Highlights 2-3 2014-2015 MACo Committees List 4 John Esp Joins MACo 5-6 Robert s Rules of Order 7-11 NACo News 12 Commissioner Profile 13 Emelia s Safety Corner 16 HCT News 19 SRS Update 21-22 Around our Counties 23 Calendar of Events THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS Vol. 44, No. 1 January 2015 Comments by Dave Schulz, MACo President Congratulations to the new Elected Commissioners and other Elected Officials throughout the state. Early in December, MACo held the New Commissioner training once again. There was a great representation of newly elected officials and commissioners from around Montana. I wish to congratulate each of you on the success of your election, your desire to participate in this role in the operation of your county government and your insight to learn more about the challenge you just undertook by joining in this training. Talking with a number of the participants through the training, I heard time and time again that there is much more to this role than they ever expected. So, stay open minded as you move into the next year and remember there is an entire state of resources in the same position to help if or when you need it. This does remind me to give a big THANK YOU to those friends in county government that are stepping down from your elected position. Your commitment to the job and friendship with each of us still there will not be forgotten. Few out there really know the depth of what we, in the county elected world, really do or go through each day. Your years of service are appreciated. In December, MACo also assisted with the Local Government Review workshop held at MSU. A number of counties, as well as many towns and cities, have voted to consider the form of government they are operating under. Over 100 persons from counties and towns elected to be on their respective review committee were in attendance. Again, we interacted with a number of great people stepping up to understand and involve themselves in the operation of their government entity. Thanks to Dan Clark and Local Government Services for providing this high level of training on a very complex topic. MACo Executive Director Blattie and I attended the Five State President and Executive Director retreat in Big Sky recently. We interacted on numerous topics that each state and organization are involved in. It was a great opportunity for me to acquaint with Presidents and Execs from the other states as we do have a lot in common and will be interacting numerous times during my tenure. I found it interesting that, although as organizations we serve the same purpose, there is really very little similarity in exactly how that is achieved. Early in January Presidents and Executives from across the nation will join in DC for a similar and yet much larger interaction. That report will be down the road. I also want to offer a reminder to stay informed on the status of Congress as they continue to consider Secure Rural Schools funding to the counties across the country. Our letters and calls have kept this topic hot on their minds and it is imperative that we persist to get it reauthorized and preferably for an extended period so this fight or discussion can be put to rest for a while. I am also going to take the opportunity here to say thanks to the MACo staff for all you do to make our counties and organization best in the country. The MACo organization and the Trusts do an outstanding service for each of us. Ask any agency, legislator or organization in Montana. The respect and appreciation is real. Thanks go to Harold and the entire crew. As 2014 comes to an end, I hope you had a Very Safe and Merry Christmas. Looking forward to the New Year, get ready! Many of you will be called upon to participate in the legislative process at some time. Remember that Counties do matter! We are closest to the people! Enjoy 2015!! MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 1
2 MACo News 2014 2015 MACo Committee List Agriculture Committee Maureen Davey - Chair Larry Hendrickson - Vice Chair Bruce Christofferson Keith Clawson Gerald Dell Robert Goffena Jim Hodgskiss Tucker Hughes Bob Lee Rem Mannix Mark Peterson Tom Rice Dave Schulz Herb Townsend Maureen Wicks Janet Wolff Sandy Youngbauer Amy Adler (MT Weed Control Assoc. Rep) Harold Blattie Stillwater Liberty Phillips Sheridan Stillwater Musselshell Teton Judith Basin Rosebud Powell Hill Beaverhead Madison Meagher Liberty McCone Fergus Rosebud MACo Executive Director Community, Economic Development & Labor Committee Joe Briggs - Chair Cascade Deb Brandon - Vice Chair Toole Nicole Borner Musselshell Pam Holmquist Flathead Gary Macdonald Roosevelt Ron Ostberg Teton Teddy Robertson Garfield Don Seifert Gallatin Russ Tempel Liberty Connie Ternes-Daniels Anaconda-Deer Lodge Clint Tinsley Park Matt Vincent Butte-Silver Bow Darold Zimmer Shantil Siaperas Powder River MACo Leg. Analyst & Communication Specialist Conference Planning Committee Susie Mosness - Chair Joe Briggs - Host 2019 Jean Curtiss - Host 2015 & 2018 Maureen Davey Andy Hunthausen - Host 2020 Jim Reno - Host 2016 Joe Skinner - Host 2017 Harold Blattie Sheryl Wood Karen Houston Sweet Grass Cascade Missoula Stillwater Lewis & Clark Yellowstone Gallatin MACo Executive Director MACo Associate Director MACo Meeting Planner John Prinkki - Chair Allan Underdal - Vice Chair Bryan Adolph Tom Bennett Sandra Broesder Jeff Burrows Gerald Dell Bob Faw Shane Gorder Doug Martens Richard Moe James Moos Bill Randash Morris Spannagel Harold Blattie Energy Committee Carbon Toole Musselshell Wheatland Pondera Ravalli Stillwater Sweet Grass Richland Rosebud Wheatland McCone Fallon Treasure MACo Executive Director Health & Human Services Committee Carl Seilstad - Chair Fergus Jim Hart - Vice Chair Madison Deanna Bockness Prairie Gale Decker Lake Elaine Graveley Broadwater Janice Hoppes Pondera Andy Hunthausen Lewis & Clark Bill Kennedy Yellowstone Susie Mosness Sweet Grass Bob Mullen Jefferson Laura Obert Broadwater Bruce Peterson Valley Nicole Rowley Missoula Jane Weber Cascade Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Director Justice & Public Safety Committee Bill Barron - Chair Lake Laura Obert - Vice Chair Broadwater Mike DesRosier Glacier Sidney Fitzpatrick Big Horn Susan Good-Giese Lewis & Clark Garth Haugland Beaverhead Ed Joiner Rosebud Kevin Krausz Custer Jim Reno Yellowstone Daren Schuster Chouteau Dennis Shupak Stillwater Duane Simons Mineral Alan Stempel McCone Terry Vermeire Anaconda-Deer Lodge Sheryl Wood MACo Associate Dir. MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News 2014 2015 MACo Committee List Land Use & Development Committee Resolutions & Legislative Committee (continued) Joe Skinner - Chair J.R. Iman - Vice Chair Ann Brower Ross Butcher Doug Buxbaum Jean Curtiss Kevin Hart Gary Krueger Charles Kulbeck Ron Nye Dan Sager Doug Schallenberger Jason Strouf Pam Converse (MT Weed Control Assoc. Rep) Tara DePuy Harold Blattie Public Lands Committee Lesley Robinson - Chair Carol Brooker - Vice Chair Dean Blomquist Greg Chilcott Jim Courtney Todd Devlin Jim Hodgskiss Laurie Johnston Chris King Greg Larson Marty Malone Mike McGinley Mike Murray Mark Peck Mike Wendland Donna Young Scott Bockness (MT Weed Control Assoc. Rep) Harold Blattie Gallatin Ravalli Lake Fergus Dawson Missoula Anaconda-Deer Lodge Flathead Blaine Madison Powell Ravalli Custer Pondera MACo JPIA MACo Executive Director Phillips Sanders Golden Valley Ravalli Carter Prairie Teton Mineral Petroleum Lincoln Park Beaverhead Lewis & Clark Lincoln Hill Powell Big Horn MACo Executive Director Resolutions & Legislative Committee John Prinkki Dave Reinhardt Jim Reno Lesley Robinson Dave Schulz Carl Seilstad Joe Skinner Harold Blattie Sheryl Wood Shantil Siaperas Carbon Valley Yellowstone Phillips Madison Fergus Gallatin MACo Executive Director MACo Associate Director MACo Leg. Analyst & Communication Specialist Tax, Budget & Finance Committee Mike McGinley - Chair Joe Briggs Ann Brower Maureen Davey Todd Devlin Bob Mullen Bill Nyby Jim Reno Dave Schulz Allan Underdal Harold Blattie Sheryl Wood Kathy Johnson Beaverhead Cascade Lake Stillwater Prairie Jefferson Sheridan Yellowstone Madison Toole MACo Executive Director MACo Associate Director MACo Finance Director Transportation Committee John Ostlund - Chair Yellowstone Richard Dunbar - Vice Chair Phillips Frank DePriest Blaine John Grewell Carbon Keith Holmlund Custer Duane Mitchell Richland Joseph Pehan Toole George Real Bird III Big Horn Mike Miller MT DOT (MT Weed Control Assoc. Rep) Harold Blattie MACo Executive Director` Mike Murray - Chair Bill Barron Joe Briggs Maureen Davey Todd Devlin Mike McGinley John Ostlund Lewis & Clark Lake Cascade Stillwater Prairie Beaverhead Yellowstone MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 3
MACo News MACo Committee Appointments 2014-2015 Committees are essential to our Association s operation, as they represent the interests of the members and serve to guide the operations of the Association. MACo has 11 Committees that meet a minimum of twice a year, at the Annual and Midwinter conferences. Annually, the MACo President appoints committee members based on interest of the membership. President Schulz, along with the assistance of the MACo Executive Committee and others, completed the appointments to MACo Committees. These appointments were based on requests from the membership as indicated on the biography form. You should have already received your committee appointments in the mail. If you were not appointed as a member of a committee, you are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in all committee meetings. John Esp Joins MACo By Harold Blattie, MACo Executive Director Former State Representative and Senator, John Esp will be assisting MACo s lobbying efforts during the 2015 Legislative Session as an independent contractor. John s history as a legislator started in 2001 where he served one term in the House, followed by four terms in the Senate before returning to the House in 2011. During John s tenure as a legislator he served in the House on the Taxation, Local Government, Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Rules and Appropriations Committees. While in the Senate he served on Finance and Claims, Local Government, Public Health and Welfare, Business and Labor, Energy and Telecommunications and Rules Committees. His record as a legislator speaks for itself and it was our pleasure to work closely with him on many bills and funding issues. Time and again, he demonstrated that he is a true friend of local government. John s primary area of focus will be on Health and Human Services legislation with some carry over into taxation. As a former legislator, John will add to the strength of our overall lobbying efforts and has long demonstrated his ability to work effectively with both Republicans and Democrats. 4 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
Robert s Rules of Order: Ten Myths about Parliamentary Procedure Thousands of meetings occur every day, many claiming to follow Robert s Rules of Order when transacting business. How is it we know so little about this book that s so essential to meetings? In this guide are ten well-known facts about Robert s Rules of Order. But as Mark Twain warned, It ain t what you don t know that gets you into trouble. It s what you know for sure that just ain t so. Myth #1: Parliamentary Procedure Doesn t Matter Most organizations dictate that a certain parliamentary book will be followed when transacting business. State laws often require that certain groups (governmental bodies, homeowner and condominium associations, nonprofits) follow specific rules or even Robert s Rules during meetings. Ignoring or incorrectly applying these procedures can lead to embarrassment, hard feelings, and even lawsuits. MACo News should be like clothes they should fit the organization they are meant to serve. Most parliamentary manuals provide that board meetings and membership meetings are conducted differently. Large meetings must be fairly formal. However, formality can hinder business in smaller bodies. As a result, Robert s recommends less formal rules for small boards and committees that include: No seconds to motions. No limits on debate. The chair can debate and vote. Smaller boards that dislike this informality may wish to follow more formal procedures. Even informal boards may choose to be more formal on important or controversial matters. Myth #4: Seconds Always Matter A second to a motion implies that at least one other person wants to discuss the motion. If there is no second, there should be no further action on the proposal, so seconds have their place. However, after any debate on an issue, the lack of a second is irrelevant. Seconds from the floor aren t even required in smaller boards or on motions from committees. Myth #2: Any Robert s Will Do There are lots of books with Robert s Rules in the title. However, most of these books are earlier editions of Robert s or knock-offs. There s only one official Robert s Rules. The current book is Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th Edition), published in 2011. If you follow the latest edition of Robert s, this is your book. Each new edition brings changes to procedure (the 11th Edition has 120 listed changes.) Myth #3: Rules Are the Same for All Meetings Rules aren t one-size-fits all. Problems are common when large meetings behave too informally or small meetings behave too formally. Rules Myth #5: Debate and a Formal Vote Are Required Many noncontroversial matters can be resolved without debate through general or unanimous consent. Using this method, the presiding officer asks, Is there any objection to? For example, Is there any objection to ending debate? If no one objects, you re done. Debate is closed. If a member objects, the matter is resolved with a motion and vote. Unanimous consent allows an assembly to move quickly through non-contested issues. Myth #6: The Maker of a Motion Gets to Speak First and Last The maker of a motion has the right to speak first to a proposal. Continued on page 6... MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 5
Robert s Rules of Order: Continued from page 5... After that, the maker has no more rights to speak than other members. In fact, the maker cannot speak a second time unless everyone else who wishes to speak to the issue has had a chance. Myth #7: Old Business Opening up the floor to Old Business is not proper parliamentary procedure, and should never be done. First, Old Business is not a parliamentary term; second, it suggests a revisiting of any old thing ever discussed. The correct term to use is Unfinished Business, which makes clear that you are referring to specific items carried over from the previous meeting. A presiding officer never needs to ask, Is there any Unfinished Business? but simply states the question on the first item. Annual meetings generally have no unfinished business. Myth #8: Yelling Out Question! Stops Debate The Previous Question (or motion to close debate) is often handled wrong. Shouting Question! from the back of the room is not only bad form, it s ineffective. The motion to close debate is just another motion. A member wanting to close debate must be recognized by the chair. The Previous Question requires a second and a two-thirds vote. Only the assembly decides when to end debate. Myth #9: Lay on the Table Kills Sticky Issues The motion to Lay on the Table temporarily delays a matter when some other urgent issue has arisen. Once the urgent matter is over, the group can resume the tabled matter. Because the motion to Table is undebatable and only requires a majority vote, it should not be used to get rid of a matter. Robert s provides that the motion is out of order if the intent is to kill or MACo News avoid dealing with a measure. Myth #10: The Chair Rules the Meeting The chair is the servant of the assembly, not its master. Put another way, the chair can only get away with what the assembly allows. If the rules of the assembly are being violated, any member can raise a Point of Order. Once the chair rules on the Point of Order, a member can Appeal from the decision of the chair. If seconded, the Appeal takes the parliamentary question away from the chair and gives it to the assembly. The assembly is the ultimate decider of all procedural issues. If you lead or attend meetings that conduct business, you should learn at least the basics of Robert s Rules of parliamentary procedure. The benefits of a well-run meeting go beyond legal concerns. Proper procedure can turn long, confrontational meetings into short, painless ones. Eliminating these myths and educating your membership will bring your meetings more in line with proper procedure and result in shorter, more effective meetings. Have a great meeting! By: Jim Slaughter, author of The Complete Idiot s Guide to Parliamentary Procedure Fast-Track. MACo Conferences 2015 Midwinter Conference February 9-12 - Red Lion Colonial Hotel, Helena 2015 Annual Conference September 20-24 - Holiday Inn, Missoula 6 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News NACo Explorer - Mapping Data This past summer, the National Association of Counties (NACo) unveiled its latest map interactive tool, the Explorer available at www.naco.org/countyexplorer. It is a one-stop-shop for county data and profiles for each and every of the 3,069 U.S. counties, while incorporating city-county searches and other queries. This is an upgraded version of the previous NACo database Intelligence Connections (CIC), with the addition of familiar Find a county searches available on the NACo website. What the user can find on NACo s Explorer? The map is available for free to NACo members and other users interested in county information. It is easy to access either going through the regular NACo website at www.naco.org/countyexplorer or going directly to explorer.naco.org. The interactive allows the users to map county data from more than 70 datasets and 500 county indicators for the latest year available. The indicators range from county finance and demographics to the number of bridges and roads in a county. What users notice first when accessing the Explorer is the colorful, interactive U.S. county map. The interactive guides users to visualize data and benchmark counties quickly by color. First, the user needs to select an indicator by clicking on the top left-hand side corner Map an Indicator. For example, how many county-owned bridges are in each county? By selecting the Transportation category in Map an Indicator, then hover over Bridges and click on All Bridges- Owned, the user can see the map of the number of county-owned bridges and click on any county to see specific data at the county level. Beyond the individual county data, the map shows how counties compare with each other on a specific indicator. The darker the color on the map, the higher up is the county in the rankings on that indicator. Most often, the five colors in the legend show the bottom 20 percent, the following 20 percent up to the top 20 percent of counties for the mapped indicator. The legend placed at the bottom right hand side of the map explains not only what the colors on the map represent, but also the year of the data and the name of the indicator. Further, below the map, Explorer has the list of the definitions for the indicators shown on the map. Continued on page 8... MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 7
MACo News NACo Explorer - Mapping Data Continued from page 7... The Explorer allows users to see two indicators for a county simultaneously. For example, a user might want to see the number of county-owned bridges and the share of county households within $10,000- $24,999 income bracket. To see the second indicator, the user needs to click on Compare an Indicator tab in the top right-hand corner and select the appropriate category, in this example, Economy, then Household Income, and click on Percent of Households with Income Between $10,000- $24,999. The interactive tool also incorporates the information available through NACo s Find a. The user may locate a county on the map directly by clicking on the location of that specific county or typing in the name of the county in the search box in the top right hand corner. In case the user wants to find out the county in which a city or a township is located, she would click on the top right corner on the City Search, type in the name of the City in the search box and the interactive tool will pinpoint the county on the map. The State Search button provides the user the ability to see a list of all the counties in a state with some of the basic county info. In addition, by double-clicking on any county on the Explorer map, a user can find the names of the county officials in a county and other county government information. Explorer is a do-it-yourself tool, allowing any user that has a computer or a tablet and an Internet connection to access county information and maps any time of day. elected and staff can use the Explorer in their daily work or strategic planning, communication and advocacy activities. The data provided for each county for the wide range of available indicators and the ability to see the figures for any of the other county in the country can help county officials in making decisions in their activities. Also, users can use the map images in their materials and presentations, as long as they attribute all images to NACo Research. On Windows computers, the user should press the Print Screen button on the computer keyboard to copy an image of the screen with the Explorer map displayed. Then paste it into Paint, MS Word or another program to crop the map part of the image. On a Mac computer, the user should press the Cmd key plus the Shift key plus the number 4 key and then click and drag across the area they want to copy. After releasing the mouse, the image is saved to the desktop. Continued on page 9... 8 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News NACo Explorer - Mapping Data Continued from page 8... For advocacy purposes and not only, the Explorer includes a category of printable county profiles on specific topics such as Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), the estimated cost for counties of the removal of the federal exemption of municipal bond interest and profiles of county economies. For PILT profiles, the user would select Map an Indicator, select Profiles, then PILT and click on PILT Profiles. Clicking on any county on the map or typing the name of a county in the search box in the top right-hand corner, will allow the user to see the one page printable PILT profile for the selected county. Because these PDF profiles show up as an additional webpage, the user needs to ensure that her web browser allows popups. specific profiles can prove a useful tool for county leaders and decision makers with in-depth looks at specific areas of concern. The Explorer map has a companion data query tool- Explorer Extraction Tool, useful for more sophisticated data users. For a paid annual subscription, users can access data files of the data shown on the map and also previous years of data starting with 2000, to build their own trends and rankings. An user interested in purchasing a subscription would need to click on the top right corner Access more data button, click on the here button in the following popup and fill out their info in the box showing up by clicking Contact for Price for an Account. The user will receive a follow up email with the price of the subscription and the license agreement. Every month, NACo updates the Explorer map and the extraction tool with new years of data and additional datasets. Users accessing the Explorer page are met by the latest monthly update and the announcement for the following month update. For example, in November, the NACo Research Department who maintains the database, added to Explorer 2013 Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding and the 2014 number of arts-related establishments. In December, the Explorer will gain 2013 education attainment data. To be alerted when new data has been added, users should plug in their email address in Sign up for our monthly update here in the welcome box showing up on the Explorer. The Explorer is one of the latest NACo products and it is a continuous work-in-progress. This is a product that can bring value-added to our members and others who work on behalf of counties. Our hope is that as many NACo members will utilize the Explorer and join us in building a more useful and effective tool. MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 9
MACo News NACo Board adopts legislative priorities By Tom Goodman, Public Affairs Director The NACo Board of Directors approved an $18.8 million budget for FY15, adopted legislative priorities for the coming year and reviewed a strategic blueprint that will guide future activities for the association during its meeting Dec. 5 and 6 in Maui, Hawaii NACo Legislative Priorities 2015 Tax Reform: NACo supports the preservation of the federal deductibility of local property and income taxes and the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds that provide critical funding for public facilities, infrastructure and development. Protecting the Federal-State-Local Partnership for Medicaid: NACo supports maintaining the federalstate-local structure for financing and delivering Medicaid services. Counties continue to be concerned about measures that would further shift federal and state Medicaid costs to counties, including cuts, caps or block grants. Transportation Reauthorization: NACo urges Congress to fix the Highway Trust Fund and pass a multiyear surface transportation bill that would provide funding certainty for counties. Marketplace Fairness Act: NACo supports legislative initiatives that permit the collection of existing sales and use taxes from remote sellers. Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Secure Rural Schools: NACo supports extending full mandatory funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and legislative efforts to reform and fund the expired Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Waters of the U.S. Proposed Rule: NACo has raised concerns over the scope of the proposed rule as released by EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, including its potential impact on county-owned and maintained public safety infrastructure and has called on the federal government to withdraw the proposal until further analysis has been completed. Immigration Reform: NACo supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a modernized legal immigration system, establishes a temporary worker program, provides an earned path to citizenship and enhances border security. 10 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News Your Company s Hidden Security Weakness: Your Home Wireless Source: DIS Technology News As a business owner who also spends time working from home, do you make assumptions about your home s wireless network security? Between your home and business, chances are your home wireless security is lacking. This can prove to be a serious liability. Photo by Tom Goodman, NACo Public Affairs Director From left to right: Judy Shiprack, commissioner, Multnomah, Ore., offers her opinion during a panel discussion on the results of a poll conducted by NACo staff to ascertain Board members views on a number of topics. Also serving on the panel were Mary Ann Borgeson, commission chair, Douglas, Neb.; and Mike McGinley, Beaverhead, Mont. WiFi security at home tends to be more lax. It isn t something business owners worry about. You feel safe at home and you might assume since your business s network is locked down tight, your data is secure. When an intruder wants to access your business s proprietary information, they re going to search for the easiest point of entry. That is often the home. Intruders are looking for information they can profit from, including financial and identity-related documents. The fact is, there are people who roam around searching for unprotected or poorly protected wireless access. Never assume your data personal or business isn't accessible. You may inadvertently share critical data without realizing it. You may share files among colleagues and employees and simply forget to turn off sharing permissions. You may place documents and files in a publicly accessible folder. Data-sharing is convenient when you need it, but a liability when it s readily accessible. NACo Webinars What can you do to protect yourself and your company assets? February 12, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM MST (General Audience) The Excise Tax on High-Cost Health Insurance and Your Be aware of when you re sharing data. If you have any files in a public folder, move them to a more secure location. Use a strong password for all your wireless networks. A string of letters, numbers and symbols about 14 characters long is ideal. Learn what the excise tax on high-cost health insurance (also known as the Cadillac Tax ) is and what it means for your county. With constrained county budgets and rising health care costs, the tax may significantly impact your county employees, budgets and taxpayers. Counties cannot afford to wait until 2018 to develop a strategic solution. The speakers will share what strategies counties can begin to take to mitigate their liability. Use WPA2 security. Make sure your router is set up correctly. If you are using WEP or WPA security, change it as soon as possible. Change your network s name (SSID). Routers include a default name, and keeping the default tells potential intruders lax security measures may be in place. And ask yourself how protected your network and your data really is. MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 11
Commissioner Profile Mark Peterson Hill Spouses name and time together: Nancy, married 30 years, she passed in 2007. Children s name and ages: I have two boys, Kody age 41, Gabe, its suicide to say, Laramie 10, Kage 6, Kacn 2 and Kyle age 39, Kodi, its suicide to tell, Payton 17, and Paij 14. Occupation and years at current occupation: Commissioner - 2 years Profession before current occupation: Farmer, also spent time as a CPR/ First Responder Instructor, EMT, Law Enforcement, Water Plant Operator, Fireman, 20 years on the board for MSU College of Ag Experiment Station Advisory Board, 14 year on CARET (Council On Ag Research Extension and Teaching), life member of RAD (Rural Area Development), Past President of the Montana Pulse Growers Association, Hill Seed Growers Association, Past Secretary of Hill Electric, Charter member of Hill Weed District, served on the local chapters of Rocky Mountain Elk, Pheasants Forever, Montana Farmers Union, 4-H, 30 plus years working with Northern Ag Research Center on off station plots and other research projects. Was involved with the beginning of the Integrated Pest Management program, very active supporting MSU Northern, Montana State Class A Singles Champion in trap shooting in 2012. Placed in the top 20 of the Governors Law Enforcement shoot in handguns, Master Distinguished in small bore rifle, and many others that I cannot remember. MACo News Surprising facts about you: I am shy Most adventurous thing you ve ever done: Scuba dive with the sharks Favorite TV show: I watch very little TV A turning point in your life: I have made so many twists and turns - not really sure what direction I am headed. A book you have read twice (or more): Kow Kuntry Kid, (short stories about the early years in their way of speaking) by local author Bill (Army) Armstrong. The job you wanted at age 18: I was offered a job with Cenex Refinery at Inver Grove Heights in Minn. out of high school but stayed home because Dad was not well and my draft number was high. Favorite movie: I watch very few movies Person(s) who had the biggest influence on you/ your life, and why: My Dad, he taught me how to appreciate communities and how they can work together. How to give back, and how to look at both sides and the cause and effect of everything we do. How to keep an open mind. Garfield Peterson, my neighbor, helped me survive when Dad passed away. My boys, they have given me the greatest gift that a child can give their parents - GRANKIDS. If I would have known how special they would be I would have had more kids even after having Kyle. Gregg R. Carlson, taught me many things about research, growing crops and working with people, community service, and much more...this relationship is over 40 years. Education: Some college, some on the job training Biggest challenge you ve ever faced: Dealing with Mother Nature and Health Insurance Mark kissing a pig to raise money for children's books at the library Two people, alive or not, you would like to have dinner with: Nancy and my two sons 12 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
Emelia s Safety Corner Safety tip of the Month BE A SAFETY LEADER Every day we influence the people around us in a positive or negative way by what we say or don t say, do or don t do. Being around people who encourage and practice safety creates a safer environment for everyone. People who are careless or don t feel they have time for safety create an unsafe environment in which to work. New county employees will watch the older employees and take their cues from what they do. No matter how much training new employees are given, if the more experienced workers around them are not practicing safe work habits, eventually the new employees will follow them, putting themselves and possibly others in danger. Same is true when a county has a supervisor who takes short cuts and does not follow safe work practices. The employees will soon shadow their so called leader. No matter what your position is, you can be a safety leader by quietly doing what s right and by recommending that others do the same. If someone asks your opinion about whether a safety precaution is necessary, be a promoter. You could be saving their life. Make sure that you: MACo News Don t take shortcuts Use guards and safety devices Focus on what you are doing don t get distracted Remember that not only your co-workers, but supervisors and visitors will observe what you do. Sloppy habits reflect a sloppy operation and make a poor impression. Be a safety leader. You will stay safe, and you can help others stay safe too. MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 13
*2015* MACo News Montana s minimum wage increases 15 cents Mileage reimbursement rate for auto is at 57.5 cents per mile, up from 56 cents. This rate applies for the first 1,000 in a calendar month. Miles over that are reimbursed at 3 cents less. 14 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
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MACo HCT News IT S ALL ABOUT TRUST 16 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 17
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 Commercial Insurance Prices Increase 3% in the Third Quarter Source: Business Wire, 12/8/2014 The decline in pricing level increases halts, after five consecutive quarters of moderation ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Commercial insurance prices increased by a modest 3% in aggregate during the third quarter of 2014, according to the latest Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey (CLIPS) conducted by global professional services company Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW). Price changes remained at nearly the same level as last quarter, after five consecutive quarters of moderation in the rates of increases. The survey compares carriers pricing on policies underwritten during the third quarter of 2014 to those underwritten in the same quarter of 2013. Price increases are similar to those from the previous quarter for most commercial lines, but carriers reported continuing moderation in workers compensation, and some of the specialty lines surveyed were offset by stabilization in property. The employment practices liability line reported the largest price increases, followed by commercial auto. Price increases for most commercial lines registered in the low single digits. Commercial property data indicated flat pricing following a slight price decrease one quarter ago. Survey results indicated more moderate price increases for large and specialty accounts compared to small and mid-market accounts. After many quarters of moderation in price increases, we are seeing a lull, said Alejandra Nolibos, director in Towers Watsons Americas P&C practice. We are seeing this for many of the lines surveyed, but I would highlight property. Last quarter, we noted price changes for that class had reached negative territory; recent data, however, indicate flat pricing. Increases in workers compensation pricing, on the other hand, continue to moderate. The survey noted that loss ratios improved 2% for accident-year-to-date 2014, relative to the same period in 2013 (excluding catastrophes), as earned price increases continued to offset reported claim cost inflation for many lines. This trend builds on an estimated improvement of nearly 6% between 2012 and 2013. In aggregate, carriers reported relatively flat claim cost inflation for accident-year 2013 and approximately 2% for 2014 year to date. About CLIPS CLIPS data are based on both new and renewal business figures obtained directly from carriers underwriting the business. CLIPS participants represent a cross section of U.S. property & casualty insurers that includes many of the top 10 commercial lines companies and the top 25 insurance groups in the U.S. This particular survey compared prices charged on policies underwritten during the third quarter of 2014 to the prices charged for the same coverage during the same quarter in 2013. For the most recent survey, data were contributed by 43 participating insurers representing approximately 20% of the U.S. commercial insurance market (excluding state workers compensation funds). 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. 18 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Update MACo News advocates. This is tremendously good news and we should all be very grateful. We have many people to thank for securing this assurance including: Greg Walden and his staff The NFCSC Board would like to take the opportunity to outline for coalition members the current state of events and to acknowledge all the hard and dedicated work by many of you, Members of Congress, and numerous Congressional staffers. It has been challenging and at times frustrating but there are many, many good people interested in doing the right thing for our communities and our kids and we wish to acknowledge those efforts. As it stands, Secure Rural Schools (SRS) is not currently extended for a payment this year. That had been our singular goal as Congress worked on the recent Omnibus legislative package. Senate offices led primarily by Senator Ron Wyden (original sponsor of SRS) had sought and received clearance from interested House offices (most especially our longtime champion Representative Greg Walden) of an offset that would have provided funding for SRS to be included in the Omnibus. We want to underscore that our Republican champions in the House were actively involved in helping secure clearance for this offset to move the process forward. Unfortunately, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) did not agree to score the offset due to its nature. The NFCSC Board, led by President Paul Pearce, wishes to apologize for not adequately acknowledging House Republican Leadership and specifically our House champions who have been very supportive of our efforts to seek a one year extension on SRS. The NFCSC board recognizes how essential it is that we work collaboratively and in good will with all stakeholders and all elements of Congress to make, retroactive reauthorization of SRS for FY 2014 with funding for this year, and beyond a reality. In December, it appears an agreement was reached to move forward on a one year SRS extension in January 2015, thanks to the hard work of our House Jaime Herrera Beutler and her staff Cathy McMorris Rodgers and her staff Speaker John Boehner and staff Rob Bishop and staff Kevin Mcarthy and staff Chris Stewart and staff As we look to January, it is imperative we stay focused on getting SRS reauthorized and funded. The NFCSC board and President Pearce are intent on doubling our efforts in the coming months to make this happen. In order to accomplish this we will be collecting the data and stories that we know are important tools to use in making the case for SRS extension and funding. This coalition has a long history of using grassroots advocacy to help paint a picture for Congress of what truly is at stake in our rural communities funding for schools, counties, libraries, services, etc. We must tell this story, provide the evidence and make sure our champions (in both the House and the Senate) have all the means necessary to get the extension we must have. Thanks for you participation and all you do for your communities! All our best, National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition Board of Directors c/o Siskiyou Office of Education 609 South Gold Street, Yreka, CA 96097 530.842.8400 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 19
Around Our Counties MACo Midwinter Conference February 9-12, 2015 Registration is now open Please go to our website: www.mtcounties.org for hotel information and to register 2015 DIRECTORY OF MONTANA COUNTY OFFICIALS Available February The 2015 edition of the Directory of Montana Officials will be available February This little book is a MUST HAVE! There are significant changes and updates in this years directory You may pre-order your directory by going to our website: www.mtcounties.org Price remains the same at $15.00 20 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
Around Our Counties Beaverhead The Beaverhead Museum Association is seeking donations to help the museum gain more storage space to safeguard the facility's precious artifacts when they are not on display. To accomplish this, the group intends to construct a new building-with an historical facade-in the empty lot at 12 S. Montana Street across from the Museum. But it needs help in the form of donations for the ambitious project. You can help out be sending a taxdeductible donation to The Beaverhead Museum Association, PO Box 26S, Dillon, MT 59725. Dawson A new residential subdivision is in the works just out- side of Glendive. The Dawson Commissioners unanimously approved the Deer Creek Estates major subdivision in December. The new subdivision consists of 120 acres across the Deer Creek Road from Deer Creek School. There are a total of 12 lots in the subdivision. One already has a single-family residence on it. The rest of the property is open fields. Scott Woodward, owner of the Yellowstone River Inn in Glendive, is the property owner and subdivision applicant. He said in addition to the existing house, there will be room to build 10 new singlefamily homes once all the work is completed to make the lots ready for sale. That work consists of finalizing all the subdivision paperwork with the county and state, building an access road, which will be gravel and culminate in a cul-de-sac, and putting in utility lines. "I would say probably this spring sometime, we'll have it done," Woodward said. Woodward noted that the cost of doing a residential subdivision has been a "detriment to anyone" looking to do one because they couldn't sell the lots for enough to recoup their costs. He added he believes it's been nearly 25 years since the last major residential subdivision was developed in or around Glendive. `However, with Glendive's housing crunch and the rising demand for new housing in the area, Woodward believes he can make the subdivision work financially. "I think there's a little bit of a need," he said. "I saw a good opportunity and it's a great location." Flathead The Flathead Solid Waste District is consolidating its recycling program and will phase out recycling bins at four green-box collection sites starting Jan. 1. Blue recycling bins will remain at the Columbia Falls, Creston, Somers and county landfill waste collection sites. Recycling won't be an option any longer at the Ashley Lake, Bigfork, Coram or Lakeside green-box sites. However, Bigfork will have its recycling containers reinstalled once a new green-box site is completed by next fall, according to Flathead Public Works Director Dave Prunty. "We anticipate the exact same thing in Lakeside, but it will be a couple of years out because we're working through the Montana Department of Transportation to lease more land," he said. Both Bigfork and Lakeside green-box sites had been slated for consolidation, but after strong community opposition to the planned closures, the county agreed to work toward new and improved sites in both communities. The Solid Waste Board approved a recycling contract with Evergreen Disposal/ Valley Recycling. Missoula A crucial piece of wildlife habitat in the Ninernile Valley has been protected through the Vital Ground Foundation and Missoula. The conservation easement covers 240 acres along the confluence of Ninemile Creek and the Clark Fork River along Mount Ellis. The agreement marks Missoula 's 200th land protection project, according to Kali Becher of the county's Community and Planning Services department. It brings the total of preserved private landscapes in the county to more than 66,000 acres. Dave Petrig bought the property in 1995. His daughter Tina Petrig said he wanted to preserve a piece of Montana landscape for quiet enjoyment and wildlife. He worked consistently to control knapweed, restore a small stream and thin encroaching conifer trees while restoring ponderosa pine stands, and native grasses and shrubs. The family was also intrigued by the land's use by grizzly bears. "The fact that their (grizzly) habitat has dwindled to such limited areas seems symptomatic of much that's wrong with our culture MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 21
and history; Tina Petrig said in an email. "It wasn't until I learned of Vital Ground that I realized that grizzly bear recovery in these areas is a realistic goal. I am hopeful that other landowners may join this effort to protect just a few key parcels that it would take to maintain this irreplaceable connection." Ravalli The Ravalli Sheriff s office says an unruly jail inmate broke a fire sprinkler in the county detention center, causing minor flooding. As a precaution, the county courthouse was evacuated briefly when the fire alarm went off. The office said the incident was one of three separate incidents caused by the same inmate in the prior week. The Attorney s office said the same inmate was involved in an assault on a detention officer and Around Our Counties breaking windows in the jail. Sanders Varmints have earned a celebrated place in the history of the old west and now that Montana has reinstated wolf hunts, they are a hot topic again. And a group called the Sportsmen of Sanders has readied the Great Montana Coyote and Wolf Hunt, a way to bring sportsmen out for a winter weekend of hunting and trapping and possibly lessen the populations of varmints which prey on deer and elk. John Harris of the Lakeside resort in Trout Creek said the group has set the third weekend in January for the inaugural event and they hope to attract sportsmen and women to go out varmint hunting Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18. Rules of the event are simple. In keeping with the laws of Montana, no prizes can be awarded directly as the result of the harvest of a single or multiple coyote or wolf, but prizes can be awarded on a random basis to any of the participants in an event. Harris said the kick off for the event will be Friday, January 16 at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside and registration will be $5. Any and all varmints to be recorded for the event must be turned in by 6 p.m. Sunday, January 18. "We're hoping all of the predators claimed will be from Sanders," said Harris. Rules other then the general requirements to meet state laws, will be announced at the January 16 meeting. "We're all hoping it will be a good opportunity for folks to get out on an otherwise normal winter weekend," said Harris. And while helping to rid the area of predators that have been damaging the big game populations is a goal, he said it's also a main goal to just get folks out for a good time and some exercise, he said. Wolf hunters and trappers need licenses and/or permits. Montana has no limit on the number of wolves harvested each year but there are season dates. Wolves can be taken by rifle, archery or by trapping. Montana statute classifies coyotes as predators. Predator shooting is not regulated by federal or state law or regulation. Predators can be shot in Montana year-round without a license by resident and nonresident hunters. Permission must be obtained to shoot predators on private land. 150th Anniversary of Montana Territory 22 MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015
MACo News Calendar of Events 2015 2015 (Please see the MACo website for January 2015 5 64th Legislative Session Convenes more detailed information at www.mtcounties.org) MACSS Conference Montana Association of School Superintendents February 17-20, 2015 Holiday Inn Express, Helena February 2015 9-12 MACo Midwinter Conference - Red Lion Colonial - Helena MACRS 35th Annual Spring Conference Best Western Heritage Inn Great Falls, MT March 30 - April 2, 2015 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Dave Schulz, Madison 1st Vice President Maureen Davey, Stillwater 2nd Vice President Todd Devlin, Prairie Fiscal Officer Mike McGinley, Beaverhead Urban Representative Jim Reno, Yellowstone Immediate Past President Joe Briggs, Cascade PAST PRESIDENTS Greg Chilcott, Ravalli John Ostlund, Yellowstone Carl Seilstad, Fergus Mike McGinley, Beaverhead John Prinkki, Carbon Bill Kennedy, Yellowstone Carol Brooker, Sanders Bob Mullen, Jefferson DISTRICT CHAIRS 1. Gary Macdonald, Roosevelt 2. Douglas Buxbaum, Dawson 3 Doug Martens, Rosebud 4. Larry Hendrickson, Liberty 5. Ron Ostberg, Teton 6. Richard Moe, Wheatland 7. Susie Mosness, Sweet Grass 8. Leonard Wortman, Jefferson 9. Marty Malone, Park 10. Bill Barron, Lake 11. Jeff Burrows, Ravalli 12. Tom Rice, Beaverhead ELECTED OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION REPS Attorneys - Leo Gallagher, Lewis & Clark Clerk & Recorders - Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone Clerks of Court - Valerie Hornsveld, Broadwater Clerks of Court - Connie Mattfield, Musselshell Magistrates - Linda Budeski, Park School Superintendents - Susan Beley, Wheatland Sheriffs & Peace Officers - Chris Hoffman, Ravalli Treasurers - Jane Stene, Sweet Grass MACo STAFF Harold Blattie, Executive Director Sheryl Wood, Associate Director Kathy Johnson, Finance Director Sara McGowan, Accounting Technician Karen Houston, Meeting Planner Shantil Siaperas, Legislative Analyst & Communications Specialist Sharon Wilson, Administrative Assistant Greg Jackson, JPIA/JPA Trust Administrator Shannon Shanholtzer, JPIA/JPA Associate Trust Administrator Emelia McEwen, Sr. Loss Control Specialist Jim Muskovich, Loss Control Specialist Bonnie Knopf, Claims Data Specialist Mike Sehestedt, General Counsel Carol Knight, Legal Assistant Gregory Bonilla, Managing Defense Counsel Maureen Lennon, Defense Counsel Mitch Young, Defense Counsel Kimberly Potter, Legal Assistant Sidnie DeTonancour, Legal Assistant Dennis Jupka, Claims Administrator Wendy Sesselman, Workers Comp Claims Supervisor Christine Holling, Senior Claims Rep. Liz Krzan, Senior Claims Rep. Kim O Brian, Claims Specialist Debbie Bjerke, Claims Support Specialist Alyce Bailey, HCT Administrator Laurie Goltry, HCT Program Coordinator Pam Walling, HCT Marketing Coordinator Shelley Murphy, HCT Marketing Coordinator Tom Beneventi, Facilities Director ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Diamond Member Arthur Gallagher Risk Management Services MT Dept. of Commerce Silver Members Nationwide Retirement Solutions NorthWestern Energy Apollo Solutions Group Bronze Members AT & T Morrison-Maierle Ameresco, Inc. WGM Group Dorsey & Whitney Copper Member MDU Resources Anderson ZurMuehlen & Company P.C. MT Newspaper Association AFFILIATE MEMBER Montana Association of Road Supervisors (MACRS) Thank you to our Members! For information on how to become an Associate Member, visit our website at www.mtcounties.org or call 2015 Directory of Montana Officials Coming in February MACo NEWS Ph: 449-4360 Fax: 442-5238 maco@mtcounties.org MACo News Volume 44, Number 1 January 2015 23