COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
September 2, 2021
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Bill Larson met with Commissioners for his weekly update. Discussed budgets.
10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon met with Commissioners for his weekly update. Discussion regarding finalizing the Industrial Communications Simulcast Radio System Settlement; waiting to get documents and the first payment from Industrial.
11:00 Kraig Pester, Tractor & Equipment Co. and Matt Eaton, RDO Equipment met with Commissioners for Motor Grader Bid Openings. 2 Bids received; both included bid bond and affidavit of non-collusion. Bids received as follows:
RDO 1) John Deere 2022 872 GP – Joystick Control; Base bid $374,000; optional trade less $82,000; Rear Ripper included; postless snow wing CapitalI $25,000, Little Falls $18,000; Blade v-plow $22,500, straight blade $18,000; circle option $15,000.
RDO 2) John Deere 2022 872 GP – Antler Control; Base bid $364,000; optional trade less $82,000; Rear Ripper included; postless snow wing CapitalI $25,000, Little Falls $18,000; Blade v-plow $22,500, straight blade $18,000; circle option $15,000.
Tractor & Equipment 1) Caterpillar 2022 160 AWD; Base bid $382,784; optional trade less $81,000; Rear Ripper $12,000; postless snow wing CapitalI $30,840; Blade v-plow $21,500, straight blade $17,000; circle option n/a.
11:10 Sheriff Josh McQuillan met with Commissioners to discuss budget cuts. Commissioners are looking to cut about $50,000 from the Public Safety fund to help balance the budget. Discussion regarding vehicle purchases, ammunition, non-lethal supplies, and expenses related to the Hells Angels event. Overtime and travel expenses related to the Hells Angels event were less than projected; those line items were lowered. In regard to vehicles, McQuillan noted the better trade/resale value of Tahoes over other makes and models; they are trying to rotate out deputy vehicles every 4-5 years with Sheriff and Undersheriff vehicles rotated every 8-10 years. Commissioners cut the purchase of one vehicle from the Public Safety Fund. Vehicles budgeted in 2020-2021 were backordered and did not arrive until the current fiscal year, with these two vehicles the department will have four (4) new vehicles in the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer