged the retirement of Brenda Abraham from the maintenance department. She served the county for 31 years.
Commissioners approved the purchase of seven chairs for the district courtroom for safety reasons. Total cost for the chairs was $3,429.
After a bid opening, commissioners are considering bids for the Brockton community hydrant replacement project. A decision will be made during a meeting on Feb. 24.
During commissioners’ updates, Oelkers said he had discussions with National Association of Counties and tribal affairs leaders about establishing a program where counties throughout the nation receive payments in lieu of taxes when counties lose land that are in trust. Oelkers explained that the plan is for the federal government to provide subsidies to counties to make up for payments that counties lose.
Commissioner Robert Toavs reported on a board of health meeting. He said that tuberculosis was the main topic.
Toavs added that a lights will soon be added on Rodeo Road.
