HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – As we welcome a new year, the Hill County Commissioners take a look back at some highlights from 2018, as well as what we have to look forward to this year. Commissioner Mark Peterson is encouraged by the three mill levies that were passed in November.
“In the past year, the taxpayers saw fit, the voters, to pass a cemetery mill levy, a fair mill levy, and a weed mill levy. So those were good news. That’s much needed funding for those agencies.”
Commissioner Mike Wendland says that despite starting 2018 with record snows, the weather was fairly mild later in the year.
“We started out January with record snows and that continued to give us some concerns clear on through, but we did have a fairly quiet fire season this summer. Which was nice to have because our fire departments are volunteer departments.”
Peterson says that, while they are still facing a backlog, the Hill County Attorney’s Office has been running well. Former County Attorney Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson resigned amid controversy in July. Deputy County Attorney Karen Alley took over for Cole-Hodgkinson and was the only candidate in that election in November.
Commissioner Mark Peterson says that the wet weather at the beginning of 2018 caused a lot of damage to county roads.
“FEMA. County roads. We’re working with them right now to get a lot of our roads fixed up. They’ve taken a pretty good beating over the last five to eight years. So we’ve got a lot of work to do on them and we’ve got some plans down the road.”
Commissioner Diane McLean says they will be hosting meetings this year to talk about the growth policy for the county.
“We have a start on upgrading our growth policy, and that’s going to be, not only the county, but the two incorporated towns, Havre and Hingham. And so those will be ongoing meetings. Public will be invited to have input into those and our next one is scheduled this month.
Commissioner Diane McLean says that the Bigger Better Barn on the Hill County Fairgrounds finally got an upgrade following the severe hail storm in 2015, including a new roof, lights, and insulation.
