The Townsend Star, Townsend MT Sports

BC Sheriff Office asking for permanent mill levy to be on June ballot
The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the county commissioners authorize a permanent mill levy, for the purpose of funding equipment, training upgrades and wage increases, be added to the June 3 ballot. This would give the voters of Broadwater County the option of passing or denying a levy of approximately 11.12 mills per year. Broadwater County Under Sheriff explained that this would be used for the Sheriff’s Dept. and not the detention center, which is a separate entity. He said the department is in need of funding for equipment upgrades and wage increases for the sheriff, under sheriff and deputies. The sheriff’s office has been asking the commissioners for more funding for quite some time and have been told numerous times that there were no funds available so they would have to ask for a mill levy. The under sheriff sited that the department has only asked for a single one-time mill levy in the past twenty-some years. Knaff explained that Broadwater County currently is not paying enough money in wages to retain deputies. “We lost two deputies in the last year to neighboring agencies,” he said. According to Knaff’s compilations, Broadwater County is currently paying $15.28 to starting deputies, $17.08 to the under sheriff and $17.93 to the sheriff, while similar positions average $20, $23.39 and $25.40 in surrounding and similar agencies. If the levy were to pass, it would increase the local wages to $19 for deputies (after one year), $20.05 for the under sheriff and $21.10 for the sheriff.		Knaff pointed out that the county invests approximately $21,000 in each new recruit before they can even become a deputy, and that investment is lost every time a deputy leaves for a higher paying job in the neighboring counties and city law enforcement agencies. Broadwater County currently maintains seven full-time deputies, in addition to the sheriff and under sheriff. There is also a need for upgrades in the department’s equipment and training, Knaff explained. He said they need to update their bullet proof vests, need new tools to assist officers in performance of duty, need to update patrol vehicles periodically, would like to have automated fingerprinting equipment, and would benefit from specialized training for deputies. The levy contains $35,000 per year that would be used for these needs for equipment, vehicles and training. The use of these funds may vary from year to year, depending on the departments immediate needs. To date, the commissioners have accepted the proposal for consideration and, this next Monday, are expected to sign the resolution approving its inclusion on the June 3 ballot. If passed the levy is estimated to increase property taxes $33.47 on a property valued at $100,000 and $66.94 on a property valued at $200,000.

Patrick a finalist for Missoula Schools superintendent job

By James Green The Townsend Star In response to last week’s “To The Editor” column regaurding Mr. Brian Patrick (School Superintendant) potentially leaving Townsend due to conflicts with School Board policy, in particular the non-renewal of coach Rauh’s contract, Mr. Patrick agreed to an interview with the Townsend Star. On Wednesday Feb. 20, we spoke to Patrick, in an attempt to get a first hand account of what his intentions were. When asked why he was leaving he responded, “I am looking for a different position,” but also added Townsend is a great place to work and live and it would be a very difficult decision to come to, due to the friends and people of Townsend. When asked, Mr. Patrick assured me it was a personal decision, not to be tied directly to the School Board decision to opt out of continuing Coach Rauh’s contract and also made it clear it was not due to being “angry towards Townsend in any way.” Instead, he stated, “I am looking for an opportunity to advance my career, as well as look for a new challenge. Going from class B to a AA school would be a good challenge.”	Mr. Patrick confirmed (after jesting that he had applied for a janitorial position) he had interviewed in Lewistown and was offered the position but declined. He also has applied for a position with the Missoula County Public Schools Trustees which the Missoulian reports he is being considered as one of the four finalists for their superintendant position. Patrick has worked for the Townsend Public School System for many years, one stint as a history and foriegn language teacher and currently as the superintendent. He was also a superintendent and principal at Broadus. Patrick earned his bachelor degree from Western Montana College and his masters degree in educational administration from Montanan State University-Bozeman. He has been an active member of state administrator organizations. Patrick has been a great asset to the Townsend School District and recently won the School Administrators of Montana’s G.V. Erickson Award for his contributions to the betterment of education in Montana. He has seen the Townsend School District through the construction of a new high school, the implimentation of the biomass heating system at the school and many other major accomplishments and updates. He would be greatly missed by many, if he decides to move on.

BCDC holds meeting, announces 2007 accomplishments

By James Green The Townsend Star February 4th 2008 Broadwater County Development Corporation (BCDC) held a meeting with the County commissioners at the Broadwater County Courthouse. BCDC members John Hahn, Beth Ihle, Jane Knudsen, Brian Obert, Laura Obert and Bob Saxby were in attendance. John Hahn Distributed several Townsend Star Newspapers highlighting some of the BCDC project accomplishments such as the hazardous tree removal and miscellaneous projects working with city, county, tree board, gateway etc. for community beautification efforts. Bob Saxby updated on change of BCDC officers and outlined Townsend business demographics, working with the Chamber of Commerce to Provide Marketing/Sales classes to local businesses, working with gateway to encourage new businesses to settle in Townsend, Grants to Start-Ups, Marketing Townsend as “Valley of outdoor Recreation”, Distribute BCDC newsletter county wide, Continue with community upgrade/improvement efforts, focus on business development for the community offering help to the county commissioners, requested commissioners attend a meeting as well as an invitation to the BCDC Dinner. His closing comments were “we need to know what our budget is to know what we can do in the short term. BCDC would like to work together with the commissioners for our community to make all our money’s go further”. John Hahn asked: “if the town looks better does that equate to more business” Bob Saxby replied: “ Yes. I think it does”. He then elaborated with the example of the couple that purchased Rick Kitto’s house. Having commuted between White Sulphur Springs and Helena they were attracted to Townsend because of the new sidewalks, lights, streets etc., they thought it was a “Neat Little Town”. When asked about expanding the scope of the projects to surrounding communities Saxby outlined plans for “Welcome” rocks in Winston, Toston, Radersburg and all entrances to Townsend as well as Banners/Highway signs to attract would be passer by tourists.	BCDC has began development of a 10 strategic year plan detailing priorities According to John Hahn. Gail Vennes expressed appreciation for a strategic plan, indicating the commissioners need something specific to invest in rather than just handing out money. The list of BCDC 2007 Accomplishments are commendable and follow. - developed new logo - received county funding - received 501 (C) (3) status - initiated/implemented community watering program - continued store front grant program - washed/painted heaven sent/food pantry buildings - Continued work on business district sidewalks - helped tree board cut the sidewalks for new trees - provided $750 grant to tree board to reduce cost impact on front street businesses - provided $1500 grant to tree board for landscaping wi-fi park - Coordinated with city, county tree board and DOT on community needs to be implemented as part of Townsend 287 South Project - Taken lead in efforts to annex businesses along 287 to Mostad Lane before the Townsend South Highway project is initiated. - Coordinated with County, Fair board, and Rodeo Board on project priority at the fairgrounds. - Coordinated with the Chamber of Commerce to get new billboard on I-90 - Working with Wheat Montana on co-coordinating landscape (part of project with City Hall) - Develeloped design and have flagpole banner holders for new street lights being constructed. - Coordinated with Chamber on xmas decorations for new street lights - Helped Tree board light up trees on Broadway/Front for xmas stroll - Helped coordinate new bike path to the Silos - Identified the need for strategic 10 year plan - keeping close ties with MBAC and Gateway projects. - initiated discussions with the Tree board and other groups to get out a monthly news letter - residential sidewalk initiative As you can see these folks are really working hard to make Townsend a great place to live, Thanks BCDC.