A Note from Our Maco President 2 Elected Officials Training Connie Eissinger Agenda

Vol. 40, No. 12 December 2011

Highlights A Note From Our MACo President 2 Elected Officials Training Connie Eissinger Agenda

3 Fran Monro Retires Happy Holidays to each of you

4 - 6 2011 has gone by very quickly and as one 2011-2012 MACo Committee paused to reflect on Thanksgiving Day on the count- Lists & MACo Adds AG Opinions to less blessings in our lives, I hope you remembered Website the volunteers and employees in our counties who often spend time away from their families on holidays 7 - 10 to serve the public. There’s the linemen who quickly 2012 New Years ―Resolutions‖ respond when our electricity is out; the EMTs who drop what they’re do- 11 ing to respond to life-threatening events; the firemen who rush to save WIR Report lives and property from disaster; the medical profession who take care of

12 - 13 us, no matter if it’s a holiday; the dispatchers who are always on alert and Obituary available to take our calls when we need 9-1-1; law enforcement who guard and protect us and react to many dreadful events; our soldiers, far 14 away from home; and many more. All of their jobs require training. And Commissioner Profile so do ours. 18 MACo has responded to our need for training to more competently EPA Reverses Stance on conduct the functions of our jobs as commissioners. How many of you Farm Dust Air Quality knew exactly how to budget for your county; or how to properly interview, 19 hire, discipline, document, or discharge a county employee; or how to set Major Victory for NACo up or oversee county boards; or how to manage county finances….on your first day…..your first month….your first year? I didn’t. There is so 22 Emelia’s Safety Corner much to learn, especially that first year, and my wish for each of you is that you will continue learning, gaining more confidence and skills each 23 year that you’re in office. MACo and the Local Government Center are Just for Fun & here to help with that education. Uninsured Motorist Coverage I encourage all of you who have not completed the commissioner 24 certification training (and even if you have and want an update!) to regis- Legal Holidays ter and attend the Elected Officials Training/Commissioner Certification- Phase II. It will start with a dinner the evening of December 5th, with 25 - 26 th th th Around our Counties classes on the 6 , 7 , and 8 . Commissioner Certification is a valuable investment in your education as a county commissioner. 27 I’m thankful for each one of you and I hope to see you in Helena Calendar of Events th on the 5 ! Let me also use this opportunity to wish each of you a Very Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and a Happy New Thank you to all of our Year as we look forward to 2012! advertisers!! MACo News Elected Officials Training/Commissioner Certification Phase II

MACo, together with the Local Government Center at Courses will be taught on numerous topics, such as MSU-Bozeman, will be presenting Phase II of its annual open meeting, code of ethics, and local government laws. elected officials training/commissioner certification For more detailed information, please see the agenda December 5 - 8 in Helena in the MACo conference room. on our web site at www.mtcounties.org. AGENDA

Monday, Dec. 5 Wednesday, Dec. 7

3:00-6:00 pm Registration - Red Lion Colonial Lobby 8:00 - 9:30 am 201.2 - A Primer to Building the County Budget 5:30-6:00 pm No Host Social - Red Lion Colonial State 9:30 - 9:45 am Break Room

9:45 - 11:15 am 202.2 - County Tax Policy 6:00 pm Dinner

11:15 - 12:15 pm 506.2 - County Special Boards Governance Facilitator: Dan Clark, Director, Local

Government Center, MSU 12:15 - 1:00 pm Lunch Welcome: Connie Eissinger, MACo President & McCone County Commissioner 1:00 - 2:00 pm 506.2 - County Special Boards Governance (continued) Self Introductions

Keynote Address: TBA 2:00 - 2:15 pm Break

Tuesday, Dec. 6 2:15 - 4:15 pm 402.2 - Courthouse Relations

7:30 - 8:00 am Registration - MACo Conference Room Thursday, Dec. 8

8:00 - 9:30 am 203.2 - Managing County Finances 8:00 - 10:00 am 401.2 - Effective Relations with other Governments 9:30 - 9:45 am Break 10:00 - 10:15 am Break 9:45 - 11:15 am 203.2 - Managing County Finances (continued) 10:15 - 11:45 pm 302.2 - Hiring, Supervising & Motivating County Employees 11:15 - 12:15 pm 5.13.2 - Developing a Governing Philosophy 11:45 - 12:30 pm Lunch

12:15 - 1:00 pm Lunch 12:30 - 2:00 pm 302.2 - Hiring, Supervising & Motivating County Employees (continued) 1:00 - 2:00pm 5.13.2 - Developing a Governing Philosophy (continued) 2:30 pm Adjourn

2:00 - 2:15 pm Break

2:15 - 3:45 pm 301.2 - Principles of Human Resource management

3:45 - 4:00 pm Break

4:00 - 5:30 pm 301.2 - Principles of Human Resource management (continued)

For a more detailed Agenda, please visit our web site: www.mtcounties.org

2 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News Fran Monro Retires CONSULTING • CONSTRUCTION ENERGY • FACILITY SERVICES Fran Monro, Member Services Representative, announced her retirement effective November 30, 2011. mckinstry.com 406-214-3500 Fran has been employed with MACo for the past 15 years as the Member Services Representative for the Property and Liability pool (JPIA) and the Workers’ Com- pensation pool (JPA) Fran has provided the MACo pools’ members, management, staff, agents and trustees loyal support and service over those many years. She will definitely be missed. Fran plans on enjoying her two grandsons, Become a MACo Dominick who is 2 1/2 years old and Ryley who is Associate Member 7 months old. She would like to ―Thank everyone at MACo A Partnership with for their support and friendship over the years.‖ Montana Counties She would like to especially thank Greg for every- thing she has learned from him. Please visit our website: www.mtcounties.org We wish Fran the best in her retirement. We for more information and to are all indebted to her for her dedication to her job download the application. and coworkers.

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 3 MACo News 2011 - 2012 MACo Committee List Agriculture Committee Conference Planning Committee

Name County Name County Kathy Bassette - Co-Chair Hill Steve White Gallatin Maureen Davey - Co-Chair Stillwater Joe Briggs - Chair Cascade Troy Blunt Phillips Jean Curtiss Missoula Dan Happel Madison Maureen Davey Stillwater Larry Hedrickson Liberty Ann Marie Davis Prairie Tucker Hughes Judith Basin Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark Bob Lehfeldt Golden Valley Connie Eissinger McCone David Paugh Golden Valley Susan Mosness Sweet Grass Tom Rice Beaverhead Neal Warner Anaconda-Deer Lodge Don Rieger Fallon Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Dave Schulz Madison Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. Jim Shanks Roosevelt Ron Stoltz Ravalli Energy Committee Herb Townsend Meagher Janet Wolff McCone Name County Sandy Youngbauer Fergus John Prinkki - Chair Carbon Amy Adler Rosebud Allan Underdal - Vice Chair Toole Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Sandra Broesder Pondera Jim Durgan Park Shane Gorder Richland Doug Martens Rosebud Community, Economic Development James Moos McCone & Labor Committee Laura Obert Broadwater Sue Olson Musselshell Name County Bill Randish Fallon Joe Briggs - Chair Cascade Tony Sitzmann Glacier Vic Miller - Vice Chair Blaine Leonard Wortman Jefferson Jean Curtiss Missoula Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Ann Marie Davis Prairie Suzy Foss Ravalli Gary Gershmel Petroleum Health & Human Services Committee Vicki Hamilton Custer Pam Holmquist Flathead Name County Cynthia Johnson Pondera Bill Kennedy - Chair Yellowstone Jeff LaVoi Hill Carl Seilstad - Vice Chair Fergus Dale Lauman Flathead Deanna Bockness Prairie Gary Macdonald Roosevelt Elaine Graveley Broadwater Mike McGinley Beaverhead Keith Holmlund Custer Cele Pohle Powell Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. Matt Kanenwisher Ravalli

Susan Mosness Sweet Grass

Ben Ober Toole Bruce Peterson Valley Randy Taylor Park Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir.

4 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News 2011 - 2012 MACo Committee List Information Technology/ Land Use & Development Committee Telecommunication/Interoperability Continued... Committee J.R. Iman Ravalli Name County Jeff LaVoi Hill Sandra Broesder - Chair Pondera Dave Reinhardt Valley Steve White - Vice Chair Gallatin David Richards Powder River Ann Brower Lake Joe Skinner Gallatin Rebecca Guay Anaconda-Deer Lodge Gail Vennes Broadwater John Grewell Carbon Neal Warner Anaconda-Deer Lodge Ralph Mannix Powell Pam Converse Broadwater Jim Reno Yellowstone Susan Swimley MACo JPIA Duane Simons Mineral Tara DePuy MACo JPIA Russ Tempel Liberty Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Art Pembroke Lewis & Clark Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. Natural Resource/Public Lands Litigation Fund Committee Justice & Public Safety Committee Name County Connie Eissinger - Chair McCone Name County Carl Seilstad - Vice Chair Fergus Bill Barron - Chair Lake Carol Brooker Sanders Laura Obert - Vice Chair Broadwater Greg Chilcott Ravalli Ken Ronish Fergus Todd Devlin Prairie Greg Chilcott Ravalli Richard Dunbar Phillips Jerry Dell Stillwater John Ostlund Yellowstone Mike DesRosier Glacier Tom Rice Beaverhead Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Sidney Fitzpatrick Big Horn

Garth Haugland Beaverhead

Gary Macdonald Roosevelt Mike McGinley Beaverhead Public Lands Committee

Jim Reno Yellowstone Name County Daren J. Schuster Chouteau Lesley Robinson - Chair Phillips Dennis Shupak Stillwater Carol Brooker - Vice Chair Sander Kimberly Deschene Meagher Greg Chilcott Ravalli Leo Dutton Lewis & Clark Todd Devlin Prairie Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. Chris King Petroleum

Bill Loehding Carter Marty Malone Park Land Use & Development Committee Mike McGinley Beaverhead Mike Murray Lewis & Clark Name County Jane Weber Cascade Paddy Trusler - Chair Lake Mike Wendland Hill Maureen Connor - Vice Chair Granite Donna Young Powell Doug Buxbaum Dawson Scott Bockness Big Horn Shane Gorder Richland Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Vicki Hamilton Custer Jim Hart Madison Continued on page 6...

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 5 MACo News 2011 - 2012 MACo Committees List cont... MACo Adds Attorney Resolutions & Legislative Committee General Opinions to Website

Name County Mike Murray - Chair Lewis & Clark The Montana Association of Counties has Dave Reinhardt - Vice Chair Valley Bill Barron Lake added a new section to the MACo website that Tony Berget Lincoln includes Attorney General (AG) Opinions dat- Kathy Bessette Hill ing back to Joe Briggs Cascade Sandra Broesder Pondera 1977. There Maureen Davey Stillwater are over 800 Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark archived opin- Cynthia Johnson Pondera ions to sift Bill Kennedy Yellowstone John Ostlund Yellowstone through from John Prinkki Carbon 1977 to 1992. Lesley Robinson Phillips The AG’s Paddy Trusler Lake website con- Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. tains opinions Shantil Siaperas MACo Leg. Coordinator from 1993 to present-date, Transportation Committee but MACo is

Name County the only resource for gaining access to the John Ostlund - Chair Yellowstone older opinions online at no cost. Richard Dunbar - Vice Chair Phillips If you’d like to browse through these PDFs, Frank DePriest Blaine they are linked to from the ―Resources‖ sec- Joe Christiaens Pondera Tony Cox Sanders tion or simply follow this URL: John Grewell Carbon http://www.mtcounties.org/resources/attorney- Larry Lekse Musselshell general-opinions-letters-advice/attorney- Dave Miller Toole generals-opinions-letters-advice Bill Murdock Gallatin Don Steppler Richland AG Opinions clarify the meaning of existing Jim Ghekiere Liberty laws. They are issued to answer inquiries of Wayne Buck Rosebud law raised by public agencies or officials, such Eric Griffin Lewis & Clark as the legislature, any state officer, board, or Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. commission, a city attorney, a county attorney, Tax, Budget & Finance Committee and/or board of county commissioners. Pri- vate Citizens may not request Attorney Gen- Name County eral Opinions. See Guidelines for Opinion Re- Cynthia Johnson - Chair Pondera quests on the Montana Department of Justice Bill Nyby - Vice Chair Sheridan Joe Briggs Cascade website, located here: http://www.doj.mt.gov/ Ann Brower Lake resources/opinionguidelines.asp Greg Chilcott Ravalli The opinions carry the weight of law, Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark Connie Eissinger McCone unless they are overturned by a court or the Arnie Gettel Teton legislature changes the law or laws involved. John Ostlund Yellowstone Cele Pohle Powell Nancy Schlepp Meagher Allan Underdal Toole Harold Blattie MACo Executive Dir. Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. Tom Swindle MACo Finance Officer 6 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo Alert

2012 New Year’s “Resolutions”….

It’s time once again for the Annual New Year’s Resolutions reminders! This is to remind you of certain duties and requirements for Commissioners. The first Commission meeting of the year is a good time to adopt policies and set guidelines for the year.

This annual notice may look familiar, but please review the items carefully as items have been added and/or updated!

NOTE: Not have all of these actions need to be done annually – but it is a good idea to review and update if needed, and remind the public, the media, elected officials and employees, as appropriate.

Adopt a resolution setting commissioner meeting dates (7-5-2122, MCA)

(1) The governing body of the county shall establish by resolution a regular meeting date and notify the public of that date. (2) The governing body of the county, except as may be otherwise required of them, may meet at the county seat of their respective counties at any time for the purpose of attending to county business. Commis- sioners may, by resolution and prior two days' posted public notice, designate another meeting time and place

Elect a Presiding Officer of the Board: (7-4-2109, MCA) The board of county commissioners must elect one of its members presiding officer. The presiding officer shall preside at all meetings of the board, and in case of the presiding officer's absence or inability to act, the members present shall select one of their number to act temporarily as presiding officer.

Establish Office Hours: (7-4-102, MCA) (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, each officer shall keep the officer's office open for the transaction of business during the office hours determined by the governing body by resolution after a public hearing and only if consented to by any affected elected county officer each day except Saturdays and legal holidays. (2) County and city treasurers may, in the interest of the safekeeping of funds, securities, and records under their control, close their offices during the period from noon to 1 p.m. every day.

Set and or modify per diem/travel rates: It is recommended that counties adopt a resolution establishing mileage, lodging and per diem rates for business travel. For information on these rates, please refer to MCA §§2-18-501. Meals, lodging, and transportation of persons in state service; 2-18-502. Computation of meal allowance; and 2-18-503 Mileage – allowance.

7-5-2145. Attendance at meetings and conventions by county officers and employees. (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, a county officer or employee may not receive payment from any public funds for traveling expenses or other expenses of any sort for attendance at any convention, meeting, or other gathering of public officers except for attendance at a convention, meeting, or other gathering as the officer or employee may by virtue of the office find it necessary to attend. (2) Any member of the board of county commissioners is allowed actual transportation expenses and per diem for attendance at any general meeting of county commissioners or assessors held within the state, and the proportionate expenses and charges against each county as a member of the association must also be paid. Continued on page 8... MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 7 MACo Alert 2012 New Year’s “Resolutions”... Continued from page 7...

**NOTE** (3) County attorneys, sheriffs, assessors, and justices of the peace may attend their respective meetings or conventions held within the state and are allowed actual traveling expenses for attending the meeting or convention of their peers. (4) Any county officer paid on a per-day basis for performance of official duties is allowed the per-day rate of pay for attendance at any convention, meeting, or other gathering of public officers that the officer may by virtue of the office find it necessary to attend.

Attorney General Opinion No. 42 A.G. Op. 124 (1988), concluded: ―In attending the annual state convention for the office held, a county attorney, sheriff, assessor, or justice of the peace is entitled to obtain ―actual traveling expenses‖ which may exceed the levels established in a county travel policy.‖

For more information regarding the standard mileage rate, visit the Internal Revenue Service website at: www.irs.gov.

The state lodging rate is $77; high-cost areas include Big Sky/West Yellowstone - Gallatin County, Butte - Silver Bow County, Helena - Lewis & Clark County, Missoula - Missoula County, Polson - Lake County, and Kalispell - Flathead County. For more information, visit the General Administration Services Web site at www.gsa.gov.

Establish the rate of credit for incarceration: (46-18-403, MCA)

46-18-403. Credit for incarceration prior to conviction. (1) A person incarcerated on a bailable offense against whom a judgment of imprisonment is rendered must be allowed credit for each day of incarceration prior to or after conviction, except that the time allowed as a credit may not exceed the term of the prison sentence rendered. (2) A person incarcerated on a bailable offense who does not supply bail and against whom a fine is levied on conviction of the offense may be allowed a credit for each day of incarceration prior to conviction, except that the amount allowed or credited may not exceed the amount of the fine. The daily rate of credit for incarceration must be established annually by the board of county commissioners by resolution. The daily rate must be equal to the actual cost incurred by the detention facility for which the rate is established.

…& New Year’s Reminders

Appoint Commissioner Liaisons to County Boards: This is a good opportunity for you to appoint your representatives to County boards and commissions.

* NEW Establishment of County Classification no longer required: HB 212 in the 2011 Legislative Ses- sion eliminated county classifications and replaces references to county classifications with a taxable valua- tion amount or population.

Bond Inspection: (7-4-2213, MCA) (1) At a regular meeting of the board of county commissioners in March and September of each year, the board of county commissioners shall carefully examine all official bonds of all county and township officials then in force and effect and investigate the qualifications and financial condition and liability of all sure- ties on the bonds and their sufficiency.

8 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo Alert

(2) If it appears to the satisfaction of the board or a majority of the members of the board that any surety upon any bond has, since the approval and acceptance of the bond, died or withdrawn, left the state, disposed of all of the surety's property in this state, or become mentally ill, insolvent, financially embarrassed, or not good and responsible for the amount of the liability on the bond, the board shall immediately cause the clerk of the board to notify in writing the judge of the district court of that district of its action and conclusion and all facts in connection with and the reasons for the action. (3) The judge shall take notice of and investigate the matter and take steps, by order to show cause or other order, citation, step, or action, as may be necessary to make the bond good and sufficient according to the requirements of law and ample security for the amount of the bond.

It is recommended you note in your minutes that you’ve reviewed your bonds, and if applicable, found them to be covered within your insurance policies.

Board meeting minutes must be available within 21 days: 7-5-2123. Publication of board proceedings and annual financial statement. (1) (a) The board of county commissioners has jurisdiction and power, under the limitations and restrictions prescribed by law, to publish in a newspaper at the adjournment of each session of the board, in full and complete detail or in summary form or by reference, with the full and complete text made available on request, a complete list of all claims ordered paid for all purposes, showing the name, purpose, and amount, and a fair summary of the minutes and records of all of its proceedings. (b) The board may publish the county clerk's annual statement of the financial condition of the county, in full and complete detail or in summary form. If the board does not publish the annual statement in complete detail or in summary form, it shall publish a notice that the annual statement is available and will be provided upon request from the county clerk.

(2) Publication in full, in summary, or by reference of the minutes and records of proceedings must be made within 21 days after the adjournment of the session. Publication of the financial statement or notice of the availability of the financial statement must be made within 30 days after the presentation of the financial statement to the board. The board may not allow or order paid any claim for any publication of minutes and records of proceedings or annual financial statement unless the publication is made within the time prescribed in this subsection.

* NEW Special Fuel User Permit Number Required on Bids - Effective October 1, 2011:

With the passage of HB 319, the 2011 legislature changed the bidding statutes so that when a bid is submitted, it MUST include the bidder’s special fuel permit number. Effective Oct 1st, any bid that does not include this permit number CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

* NEW Effective October 1, 2011 - Use of Montana-made wooden materials in county road projects: 7- 14-2142. When the board of county commissioners authorizes a construction or reconstruction project on a county road, it shall require the use of Montana-made wooden guardrail posts, fence posts, and signposts when appropriate and when the cost of wooden materials is less than or equal to the cost of other materials.

* NEW Effective October 1, 2011 - Use of Montana-made wooden materials in wooden county bridge projects 7-14-2407 When the board of county commissioners authorizes a construction or reconstruction project for a wooden county bridge, it shall require the use of Montana-made wooden decking, guardrail posts, fence posts, and signposts when appropriate and when the cost of wooden materials is less than or equal to the cost of other materials.

Continued on page 10...

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 9 MACo Alert

2012 New Year’s “Resolutions”... Continued from page 9...

MACo recommends that bid specifications state that Montana made wooden products must be used on road and bridge projects unless the cost is higher than other materials

* NEW Submission of financial reports to the Department of Administration and penalties for failure to comply:

2-7-503. Financial reports and audits of local government entities. (1) The governing body or managing or executive officer of a local government entity, other than a school district or associated cooperative, shall ensure that a financial report is made every year. The financial report must cover the preceding fiscal year, be in a form prescribed by the department, and be completed and submitted to the department for review within 6 months of the end of the reporting period.

2-7-517. Penalties -- rules to establish fine. (1) When a local government entity has failed to file a report as required by 2-7-503(1) or to make the payment required by 2-7-514(2) within 60 days, the department may issue an order stopping payment of any state financial assistance to the local government entity or may charge a late payment penalty as adopted by rule. Upon receipt of the report or payment of the filing fee, all financial assistance that was withheld under this section must be released and paid to the local government entity.

(2) In addition to the penalty provided in subsection (1), if a local government entity has not filed the audits or reports pursuant to 2-7-503 within 180 days of the dates required by 2-7-503, the department shall notify the entity of the fine due to the department and shall provide public notice of the delinquent audits or reports.

(3) When a local government entity has failed to make payment as required by 2-7-516 within 60 days of receiving a bill for an audit, the department may issue an order stopping payment of any state financial aid to the local government entity. Upon payment for the audit, all financial aid that was withheld because of failure to make payment must be released and paid to the local government entity.

(4) The department may grant an extension to a local government entity for filing the audits and reports required under 2-7-503 or may waive the fines, fees, and other penalties imposed in this section if the local government entity shows good cause for the delinquency or demonstrates that the failure to comply with 2-7-503 was the result of circumstances beyond the entity's control.

(5) The department shall adopt rules establishing a fine, not to exceed $100, based on the cost of providing public notice under subsection (2), for failure to file audits or reports required by 2-7-503 in the timeframes required under that section.

As always, if you have any questions on these or any other matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Montana Association of Counties 2715 Skyway Drive Helena, MT 59602 (406) 449-4360

Harold Blattie, Executive Director Sheryl Wood, Associate Director [email protected] [email protected]

10 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News meetings in for the CCP. They did not chose a WIR Report Kauai proposed action early in the process to avoid being pre-decisional. October 2011 There are 6 endangered species on Kauai. By: Lesley Robinson, Phillips County Commissioner Invasive plant species are a big problem there. Plants that we would have as house plants are growing wild Our WIR Board of Directors meeting in Kauai, everywhere and have taken over the native plants. Hawaii started with a tour of the island. Our first stop Grass grows an inch a day. There is no dormant was the Kauai county council chambers. From there season. we walked to the Kauai Museum. We took a bus to There was an extensive discussion with the Forest Kilohana for a train ride around a plantation. This Service speaker and the Fish and Wildlife speaker plantation grows several things. Several varieties of regarding retention of managers and the problems fruit trees and hard wood are grown for niche markets. created with constant turnover. Sugar cane is grown to use in their rum manufacturing. Robert Cope, commissioner Lemhi County, Idaho They began the rum business a few years ago. Shortly gave the National Cohesive Wild land Fire Manage- after the last sugar cane plantation closed on the ment Strategy – Western Regional Strategy Committee island. They purchased the stockpile of sugar cane and Report. Their focus is to stimulate economies by active are starting to try to grow some of their own. This is a management of the forests. very diversified operation. We had lunch at the main Commissioner Gordon Cruikshank, Valley County, house located on site. From there we took a boat ride Idaho gave us an update on SRS reauthorization. He to Fern Grotto. Opaekaa Falls was our last stop of the spoke of a possible bill that would continue SRS at day. We ended with a reception at the hotel. 2011 levels and fund PILT for five years. Thursday morning we began our business meeting. We heard from Jason Heffley, executive director, Senator Ron Kouchi spoke to us about fostering Congressional Western Caucus about their western effective working relationships between state and local jobs proposal to help more Americans find good jobs governments in tough times. He mentioned that on especially in the west. Kauai they pay 41 cents KWH for their electricity. Ryan Yates gave a report on the NACo PILT fly-in. Our next speaker was Cynthia McCarthur, National Twenty six commissioners from around the nation met Partnership Coordinator USDA Forrest Service. She with about 90 members of mostly freshmen congress- talked about the need to get young people involved. men and their staff. They have found three ways that seem to be effective, We talked about the Endangered Species Act food, music and art. She said the younger generation (ESA). Since it’s inception 2082 species have been is ―Nature Deficient‖. To be honest she called us old. listed. 18 were removed due to bad information, 10 are When she first started with the Forrest Service she extinct and 22 have been recovered and delisted. had a rancher tell her that we won’t survive if we don’t Friday a presentation of Kauai’s history was made work together. She talked about how the local people by Kauai County chair Jay Furfaro. teach Forrest Service employees several things that George Costa, office of economic development, they aren’t taught in their training. A rancher in New county of Kauai spoke. Kauai has 67,000 residents and Mexico taught her how to ride a horse. an average of 21,000 visitors per day. 83% of Kauai Jamie Carter, Physical scientist, NOAA Pacific county’s operating budget is from property taxes. A bid Services center gave us a presentation on the NOAA majority of the land is uninhabitable. Public land on Digital Coast Initiative. Kauai is mostly state land. He mentioned that the Shannon Smith, Refuge Manager and project resort we were at the electricity bill could run as high leader from the Kauai National Wildlife Complex was as $300,000 per month. our next speaker. There are 553 refuges in the United Councilmember Dickie Chang, Kauai County gave States. We toured a 200 acre Kilauea Wildlife Refuge. us a presentation about Waimea Canyon. Council- This is where the Kilauea Lighthouse is located. It is member Chang was very instrumental in the agenda of one of seven lighthouses remaining. the WIR Board meeting in Kauai. She spoke extensively about their Comprehensive We worked on setting our priorities for the next Conservation Plan (CCP) process. Part of their year for WIR. process included ―Talk Story Sessions‖ with the elders The Board of Director’s meeting next fall will be at of the island. These sessions were videoed and Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska, home of incoming transcribed. She talked of the importance of these president Jerome Selby.

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 11 MACo News

Harlowton players every time they in-bounded the ball. John C. Harrison In the fall of 1931, John attended Montana State College in Bozeman where his mother had recently become a 1913 - 2011 dean. He studied agricultural economics and played football for the Bobcats from 1931 through 1933. He was also John C. Harrison, the long- on the track team. In 1932, John joined the Beta Rho est-serving justice in the chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, beginning what was history of the Montana to be an almost 80-year membership as a devoted Sigma Supreme Court, died on Chi. Friday morning, Nov. 11, In 1935, he enrolled at the University of Montana 2011, in Helena. He was 98 School of Law in Missoula. There he met the love of his years old. life, Virginia Flanagan, a brilliant undergraduate from A lawyer, judge and Great Falls. ―She was so bright she could read the entire longtime public servant, book the night before an examination and get an A,‖ he Judge Harrison was a keen observer of the human later recalled. Their courtship was interrupted when condition and concerned with social justice throughout his John’s injudicious exchange of words with a professor life. As a young welfare worker during the Depression, earned him an involuntary ―sabbatical‖ from law school at assisting starving families across rural Montana, he wit- the end of his second year. nessed hardship that, he later recalled, had ―a tremen- In the summer of 1936, a fraternity brother helped dous impact emotionally and politically on me.‖ In the John get a job driving ―Red Buses‖ in Glacier National 1950s, as the Democratic county attorney in Helena, he Park. He was a gear jammer the summers of 1936, 1937, often went head-to-head with Wellington D. Rankin, one 1939 and 1940. John’s love for Glacier continued of the most complex and powerful Republicans in throughout his lifetime where his family vacationed every Montana history. ―He wanted somebody … he could con- summer on Lake McDonald. trol,‖ Harrison later recalled. ―I was not that man.‖ In 1937, John left for Washington, D.C., where he John Conway Harrison was born on April 28, 1913, in discovered that the best job open to a former president of Grand Rapids, Minn., the first of three children of Dr. Montana’s Young Democrats with two years of law school Francis Randall Harrison, a dentist, and Ethel Conway under his belt was inking letters onto the spines of books Harrison, a teacher and women’s rights advocate. A fam- in the Library of Congress. The following year he was ily of passionate political beliefs, his father a Republican admitted to George Washington University Law School, and his mother a Democrat, they moved eventually to where he earned top marks and graduated in 1940. Montana, where Mrs. Harrison became dean of women at The U.S. Army called him into active service in Sep- Montana State College (now University) in Bozeman and tember 1940. In August 1941, he and Virginia Flanagan Dr. Harrison established a dental practice in Harlowton. were married in Great Falls. His Army service with the 7th Judge Harrison said that he became interested in the field Corps posted him in England in 1943, where he worked of law as a young man because of a judge who some- on the planning for D-Day Operation Overlord. He times ate across the table from him at a boarding house followed the 7th Corps through France and Holland and in Harlowton, where he moved with his father in 1928. into Germany for V-E Day in 1945, and after the war The judge would flip soup from a spoon and open his remained in the Army Reserve, retiring as a full colonel. mouth just as the soup arrived (and sometimes miss its He and Virginia moved to Helena in 1946, where they mark.) But he won young John’s admiration with self- raised six children — Nina, Bob, Molly, Pat, Randy and deprecating stories, especially one John later loved to tell Lee. In November 1960, in what John described as a in which the town drunk asked the judge, never a well- ―landslide victory‖ of 1,560 votes statewide, he was dressed man, if he was going to the masquerade party in elected a justice on the Montana Supreme Court and was town that weekend. No, the judge replied, I wouldn’t have re-elected in 1966, 1972, 1978 and 1986. Prior to his 34- anything to wear. Well, the drunk said, ―You zip up your year tenure on the Montana Supreme Court, he served as pants and put on a fresh tie and I’ll go sober, and they county attorney for Lewis and Clark County, city attorney won't know either one of us.‖ in East Helena and legal council for the Fort Belknap A self-professed late bloomer as a student, John Tribe. quickly displayed the social enterprise that would charac- Judge Harrison was active in a wide array of national terize his life. At age 15 in Harlowton, already an Eagle and community organizations. He was elected national Scout, he organized a Boy Scout troop and acted as president of the American Lung Association in 1967 and scoutmaster. He played football and basketball for Har- was a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club for over 60 lowton High School, recalling later that basketball games years. He loved scouting, serving for more than 20 years against the town of Judith Gap required extra toughness as scoutmaster of Troop 108 and for decades on the because of the small church gymnasium, flanked with Montana Boy Scout Council. legions of church ladies who stuck their hatpins into the Continued on page 13….

12 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News John C. Harrison 1913 - 2011 Continued from page 12

A strong supporter of Carroll College in Helena, he also spent many years on the school’s President’s Council. He is predeceased by his first wife, the former Virginia Flanagan, who died in 1984; and by their son, Pat Harrison. The judge’s second wife, the former Ethel Harrison, whom he met while she was clerk of the Montana Supreme Court, died in 1998. His survivors include his daughter, Nina Harrison (granddaughter Aidan Myhre and great-grandsons Andrew Frank and Peter Frank); son Bob Harrison (daughter-in-law, Tanya and granddaughter, Taryn Harrison); daughter, Molly Howard (son-in-law, Dr. Raymond Howard); son, Randy Harrison (grandchildren, Lindsay Harrison, Chase Harrison and John Harrison); daughter, Dr. Lee Harrison (son-in-law, Dr. Fred Olson and grandsons Chris Olson and Patrick Olson); his sister, Betty Bailey; niece, Mary Lynn Bailey; and nephew, Bob Bailey. Known to all as ―Judge,‖ John Harrison not only became a judge and an extraordinary public servant, but also an incomparable storyteller. His enthusiasm for the state of Montana never flagged, from the moment he arrived in 1928. On his desk he kept the words of John Steinbeck: ―I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition and even some affection. But with Montana, it is love.‖ The Harrison family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jay Larson and the staff of the Rocky Mountain Care Center and Hospice of St. Peter’s for the excellent care provided to John.

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 13

14 2011 December • 12 Number 40, Volume • News MACo

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News MACo MACo News

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 15 MACo News

16 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News

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MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 17 MACo News

practices that sustain local economies. Even natural events such as wildfires or wind storms contribute to PM levels. Particulate matter can include solid or liquid materials and comes from both manmade and natural sources. Fine particles are produced by all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires and agricultural burning, among other sources. PM-2.5 fine particles can EPA Reverses Stance on Farm only be seen with an electron microscope. Dust Air Quality Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) recently introduced the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011,H.R. 1633. By: Julie Ufner, Associate Legislative Director This bill would prohibit EPA from proposing, finalizing,

implementing or enforcing any regulation revising the The EPA announced it would not change air quality national standards applicable to PM-10 under the Clean standards for coarse particles known as Particulate Air Act (CAA) for one year. matter10, or PM-10. The bill goes on to exempt classification of ―nuisance NACo was especially concerned about tighter dust‖ as a particulate matter as long as it is not regulated regulation of particulate matter standards because under state, tribal of local law, and the benefits of regulating PM-10—particles 2.5 to 10 micrometers is applying CAA standards to the dust outweigh the costs. diameter—would include farm dust. Coarse dust particles Under the bill, nuisance dust is defined as ―generated are smaller than a human hair and typically come from from natural sources, unpaved roads, agricultural crushing or grinding operations, and dust from paved and activities, earth moving, or other activities typically unpaved roads. NACo supports EPA’s decision because conducted in rural areas; ―or ―consisting primarily of soil, increased regulation would have been burdensome to other natural or biological materials, windblown dust, or many counties, especially those in rural areas. some combination thereof.‖ ―This is an important issue for counties, especially The bill currently has 112 cosponsors. Noem is still rural counties who have dry climates or faming and pushing for adoption of her bill to ensure that the EPA ranching activities,‖ said Kathy Bessette, Hill County, follows through on its recent pledge to not regulate farm Montana Commissioner and vice chair of NACo’s dust. Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee. ―This is a win for NACo and the member counties who expressed concerns about increased regulatory burdens through more stringent standards. However, we must stay vigilant on this issue, because the administration may still increase standards for fine particles PM.‖ EPA indicated it still plans to move forward with changes to the PM-2.5 (fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers) standard. NACo will monitor any proposed changes to PM-2.5 and will oppose any attempts by the EPA to regulate PM-2.5 at levels more stringent than current standards. EPA’s announcement was made in a letter from EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). It states the decision was made after consultation with both EPA scientists and the Clean Air Science Advisory Council. The reversal was decried by environmental and health groups who are worried about potential health risks associated with particulate-matter pollution. Some congressional Republicans and farm-state Democrats applauded the announcement, but others remain EPA backed away from imposing more concerned about regulation of PM-2.5. stringent controls on dust like this, NACo and its members expressed concerns to EPA generated by farming activity. and Congress over the last year about the potential for increased regulation to negatively impact regular activities such as cars driving down dirt roads and agricultural

18 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News Major Victory for NACo: 3 percent withholding mandate repealed By: Mike Belarmino, Associate Legislative Director

UPDATE: President Barack Obama signs H.R. 674 into law Nov. 21. The bill, a major victory for NACo, repealed the 3 percent withholding requirement from payments to government contrac- tors. NACo President Lenny Eliason attended the ceremony.

In a major victory for NACo lobbying efforts, President Obama is expected to sign a bill repealing the onerous 3 percent withholding mandate. The withholding requirement was enacted when the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act was passed in 2005. NACo has strongly opposed the requirement ever since. The final version of H.R. 674, which fully repealed the withholding requirement, passed the House 422–0 Nov. 16, clearing the way for a presidential signature. ―This is a big win for local governments. The costs to comply would have been enormous,‖ NACo Executive Director Larry Naake said. ―It would have required our nation’s larger counties to reprogram or purchase new accounts payable systems, hire additional staff and essentially turn county accounting offices into IRS district offices.‖ NACo moved one step closer to having the 3 percent withholding mandate fully repealed when the Senate, by a 95–0 vote on Nov. 10, approved H.R. 674, a bill that would fully repeal the withholding requirement. The House had already passed H.R. 674 Oct. 27 by a similarly large margin, 405–16. The Senate version included an amendment, initially offered by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), which provides tax credits to businesses for hiring veterans. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act amendment would provide up to $9,600 in tax credits to businesses who hire unemployed veterans with a service-connected disability who have been actively searching for employment for at least six months. It also strengthens employment counseling and training programs for veterans and troops about to leave the military. The tax credits are offset by an extension of current fees on Veterans Affairs home loans and a reduction of payments to some VA service providers. In conjunction, the Obama administration has announced plans to set up an online jobs bank for veterans seeking employment, and will provide access to six months of personalized case management and employment counseling for unemployed veterans. (Associate Legislative Director Deseree Gardner also contributed to this report.)

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 19 You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for all the charges for your room). You get to your room and settle in. MACo News Someone calls the front desk and asked for; example Room 620 (which happens to be your room). Arthur J. Gallagher 200 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1350 Orlando, FL 32801

(800) 524-0191, Ext. 3512 www.ajg.com

The Facts (and Fiction) of Tornadoes The New York Times Continued from the November MACo News issue...

Q: After Hurricane Katrina, there were hundreds of homeless dogs and cats. What has happened to people's pets in Joplin?

A: About 70 animals -- dogs, cats and some parakeets and cockatiels -- have been taken to the Animal Adoption and Resource Center in Joplin so far, said Lisa Buehler, the manager there. But the shelter is expecting many more to arrive in coming days. ''We really don't know yet the full extent of it,'' Ms. Buehler said. ''They're still searching for people, so it's going to take a while to catch up.'' She said that the shelter had veterinarians standing by to tend to wounded animals and that several injured dogs had already arrived. The center's building is ''pretty sturdy,'' Ms. Buehler said, but if a tornado were to threaten the shelter, ''we have so many animals in the building it would be physically impossible to move them to another building.'' -- ERICA GOODE

Q: Could lives and property have been saved if residents in the areas struck by tornadoes had opened a window or two in their houses? And should drivers have stayed in their cars or sought safety under highway overpasses?

A: The idea that opening windows can spare a building from damage from tornadoes is a common misconception. By equalizing air pressure with the low-pressure tornado outside, the thinking goes, the building will not explode from within as a result of the pressure difference. But experts say that opening windows is useless; internal forces do not damage houses -- powerful winds and, most especially, the debris that those winds throw around like missiles, damage and destroy houses from outside. While there has been some debate about whether it is safe to remain in a car -- one study in 2002 suggested it might at least be safer than remaining in a mobile home -- most experts say that it is practically impossible to outrun a tornado and that remaining in a car is dangerous. It is best to get out and seek shelter -- in the basement of a building, if possible, or in a ditch or other low-lying area away from trees. Experts say that the idea that huddling under a highway overpass will provide a measure of safety is also false. The high winds can just as easily blow under the overpass as over it. -- HENRY FOUNTAIN We are a leader in providing Risk Management solutions to Public Entity and Scholastic organizations. We provide:  First Dollar or Deductible Programs  Pools, Captives, or Risk Retention Groups Large or small, we’ll be your partner in providing Risk Management services for your Public Entity. Please contact Richard Terlecki or Mary Albee at (800) 524-0191 for more information.

20 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News MACRS 32nd Annual Spring Conference

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MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 21 MACo News

bad for your health? Certainly, you know that Emelia’s Safety Corner excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your Safety tip of the Month health. In addition to possibly leading to addic- tion, drinking too much alcohol can cause various cancers, including mouth, liver, and breast, pancreatitis, heart muscle damage leading to Drinking and heart failure, stroke, brain damage, cirrhosis of the liver, miscarriage, and fetal alcohol syn- drome. Driving But what is too much? According to the Mayo Don’t Mix Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com), too much is more than two drinks a day for men and one for Celebrate the holidays safely women under the age of 65, and one drink a

day for women and men over the age of 65. ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and to stay away One drink = 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces from your car if you’ve been too jolly. December of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled is National Drunk and Drugged Driving spirits. Prevention Month. Recent statistics from the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration So if you stick to the moderate drinking listed (NHTSA – www.nhtsa.gov) revealed that in the above, can alcohol be good for you? According 12-hour period from 6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol in moderation may to 6:00 a.m. New Year’s Day 59 people died in reduce your risk for heart disease, strokes, gall- alcohol-related car crashes. That’s nearly 5 stones, and diabetes. people an hour!

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether to Make sure you know when you’ve had too drink alcohol in moderation and consult with much to drink. For example, do you think you’re your medical professional to assess your okay to drive if you can speak without slurring situation. your words and are not acting abnormally? Not so, according to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA – www.niaaa.nih.gov), which states that ―the skills and coordination needed for driving are compro- mised long before the obvious signs of intoxica- tion are visible.‖

Furthermore, drinking a cup of strong coffee will not sober you up enough to drive, because caf- feine ―doesn’t counteract the effect of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and even more time to return to normal.‖

The Truth about Alcohol Happy Holidays As for drinking alcohol even when you’ve desig- nated a driver, how do you know if it is good or

22 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 MACo News 4. Mistletoe Just for Fun Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on oak Four Interesting Christmas Customs and other non-evergreen trees. Although other Written by Michael McCann, The Business Café, greenery was also used in pagan festivals, mistletoe www.GlobalBusinessCafe.com was actually worshipped. 1. The Christmas Tree Both Druids and Romans considered the plant In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, pine sacred, as a healing plant and a charm against evil. trees were used in Europe as part of the miracle Mistletoe was thought to be the connection between plays performed in front of cathedrals at Christmas earth and the heavens, because it grew without time. The plays detailed the birth and fall of human- roots, as if by magic. Mistletoe was also considered ity, its salvation through the death and resurrection a symbol of peace; warring soldiers who found of Christ and Christ's promise of redemption. The themselves under mistletoe quickly put down their pine trees, decorated with apples, symbolized the weapons and made a temporary truce. In a related Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. custom, ancient Britons hung mistletoe in their door- Though such plays were later banned by the ways to keep evil away. Those who entered the house safely were given a welcome kiss. While the custom of church, the tradition of this Paradise Tree, or kissing under the mistletoe lost popularity in most other Paradeisbaum, was kept alive in individual homes. countries, it remained popular in England and the United People began to decorate the tree with wafers to States. represent the Eucharist; later these wafers evolved into cookies, cakes and fruit. As early as 1710, German immigrants from the Uninsured Motorist Coverage upper Rhine area may have set up the first Christ- By: Dennis Jupka, MACo Senior Claims Specialist mas tree in the United States, and certainly the custom was strengthened by the wave of German immi- If you are covered under the JPIA Liability gration that started around 1830. This German cus- manuscript Policy for you vehicles, persons are tom in turn probably sprang from two sources: the provided Uninsured Motorist Coverage for injury Paradise trees of the medieval miracle plays, and while occupying an insured vehicle. An uninsured the decorated wooden pyramid known as the motor vehicle means a land motor vehicle to which Weihnachtspyramide. no liability policy applies at the time of the accident, or a hit and run vehicle whose operator cannot be 2. Holly Holly identified. The limits of coverage are the statutory In ancient times holly was thought to be magical limit which is $25,000 per person, $50,000 total because of its shiny leaves and its ability to bear fruit occurrence. This coverage applies to drivers and in winter. Some believed it contained a syrup that passengers in the covered vehicle if the uninsured cured coughs; others hung it over their beds to pro- driver is legally liable for the injury. duce good dreams. Holly was a popular Saturnalia There is an exclusion to this coverage for gift among the Romans. The Romans later brought Workers Compensation. If the injured person holly to England, where it was also considered sa- receives or is eligible for Workers Compensation cred. In medieval times, holly, along with ivy, be- from which the county is liable, there is no coverage came the subject of many Christmas songs. Some under the uninsured motorist coverage. of these songs gave the holly and ivy sexual identi- Example; a deputy sheriff , while on patrol, is run ties (holly is male, ivy female), while other, more reli- into by an uninsured vehicle who ran a stop sign and gious songs and poems portray the holly berry as a the deputy is injured the county has Workers symbol of Christ. Compensation coverage which would cover the deputy. There would be no uninsured motorist 3. Ivy coverage for the deputy because he or she would be In pagan times ivy was closely associated with covered by the county’s Workers Compensation Bacchus, the god of wine, and played a big part in coverage. If the deputy was driving home, as all festivals in which he was featured. English tavern approved by the county, and was off duty there keepers eventually adopted ivy as a symbol and fea- would be uninsured motorist coverage as Workers tured it on their signs. Compensation coverage would not apply.

MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 23 MACo News 2012 Legal Holidays

Legal Holidays Observed

New Year’s Day……………………………….. Monday, January 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Day……………………. Monday, January 16 Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthday……….. Monday, February 20 Memorial Day………………………………….. Monday, May 28 Independence Day……………………………. Wednesday, July 4 Labor Day……………………………………… Monday, September 3 Columbus Day…………………………………. Monday, October 8 General Election Day…………………………. Tuesday, November 6 Veterans' Day………………………………….. Monday, November 12 Thanksgiving Day……………………………... Thursday, November 22 Christmas Day…………………………………. Tuesday, December 25

The staff at MACo Would like to wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

We are thankful for all of your support and look forward to a rewarding and successful 2012!

24 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 Around Our Counties Blaine County eradication of noxious to see much of it yet. tate the purchase of Anyone hauling trash and invasive weeds. I've been at a Weed brine anti-icing solution. to the Unified Disposal Esp received an Control Association This means trucks landfill on the south side Associate’s degree in Conference in Red can spray the salt water of US Highway 2 in range management, Lodge since I started on Flathead County Blaine County will find followed by a Bachelor with the County, so I’m roads before the snow the gates locked and the of Science degree in just barely starting to hits, creating a barrier lights out. Range Land Ecology learn my way around between the chip seal The new landfill near from MSU. She has town.‖ and the precipitation ac- Havre is open for busi- experience working in cording to Kyle DeMars, ness. weed control as a Flathead County maintenance chief of All of the equipment seasonal employee for Winter weather MDT’s Kalispell division. was moved from the old Sweet Grass County poses myriad chal- MDT refers to this as its landfill to the new land- and the Gallatin lenges fro road crews ―just in time tactic.‖ fill, which is about two National Forest. Her in Northwest Montana, The level of separa- mils south of the 80th family is in Big Timber. but next year crews will tion allows for easier Avenue turnoff from US Esp said she is ex- have a new weapon to plowing since the snow Highway 2 east of cited about landing a battle the snow and doesn’t stick to the rock, Havre atop Pork Chop full-time job here in ice. DeMars said. Hill. Blaine County resi- Fergus County. On November 1st, Brine solution is just dents also can access ―I have a feeling I’ll the Flathead County salt and water, DeMars the landfill from Clear be learning a lot and Commission signed a said, which is different Creek Road at the will like working here,‖ memorandum of un- from previously used Seidel turnoff. Esp said. ―Lewistown is derstanding with the magnesium chloride. The new landfill is a a pretty big town, but I State Department of MDT uses brine so- modern facility with all haven’t had a chance Transportation to facili- lution for highway main- the bells and whistles, including a large garage, maintenance, storage and office building complete with solar panels.

Fergus County The Fergus County 1624 12th Avenue North, Great Falls Weed Department has 406-791-8550 or 866-355-8550 hired an assistant weed coordinator. Jennifer Ellen Esp joined the Keep Emergency Bridges on Hand department as assistant weed coordinator in mid- October. Esp will be working USED RAILROAD FLATCARS full-time to assist with weed control programs developed by her boss, A GREAT ALTERNATIVE FOR Brady Cannon. Cannon himself is a new hire, LOW-VOLUME BRIDGES! arriving the beginning of October. The two will be responsible for carrying Contact: Steve Smith directly at 406-791-8549 out a variety of programs for the identification and MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 25 Around Our Counties tenance throughout the Bridge replacement pointed clerk and re- she plans to stick around state, DeMArs said project. corder in 1999. ―I Shelby. She hopes to Madison County Kent Atwood, State schmoozed my way spend time with her fam- On November 2nd hazard Mitigation Offi- in,‖ she joked. Al- ily and maybe even visit the Women’s Resource/ cer with the Agency though she had never Brook, one of three Community Support met with the Commis- worked in the clerk and daughters, in Nicaragua Center of Dillon pre- sioners and outlined recorder’s office be- where she lives. sented Deputy Ian Hal- the required proce- fore, she had a back- But as she looks lenius of the Madison dures for receiving the ground in bookkeeping back on her position for County Sheriff’s Depart- monies. The total pro- and a degree in ac- the last 12 years, Har- ment with a well j e c t e d c o s t i s counting, so she was a wood said, ―I thoroughly deserved honor. $309,256, with the natural fit for the job. enjoy serving the people During the spring of ―local share‖ of Come January 7, of Toole County and 2011, Deputy Hallenius $166,945 coming from Harwood will no longer appreciate the support responded to a life Treasure State Endow- be the clerk and re- they’ve given me.‖ threatening, domestic ment Program (TSEP) corder, but she said funds and other situation involving a mother and her two sources. The TSEP are small children. Recog- funds from the interest nizing the seriousness of of the coal trust fund the situation he called which is earmarked to the Resource Center's help local infrastructure 24/7 crisis line in an projects. effort to get the family to Brian Bender, safety. County Planner, will Executive Director, administer the grant. Kelly McIntosh, and the Pre-construction work Director of the Advocacy is required to begin and Safe Home Pro- within 90 days of the gram, Connie Bauers, approval of the FEMA presented a plaque for grant. Completion date service above and be- is October 30, 2014. yond the call of duty, for handling the situation Toole County with care, concern and After 12 years as sensitivity for the family. Toole County’s clerk Periodically, the Re- and recorder, Mary source Center will give Ann Harwood has de- this award to a law cided, ―I want to do enforcement officer who something different,‖ has gone beyond the so she is resigning her call of duty to help post as of January 6, victims of domestic 2012. Her successor violence and sexual has not been ap- assault. pointed yet, but the Toole County Commis- Powell County sioners are currently Powell County Com- listing the position, and missioners were notified one will be appointed last month that FEMA soon. had granted $142,411 Harwood was ap- for the Second Street 26 MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 Calendar of Events

December February 5 MACo Board of Directors Meeting - MACo 13 - 17 MACo Midwinter Conference - Billings 5 - 8 Elected Official Training - MACo 5 - 6 Legislative Finance Committee - Capitol Room 102 March 7 Legislative Council - Capitol Room 137 3 - 7 NACo Legislative Conference 7 - 9 NACo Board of Directors 8 - 9 Revenue and Transportation - Capitol Room 137 April 12 Legislative Consumer Cousel - Capitol Room 152 23 - 26 Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Conference - Helena 15 - 16 Law and Justice - Capitol Room TBA Red Lion Colonial Inn 26 MACo Office Closed for Christmas Holiday

January 2 MACo Office Closed for New Years Day Holiday 4 - 5 MACo HCT Trustees Strategic Planning 14 - 16 NCCAE President’s and Executive’s Meeting 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - MACo Office Closed 19 Economic Affairs Interim Committee 23 - 24 Education and Local Government Interim Committee

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MACo STAFF ASSOCIATE President MEMBERS Copper Member Connie Eissinger, McCone County Harold Blattie, Executive Director MDU Resources 1st Vice President Diamond Member Sheryl Wood, Associate Director WGM Group, Inc. Greg Chilcott, Ravalli County Arthur Gallagher Risk Pacific Technology 2nd Vice President Tom Swindle, Finance Officer Mgmt. Services Alliance Joe Briggs, Cascade County Karen Houston, Meeting Planner MT Dept. of Fiscal Officer Commerce Cynthia Johnson, Pondera County Sara McGowan, Accounting Technician AFFILIATE Gold Member MEMBER Urban Representative Shantil Siaperas, Legislative Coordinator Andy Hunthausen, Lewis & Clark County AT&T MT County Road Johnson Controls, Immediate Past President Sharon Wilson, Administrative Assistant Supervisors (MACRS) John Ostlund, Yellowstone County Inc. Greg Jackson, JPIA/JPA Trust Admin. Past Presidents Silver Members Thank you! Carl Seilstad, Fergus County Mike Sehestedt, Chief Legal Counsel Ameresco, Inc. Mike McGinley, Beaverhead County Maureen Lennon, Assoc. Legal Counsel John Prinkki, Carbon County Bronze Members Bill Kennedy, Yellowstone County Greg Bonilla, Assoc. Legal Counsel Dorsey & Whitney For information on how MT Correctional Carol Brooker, Sanders County to become an Associate Carol Knight, Legal Assistant Enterprises Vic Miller, Blaine County Member, visit our Kimberly Potter, Legal Assistant Gaelectric, LLC website at DISTRICT CHAIRS Emelia McEwen, Sr. Loss Control Great Plains Towers 1. Richard Dunbar, Phillips County McKinstry www.mtcounties.org 2. Douglas Buxbaum, Dawson County Specialist Morrison-Maierle Inc. or call 3. Donald Reiger, Fallon County Jack Holstrom, Personnel Svcs. Admin. (406)449-4360 4. Russ Tempel, Liberty County 5. Ben Ober, Toole County Keith Stapley, Claims Administrator 6. Ken Ronish, Fergus County Wendy Sesselman, WC Claims 7. Maureen Davey, Stillwater County 8. Gail Vennes, Broadwater County Supervisor 9. Randy Taylor, Park County Dennis Jupka, Senior Claims Specialist 2011 Directory of 10. Bill Barron, Lake County Bonnie Knopf, Data Specialist 11. Jean Curtiss, Missoula County Montana County 12. Tom Rice, Beaverhead County Christine Holling, Senior Claims Rep.

ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS Liz Krzan, Claims Rep. Officials Leo Gallagher, Lewis & Clark Co. Attorney Jan Denke, Claims Support Specialist Blanche McLure, Granite County Clerk & Recorder Alyce Bailey, Program Coordinator Order your copy today at Marilyn Craft, Jefferson County Pam Walling, Marketing Coordinator District Court Clerk www.mtcounties.org Steve Immenschuh, Granite County Laurie Goltry, Member Services Rep. Just $15.00! $7.50 Coroner Tom Beneventi, Custodian/Maintenance Gary Olsen, Broadwater County Justice of the Peace Diane Inbody, Teton County School Supt. MACo NEWS Leo Dutton, Lewis & Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office Jane Swanson-Webb Carbon County 449-4360 Fax: 442-5238 Treasurer [email protected] MACo News • Volume 40, Number 12 • December 2011 27