Association, County, State & National News
SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
On Friday, May 15th, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for…
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Governor’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force Update & Outcomes
The second session in our series of townhalls focused on the Governor’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force. MACo Executive Director, Eric Bryson, reported on the progress and guidance that came…
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Cascade County Seeking Prevention Services Division Manager
Cascade County is currently seeking a Prevention Services Division Manager. This position performs administrative, supervisory and technical duties in planning, coordinating and implementing the Prevention Services Division chronic and communicable…
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$123 Million Available in Emergency Grants
Governor Steve Bullock announced that families, small businesses, non-profits, health services centers and individuals across Montana hardest-hit by impacts of COVID-19 will be eligible to apply for grants through nine…
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Cascade County Seeking Deputy County Attorney – Civil Department
Cascade County is currently seeking to fill the position of Deputy County Attorney (Civil Department). This position acts as general counsel for Cascade County and serves as legal advisor to…
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Second Opportunity for Mobile Crisis Unit Grant
The Department of Public Health and Human Services, Addictive and Mental Disorders Division (AMDD), recently released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Mobile Crisis Unit Grant; however, the the…
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2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to: protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau…
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Letter from Our MACo President
I am writing you all to say hello and to wish you, your family, and friends all well in these uncertain times. Thank you to all the counties and their…
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COVID-19 Department of Revenue Property Assessment Updates
The Property Assessment Division (PAD) staff, for the most part is still working remotely. PAD does have a limited number of people working in offices where the space allows for…
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MACo Recruiting for HCT Trust Administrator
The Montana Association of Counties (MACo), located in Helena, MT, is recruiting for the position of Trust Administrator for its Health Care Trust (HCT).
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Letter from MACo Fiscal Officer Calling for Full Funding of SRS & PILT
County governments across Montana and the nation face budget shortfalls as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is no surprise when local small businesses and the agriculture industry struggle…
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Benno Michael Ober
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Benno Michael Ober, age 76. Benno died suddenly of cardiac arrest at his home on April 24, 2020. He was…
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Montana Commissioner Townhall Recording
On April 23rd, MACo and the Local Government Center hosted a virtual "townhall" to provide Montana’s County Commissions with a venue and opportunity to share and learn from the situations…
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Communicating During the Coronavirus Pandemic
On April 23rd, MACo and the Local Government Center hosted a virtual “townhall” to provide Montana’s County Commissioners with a venue and opportunity to share and learn from the situations…
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Governor Issues Directive to Reopen Montana in Phases
Today, April 22nd, the Governor’s Office announced their Reopening Montana Phased Approach and Guidelines. Linked below is the directive (please read) as well as the guideline documents. It is of…
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Treasury Issues Guidance: Coronavirus Relief Fund
On April 22nd, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin released guidance for State, Local, and Tribal Governments regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund (Section 5001 of the CARES Act).
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Broadwater County Seeking Public Works Supervisor
Broadwater County is seeking a highly motivated individual for a Full-Time Public Works Supervisor. This position will manage, supervise and direct Solid Waste, Road & Bridge, and Weed and Mosquito…
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Webinar: Tips & Tricks for RDG Project Grants
Are you looking for advice on your RDG project grant application? Do you have questions on your application? Join this webinar hosted by DNRC's RDG Program!
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Fourth COVID-19 Funding Package
Yesterday, the Paycheck Protection Program ran out of money, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program also dried up. This is putting mounting pressure on Congress to pass another COVID-19…
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Governor Bullock Announces Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force
Governor Bullock has announced the establishment of a Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force to provide guidance and advice on how to best use $1.25 billion appropriated to Montana through the…
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Lewis & Clark County Seeking Deputy County Attorney
Lewis & Clark County is seeking a Deputy County Attorney. Under the general direction of the County Attorney, this position prosecutes criminal and civil offenses, represents county government in legal…
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COVID-19 Grant Opportunity for Behavioral Health Crisis Response
The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services is seeking to disperse funding to counties to help meet the behavioral health crisis needs caused and exacerbated by COVID-19.
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Report Analyzes COVID-19 Cases in Montana
Governor Steve Bullock today released a report produced by state epidemiologists examining 377 cases of COVID-19 in Montana that helps the state understand who is impacted by the new virus,…
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USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19…
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Montana’s Counties Need Help
HELENA, MT – Local Government is at the front lines of the COVID-19 response, including our law enforcement, health departments, health officers, county-owned medical facilities, and through our work with…
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First Responder Directive Guidance
During the DOJ Public Safety call on April 9th, Governor Bullock clarified the intent of his First Responder Directive. His intent is to ENSURE all first responders, including law enforcement,…
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FY 2021 Inflation Factor for Mill Levy Calculation
The inflation factor for FY 2020 is 1.05%. Per 15-10-420, MCA, “a governmental entity that is authorized to impose mills may impose a mill levy sufficient to generate the amount of…
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Governor Extends Directives & Announces Measures Regarding Local Government & First Responders
Governor Steve Bullock today (April 7th) extended COVID-19 related directives through April 24th and announced measures to protect first responders and support local governments.
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Robert ‘Pits’ DeArmond
After 66 years of adventures, we lost a truly extraordinary man on Saturday. Robert “Pits” DeArmond passed away from lung cancer on April 4th, 2020. He was born to Donald…
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Federal Forest Reserve Payment (FFY 2019 SRS Payments) Distributed to Counties
On April 2nd, the Montana Department of Administration distributed FFY 2019 Federal Forest Reserve funds (Secure Rural Schools/SRS payments) to the counties. These funds are received from the U.S. Department…
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Governor Bullock Announces Directive to Extend Motor Vehicle Deadlines, Provide Services Online & by Mail
Governor Bullock today (April 2nd) issued a Directive allowing Montanans to renew their driver’s licenses online and by mail and extended the deadline to complete title and registration paperwork to…
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Hotel Arrangements for Healthcare Workers, National Guard, Patients & First Responders
The National Association of Counties has been contacted by the IHG hotel chain (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge, etc.) regarding hotel arrangements for healthcare workers, National Guard, patients, and first…
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FBI Releases Guidance on Defending Against VTC Hijacking and Zoom-bombing
On March 30, 2020, the FBI released an article, warning users of teleconferencing sessions being hijacked (also being referred to as “Zoom-bombing”) all over the nation. The FBI has received…
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NACo Committee Report: Telecommunications & Technology
As is always the case at NACo conferences, the world of Technology was a busy one.We started with the CIO Forum /Tech Summit on the morning of February 28th at…
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President Trump Approves Montana Disaster Declaration
Today (March 31st), President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Montana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts…
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The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
The President announced new guidelines to address COVID-19: 30 Days to Slow the Spread.
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Legislative Update: Leadership Meets via Conference Call
Legislative Leadership met via conference call this morning to begin discussing various aspects of the Coronavirus (COVID-10) pandemic, mainly the $1.45 billion coming to Montana from the CARES Act/Stimulus Package…
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MACo HCT Trustee Appointment Process Notice
MACo HCT Trustee Tom Berry, Musselshell County Commissioner, elected to a 4-year term (09/2019 – 09/2023), has resigned as County Commissioner in Musselshell County and thereby resigned as Health Care Trust…
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COVID-19 Cyber Tips
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to…
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Governor Issues Stay at Home/Shelter in Place Directive
On March 26th, Governor Steve Bullock issued a Directive requiring Montanans to stay home; it also temporarily closes all nonessential businesses and operations to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The…
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NACo Releases CARES Act Analysis
NACo's analysis of the CARES Act highlights relevant components for county governments, including a section-by-section breakdown outlining items of significance for county policy priorities.
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Reclamation & Development Grants Program Deadline
DNRC has extended the deadline for the RDG Project Grants and RRGL Project Grants to 5 p.m. on June 1, 2020. We understand the impacts COVID-19 is having on communities…
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FEMA Advisory: COVID-19 Federal Response Efforts Continue
The federal government continues taking aggressive and proactive steps to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The health and safety of the American people is our top priority.
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Montana DOR Update: COVID-19 Property Assessment Division
The Department of Revenue is continually monitoring the COVID-19 effects on Montana and adjusting our work plans accordingly. We are implementing social distancing standards within our offices and actively enabling…
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U.S. DOL Announces Additional Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 26th, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to…
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Governor Issues Directive Allowing Counties to Hold Primary via Mail Ballot
Update: All Montana Counties have opted to conduct the June 2nd Primary Election via mail ballot. The Governor issued a Directive (attached) this afternoon, March 25th, which allows counties to…
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How Montana Manufacturers Can Help With COVID-19 Critical Supplies
The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center has developed a resource page for Montana manufacturers to assist with the development and production of supplies that are needed to slow the spread of…
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Governor Issues Directive Providing Flexibility to Local Governments
On March 24th, Governor Bullock announced measures to give local governments the flexibility needed to adhere to social distancing guidelines in order to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
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