County government review underway

Every 10 years, residents across Montana are given the opportunity to hold a local government review. 

In June, Lincoln County voters opted for just that, and in November, five study commissioners were elected to office.

These reviews are unique to Montana and enshrined in the State Constitution. Their purpose is to evaluate the local government’s Form (i.e. organizational structure), Powers (i.e. what it can and cannot do), and Plan (terms of office, partisan vs. non partisan, etc.) to ensure it is responsive to community needs. 

In the event of shortcomings, a Study Commission can produce a ballot measure with recommended changes for voters to approve.

The County Study Commission has met four times since the November election. Members have appointed officers, created and approved governing bylaws, established a budget and drafted a study timeline.

The Study Commission is seeking your input on how our county government is performing. What’s working? What’s not? 

What changes to Form, Powers and Plan can be made to make it better? In the coming months, the Study Commission will hold public hearings and distribute surveys to gather your ideas.

“Feedback is critical for an effective review,” said Jennifer McCully, Chair for the Lincoln County Study Commission. “Your input can help facilitate a more responsive county government.”

Meeting locations, agendas, minutes and contact information for the Study Commission can be found on the Lincoln County web page. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month and the public is always welcome to attend in person or remotely. 

“We look forward to hearing from you,” McCully said.