Whitehall Study Commission Final Report Finalizes Study Commission

On June 4, 2024, the citizens of Whitehall voted to conduct a study of the Whitehall government. The ballot stated that the purpose of this commission was to investigate the town’s government to identify areas for improvement.

On November 5, 2024, Jim Buterbaugh was the only volunteer to place his name on the General Election ballot to join the study commission. Mayor Janacaro-Hensleigh then appointed two additional citizens (Rhea Armstrong and Tiffany McCue) to the group, as well as a town council member (Linda Jung - Ward 2) to serve as ex officio (a non-voting member who assists in navigating the workings of the Town and MCA rules). The Whitehall Study Commission was given a budget of $17,000.

The Montana State University provided a one-day overview of the study commission for $250 a person. All but Armstrong were able to attend, at a cost of $750. At this meeting, the group discovered that the true purpose of the study commission was to determine whether Whitehall would be better off with a different type of government, rather than to identify potential improvements. Montana State University also offered a more in-depth 6-week online course for $1,625, with unlimited attendees.

Before the first meeting, McCue resigned her position on the commission; Buterbaugh nominated Heaven Lee, whom the mayor appointed. The commission held monthly meetings (except in June) with Buterbaugh elected chairman. Lee served as Treasurer/Secretary.

The commission developed an 11-question questionnaire, which was mailed to 567 households outside of Whitehall, as well as sent with town water bills. Out of 900+ mailers, 34 questionnaires were returned. In order to get input, Buterbaugh and Jung also set up at two Whitehall Farmer’s Markets.

The commission held two public hearings in a meet-and-greet style. The first, on April 29th, had four attendees (0.02%); the second, on July 17th, three of those four previous attendees participated. Comments from these two meetings were documented in the minutes.

After reviewing the various forms of government, it was decided not to recommend a change in government. However, the questionnaire generated numerous responses that are worth noting. One of the main complaints was the lack of communication/transparency/civility.

Considerations:

• Prepare upcoming agendas sooner - agendas should be available in the paper, but also further ahead of time, so topics may be thoroughly addressed.

• Have meeting dates/times published in the Whitehall Ledger calendar of events.

• Consider the purchase of a digital info board similar to the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce’s.

• Update the town’s website more often (suggested: at least once a week on Fridays) to inform what has been accomplished and decisions made during the week.

• Encourage businesses to attend meetings or choose a representative to attend and be the voice of businesses in town.

• Anyone on a town board, elected to a town position, or employed by the town must remember they represent the town. Each must try to be as civil and professional as possible. If necessary, in-service training might be helpful.

• Citizens are responsible for reviewing one of the many methods of communication the town has established for communicating.

• Consistent office hours - open on Fridays.

Town Representatives:

• Provide plenty of notice via all communication channels in advance of any changes.

• Consistent enforcement of ordinances. If a lack of employees limits enforcement, consider whether the law is necessary or if there are alternative means of enforcement.

• Analyze any ordinance that allows the emergency action, giving one person authority to make changes. Should one person be allowed to add signage at a whim?

• Celebrate the effort of employees. More so with volunteers, as the town of Whitehall has a very limited number of constituents willing to serve the community.

Specific areas of concern:

• Parking issues along residential streets

• Possible need for more equipment for the fire department

• Many comments about drugs in our town and the need for more stringent law enforcement.

• Street repairs and alleyways need better maintenance

Items mentioned and being addressed already:

• Digital speed warning signs.

• Slow progress in water treatment

• Sidewalk improvements

The members of this commission strived to spend as little as possible, especially once the intent of the study was clearer. To date, the commission has spent $2,712.04 of a $17,000.00 budget.

A copy of all material pertaining to the Whitehall Study Commission will be filed at the Jefferson County courthouse.

In 10 years, when this is on the ballot again, the town/county needs to ensure it is worded truthfully so that the people of Whitehall know exactly what they are voting for. This ballot stated that the people of Whitehall were voting to investigate the existing government to determine what improvements could be made, not whether the Town of Whitehall needed to change its style of government.