Beaverhead County Commissioner Declares a County Emergency

Beaverhead County Commissioner and chairman Tom Rice declared an emergency for the county on Monday March 23rd to allow its disaster and emergency service personnel the flexibility they need to respond to the Corona Virus.

Rice issued the emergency declaration at the recommendation of Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Wagennecht , as a precautionary measure. Having the declaration in place gives the county added authority to seek federal and state emergency funding if necessary.

Montana code allows counties with an emergency declaration to seek an emergency levy of up to two mills in a year. That must be approved unanimously by the commission. As of know the commissioners are not asking for an emergency levy with the declaration. If that time comes, it would be discussed and voted on in a public meeting.