Daniels Commissioners Talk Budgets, Tax Deeds
The Daniels County commissioners held their regular meetings Sept. 8-9. All of the commissioners were present, as was Rep. Valerie Moore, who answered questions about issues affecting the community, including an update on planning for the Bridger Pipeline and shortages in housing and daycare for area workers.
An update was heard from the board of public health. Contracts were approved with Roosevelt, Sheridan and Valley counties for the tobacco program. County Superintendent of Schools Dottie Berg discussed the school budget.
A Department of Homeland Security grant award of $78,900 to county emergency services for alarm siren related costs was approved.
Treasurer Julia Laurie spoke to the commissioners about a memorandum of understanding with the State of Montana Motor Vehicle Department regarding compensation for transactions conducted at the county level. The reimbursement rate is 10 cents per transaction. The agreement was tabled for further information.
A resolution was approved to issue tax deeds for three properties and partial properties belonging to deceased individuals and one foreign national. Once the deeds have been issued, auctions will be approved and ordered and they will be advertised for sale A resolution was passed correcting a mistake in billing procedure for lighting costs and other expenses at the Peerless Post Office. Laurie also submitted items to be destroyed in an annual round of document shredding, which were approved.
Beverly Lindsay spoke to the commissioners about rumored reductions in the Meals on Wheels program, as available funding from combined federal and nonprofit sources has been on the decline. No cuts to available meals for area seniors are planned. “Area seniors who use this program appreciate it,” Lindsay said.
The solid waste disposal budget was reviewed and discussed. Talks centered on the need for common sense cuts to the operating budget in the future.
Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson made a request for funding to cover the cost on installing security cameras at his office, due what he described as uncomfortable and possibly dangerous encounters with area residents while working on county business. Approximately $3,500 was approved for the purpose.
Lee Hinkley provided an update on ambulance service operations.
A hearing was held Sept. 14 for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget
