County Local Government Review Study Commission releases final report

After more than a year of research, public engagement and deliberation, the Lincoln County Local Government Review Study Commission has released its final report evaluating the structure of county government and recommending one change for consideration by Lincoln County voters. 

According to a press release from the county, the Study Commission was established pursuant to the Montana Constitution and state law, which allows every local government to periodically review its form and powers of government to determine whether they continue to best serve the community. The commission's role was to study the current system, gather public input and present its findings and recommendations to the public. 

The Commission found that Lincoln County benefits from dedicated elected officials and employees who are committed to serving residents. At the same time, the review identified several recurring themes voiced by residents and stakeholders, including the need for greater accountability and transparency, improved efficiency and coordination, enhanced access and responsiveness to the public and stronger financial management. 

Following its review, the Study Commission recommends that Lincoln County adopt the Commission Form of Government, to be presented to the voters at the Nov. 3 2026 General Election, and transition from the current Elected County Official Form (ECOF). 

Because the current form is the statutory basis for the Commission Form, adoption of this recommendation would not result in changes to the day-to-day structure or operation of county government. County offices, elected officials and administrative functions would continue to operate as they do now. 

Instead, the recommendation is intended to modernize the county's statutory form of government and provide future study commissions with greater flexibility to evaluate and recommend changes to specific governance options, as authorized under Montana law. 

These changes can include options such as non-partisan county elections, shorter commissioner term lengths, and in-district rather than at-large voting for county representation, among others. Any recommended change, however, must be approved by voters for adoption.  

The Final Report is available to the public and serves as the official record of the Commission's work. Residents are encouraged to review the report to better understand the research, public input, findings and rationale behind the Commission's recommendation.

The report is online at https://lincolncountymt.us/study-commission-home/.