February 20, 2026, Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Pancratz. Commissioner Goffena and Commissioner Turley were present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve the agenda for the day after removing the DES Director and Coordinator for the day. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to approve February 13, 2026 minutes as written. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Norma Trent joined the meeting.
Public comment:
Ronelia Parry met with the Commissioners in support of and with some questions regarding the Musselshell County Council on Aging. (for more in-depth details go to our YouTube page on musselshellcounty.gov)
End of public comment.
Commissioner Turley made the motion to sign the March 15, 2025 Agreement with Catalyst for Change. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The Commissioners attended the MACo Conference in Billings from Monday February16 to February 18, 2026. They all met with both Senator Daines and Senator Sheehy’s representative at the conference.
Thursday February 19, 2026, Commissioner Pancratz attended a Snowy Mountain Development meeting in Lewistown.
County Attorney Todd-Rogers joined the meeting.
Under Sheriff Bednar gave a weekly report to the Commissioners. Jeremy House was also present. On February 17, 2026, Mr. Bednar attended a meeting regarding building a South-Central Regional Detention Facility that 4 Counties would be participating in and submitted a copy of the presentation to the Commissioners.
County Agent Cooley gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. There was judging for FFA this week. An intern program was discussed. Mr. Cooley would like to have a high school student and start at 18 hours a week.
DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook were unable to attend the meeting for the day but sent in their report of the week of February 13 to the 19, 2026. There were 53 office visits, 32 phone calls, 12 burn permits issued or renewed, 6 GIS/addressing activities, 2 calls for service and 2 meetings attended. The demolition of the Busy Bee is currently scheduled for the 2nd week of March 2026.
Gordon Kessler met with the Commissioners with a quote for employee medical insurance.
Ambulance Director Solberg gave a report to the Commissioners. The new phones are here and will be set up next week. Training should begin in approximately 2 weeks.
Marcie Brookie with Area II Agency on Aging met with the Commissioners regarding the Musselshell County Council on Aging. (for more in-depth details go to our YouTube page on musselshellcounty.gov)
Public comment:
The Commissioners unanimously agreed to nullify the contract that they signed last Friday with attorney Troy Bentson and instead enter into a contract with attorney Erin McCrady with Dorsey and Whitney in Missoula. This recommendation is based on the County Attorney’s suggestion and the recommendation from Karen Byrnes, Butte’s Community Development Director. Submitted by Theresa Doumitt.
End of public comment.
Fairgrounds Coordinator Tatman gave her weekly report to the Commissioners. There will be an Amish horse sale on June 6th, 2026. There is a bull riding event on July 31 or August 1, 2026.
There being no further business Commissioner Goffena made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Turley seconded the motion. Motion carried.
As always, for more in-depth details go to our YouTube page on musselshellcounty.gov .
Monday February 23 2026, Road Department meeting.
All Commissioners and Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert were present. The grader that the Coal Board helped pay for was delivered today. Mr. Stockert is gathering all the numbers for the purchase of a crusher. The crew has completed the course on running the crusher. They are looking at a gravel site in Melstone. Kyle Marshall joined the meeting with concern on the condition of Old Musselshell Road.
There was a meeting with the Road Department, DES and DNRC.