The Polson Local Government Review Study Commission finalized its tentative report during its most recent meeting on Tuesday, April 21. The tentative report is what the study commission intends to present to the Polson City Commission before its final review meeting on Thursday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m.   

In the June 2024 primary election, Polson voters approved a citizen-led review of Polson’s government. This review commission is a unique aspect of Montana’s constitution that gives city and county citizens the option to review their form of government every 10 years.  

The review commission is composed of Chairman Larry Ashcraft, Vice Chairman Peter Ridgeway, Mark Hubbard, Dave Rittenhouse, Phillip Thelen and the appointed city commissioner, Jake Holley.  

The review commission conducted interviews with current staff and commissioners, as well as with some former city officials. They held public meetings or hearings at least once a month and distributed a survey to Polson citizens.  

After reviewing the charter — the local constitution that defines the municipal government structure — and the gathered information, the review commission compiled a document of suggested amendments to the current city charter for voters to approve, along with a supplementary report for the city commission to consider possible action on.  

The review findings  

Polson is a chartered city with a mayor-council government and chief administrative officer. The 19-page tentative report, posted on the city website under the review commission's last meeting, found that the commission-manager form of government is the best option for Polson.  

The document recommended amending the charter to emphasize the authority of elected officials, such as giving the mayor greater authority to help set the agenda. It noted that the charter itself should include amendments to enhance “the democratic process” and the city commission’s policy-making authority.  

The document noted that clarifying the power and authority of the branches of government would help make elected officials and the administration more collaborative with each other and the public.  

Another change suggested is that the chief legal officer be hired or dismissed by the commission, rather than by the city manager. The commission is currently responsible for approving and renewing the attorney's contract, which the city manager signs. It further suggested the legal officer should be its own department head.  

In the executive branch section of the charter, the review commission suggested emphasizing that the city manager is “continuously responsible” to the elected officials. It also detailed adding duties to the manager that require assistance from the city commissioners.  

Supplementary report 

The review commission detailed in the document that they have included concerns expressed to them in the supplemental report, but they cannot address those changes in the charter.  

“Many issues can be resolved by exercising the powers and the authority already in place as well as having better lines of communication between the executive and the legislature,” the document stated.  

The supplementary report suggested that the commission amend the outdated employee drug policy, create a policy for budget formulation and review the hiring policy. The document added that perhaps the agenda packet should be shared with the commission sooner than it is.  

Survey and interviews  

The review commission issued a public survey on public opinion of government operations, following the citizens' vote for a government review. The survey, which received 180 responses, found that 39% answered no to the question of whether the current government provides the best form of government.  

Almost half said they do not think the commissioners or the city manager are appropriately operating within their defined roles, and 43% answered no to the question of whether the form of government ensures smooth operations. In most answers, the public selected unsure about 30-40% of the time.  

During interviews with the city commissioners, the review commission noted a handful of common themes. One being that the commission feels isolated from decisions made by the city manager. Members of the commission were also not “sufficiently knowledgeable of their authority, the city charter, state law, and the city code.”  

Commissioners also expressed in these interviews that they do not have adequate time to prepare for meetings because the packet is sent out late on Thursday prior to Monday’s meetings. Interviews further indicated that the city administration should be more active in seeking grant opportunities, according to the document.  

The commission interviews also found that commissioners were not involved in the budgetary process until it was available for final vote. These conversations found that the commissioners are unaware of things happening at the city unless the administration notifies them or citizens make a complaint.  

The review commission expressed in the report that they received little public engagement during this process. Ashcraft said in a separate interview with the Leader that he hopes they will receive public comment during their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, at 3 p.m., or during their final meeting on Thursday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m., at Polson City Hall.