Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor:
Silence. The Roosevelt County commissioners’ meeting went from “I don’t know” to “silence.”
I will get to that later, first the issue of allowing public participation at their meetings. I had asked for a copy of the April 27, 2021, meeting minutes but never received one. When Commissioner Oelkers asked for approval of those minutes, I stated that we had not received a copy of them so we could see if we agreed with what was stated. My statement was not recognized and they voted to approve the minutes. So much for public involvement, again a violation of the Montana Constitution.
At the April 27 meeting, I asked about a letter from Attorney Meloy of the Montana Freedom of Information group stating the commissioners had violated the Montana Constitution. At that time, I was told the letter had been sent to someone to see if that was correct. I asked if there had been a response and was told no. I was also told there probably wouldn’t be any response because no action was required. I guess they don’t want to know they are in violation of the Montana Constitution.
Now, back to silence. We have been told several times by the commissioners that CARES money cannot be used for taxes. I asked where the stipend money came from and was told that it was CARES funds. That in itself is a violation of the CARES funds guidelines.
My question was: by your own admission you took CARES money to give yourselves and others $1,000. You told us CARES money can’t be used for taxes, but by your action you can take the stipend money down the hall and use it for your taxes. Is that correct? SILENCE Because Mr. Oelkers wouldn’t answer the question, I directed it to Mr. Nygaard. SILENCE.
After a brief pause, we were told they were moving on with the meeting. So much for accountability. What a violation of public trust and abuse of powers. This is your tax money they have taken. What do you county taxpayers think?
There is a statement in a commission report about the use of the CARES funds that they are to be used, “to efficiently and effectively identify the best ways to address the needs of the most directly and severely impacted by the effects of COVID-19.” I guess the commissioners feel that is them, what do you think?
Bill Juve
