VOLUME 99
ISSUE 46
TIMES
FALLON County
fctimes@midrivers.com 406-778-3344
BAKER, MONTANA 59313
$1.00
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Commission drafts new administrative position By Sherry Vogel Twenty plus county employees flooded the Commissioners’ office during their regular open business meeting Nov. 4. Topic of discussion at the three o’clock hour was Julie Straub, human resource director, finalizing a job description draft which would create a new county position entitled Chief Administrative Officer. The job overview reads: This position serves the Fallon County Commission in the administration of a broad range of activities and programs, including day-to-day operations. Acts as liaison between Commission and other entities to increase communication. Provides guidance and support in fiscal, policy, and legislative development to the Commission and department heads. Assists in budget development and expenditure tracking; pursues economic opportunities for the betterment of Fallon County. This administrative position was drafted to pay $95,000 annually with a wage increase to $100,000 after a 12 month probation period. During a question and answer period following Straub’s presentation to the Commissioners, various department heads and
their employees voiced concerns regarding the scope of authority of the new administrator, and what effect it would have on them and their jobs. The paragraph on the working draft that caused near mutiny was found on page two of three under the heading Supervision of Others: Monitors work production of department heads and their work units; reports progress and/or issues to the Commission. Develops performance appraisals for department heads and submits for Commission approval. Engages in active performance management with coaching, training, and skills development. Works in conjunction with Human Resources in administration of progressive discipline and all personnel matters. Tensions were high as issues were raised about department heads being micro managed. The words “betrayed” and “insulted” were voiced. Commissioner Baldwin stated, “It is not our intention to micro manage department heads.” Commissioner Randash added, “The administrator would be more of a commission assistant and more of a resource person for the heads.” When questioned why this position was necessary, Commis-
sioner Ranum expressed, “We (the commission) are in need of an administrative assistant because we have too many departments to oversee.” She went on to add, “There is a need for monitoring seasonal work production, and the regular maintenance of thousands of dollars of county equipment, which are not being maintained properly.” She clarified, equipment used at the fair, weeds, cemetery, and golf course. Another topic of concern which was important to Ranum was the millions of dollars belonging to Fallon County which was laying in a local savings account earning less than one percent interest. This new position would warrant someone who could wisely invest on behalf of Fallon County’s interests. A third need expressed by all three commissioners was the need for our corner of Montana and Fallon County to have representation on the legislative level. The new job position would require a person with experience as a lobbyist who would lobby on behalf of Fallon County and inform the commission on all legislative issues impacting the county. In the course of conversation, Straub mentioned that she had researched the wage of a lobbyist which she found to be $65,000 annually.
Beach chosen Young Outstanding Educator
SPARTANS MOVE ON
Baker Spartans’ tough defense held the Manhattan Tigers scoreless the first quarter in the quarter-final playoff game Nov. 7 in Baker. The Spartans went on to defeat the Tigers, 37-21. They will travel to Fairfield SaturPhoto by Darlene Hornung day, Nov. 14, to challenge the Eagles in the semi-finals at 1 p.m.
Opportunity to give for the holiday season By Sherry Vogel Are you looking for an opportunity to pay it forward for the holidays? Why not give locally to those in our community who are in need of one of life’s basic needs: food. The cupboard has a special need this year for protein based food products such as beef stew, chili, baked beans, ravioli, tuna, jerky and other canned meat products. Although whatever you wish to donate is very appreciated. The Community Cupboard, located at the Senior Citizen Center in Baker, is a local food bank program for residents of Fallon County. The items are stocked by food and monetary donations from the community for the community. Currently, there is not an application process, but individuals in need
of food assistance should call first. Information obtained will help personalize food distribution. The Community Cupboard also seeks donations for the holiday season to make Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for those who have a need for a provisional dinner. Individuals or families in need of a basket should call ahead. Thanksgiving basket deadline is November 20. The Community Cupboard receives most of its food donations during this time of year, but there is always a need. Anyone can donate anytime at 410 W. Montana Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed during lunch hour 12 noon to 1 p.m. For more information or questions, contact Carla or Tiffany at 406-778-2600.
Bang! Bang! President Obama kills Keystone pipeline By Sherry Vogel One week ago today on November 6, President Barack Obama said ‘no’ to the request from TransCanada to build the Keystone XL Pipeline. This ends a seven year review of the construction project. Issues concerning energy, the economy and its impact on climate changes fueled the fury against the controversial pipeline. Green movement activists who battled over climate change majorly influenced Obama. They have marched and rallied in front of the White House for the past four years. Obama believed that the pipeline wouldn’t be a silver bullet for the economy. He stated, “The pipeline would not make a meaningful long term contribution to our economy.” The U.S. State Department contended that the U.S. couldn’t approve Keystone XL while purporting to be a global leader on climate action. As Tran-
Steak & Lobster The Biggest And Best Parties Happen At The Corner!
DAILY SALAD BAR
sCanada abandons its North-South Keystone Pipeline XL, it is focusing on the West-East with East Energy Pipeline. This will span 2,858 miles and is designed to move eleven million barrels of crude oil a day from Alberta and Saskatchewan refineries in eastern Canada. On a local level, how is a local city leader responding to the Nov. 6 announcement? City Mayor Clayton Hornung stated, “I don’t agree with Obama when he stated that the pipeline did not have a meaningful positive impact on the economy.” Hornung added, “TransCanada made a large impact on Baker as it funded $4 million into Baker City projects for upgrade to infrastructure.” Baker’s city water and sewer lines were replaced with money from TransCanada, as well as county contributions. “One of the biggest hits the local area will take is the loss of all the state of Montana and Fallon County revenues which are lost,” Hornung concluded.
Soup & Salad Bar Weekdays
SEE ADMINISTRATIVE, PAGE 6
By Sherry Vogel Mrs. Lynn Beach, business teacher at Baker H i g h School, was surprised when she was selected Young Outstanding Business Educator for the State of Montana at the Montana Educators’ Association Convention Oct. 15-16 in Billings. After graduating college, Beach was employed as a financial analyst and an auditor in Washington State. She grew tired of sitting behind a desk and decided to go back to college to become an educator. She returned to Baker to conduct her student teaching under the guidance of business instructor Scott Anderson. Upon completion, she was hired to co-teach with Anderson as he took on additional responsibilities for the district. Co-workers Beach and Anderson teach high school business classes and computer classes at the middle school. Over the past four years, Beach has implemented a diverse curriculum to teach her students some real life business savvy. She has utilized a stock market game which teaches the student how to invest in the stock market. She also introduced the Montana Business Challenge to her students. They set up their own simulated businesses. Then students may choose to compete against other Montana students with similar student businesses. Top winners are awarded college scholarships. Beach with her mentor Anderson has also started an extracurricular activity for students called Business Professionals of America Club. Mrs. Beach perfects her agricultural business skills as she and her husband Connor, are engaged in ranching south of Baker.
9th Annual
Wild Game Feed Saturday, Nov. 14 5:30 p.m.
Free Hot Wings during
Monday Night Football
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