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1. Are all County Commissioner meeting open to the public?

Under MCA 2-3-203 All meetings of public or governmental bodies, boards, bureaus, commissions, agencies of the state, or any political subdivision of the state or organizations or agencies supported in whole or in part by public funds or expending public funds, including the supreme court, must be open to the public. The presiding officer of any meeting may close the meeting during the time the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy and then if and only if the presiding officer determines that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure. The right of individual privacy may be waived by the individual about whom the discussion pertains and, in that event, the meeting must be open. A meeting may be closed to discuss a strategy to be followed with respect to litigation when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public agency. A meeting may not be closed to discuss strategy to be followed in litigation in which the only parties are public bodies or associations.

2. How do I schedule a meeting with the County Commissioners?

Contact the Commissioners Administrative Assistant, Chris Taggart at (406)-375-6500 or ctaggart@rc.mt.gov.

3. When do the County Commissioners meet?

The Board of County Commissioners hold regular meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Regularly scheduled meetings allow the Board to "flow" from one agenda item to the next and not hold to the times on the agenda. Calendared meetings may be placed on the schedule on any business day from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Calendared meetings will be held at the scheduled time listed on the agenda. A minimum of 48 hours notice will be provided for scheduled meetings.

4. Who appoints the volunteer boards such as weed, fair, and health boards?

The County Commissioners appoint these volunteer boards and they report directly to the Board of County Commissioners.

5. What is a mill for taxing purposes?

A mill is one one-thousandth of a dollar, and it is used as a way to count tax levies. It is a very old term, and has continued to be used because there does not seem to be another term available. Each government entity levies mills.

6. Why did my taxes go up?

The answer depends on the taxing district, whether improvement have been added, and if the property has been reappraised. Usually, voters in the district approve a school levy or other increase.

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1. How/when can I reserve my fair booth?

Applications are now posted on this website. The available spaces are updated often on the map. We are looking forward to seeing many of our returning vendors as well as some new faces and merchandise!

2. What are your upcoming events?

Please see our Calendar, on this website. You can also sign up to receive notifications when new events are added!

3. Can I ride in the arena?

Of course!  All riders will need to come to the Fair Office, sign a hold harmless agreement, and pay $50 for an individual seasonal membership or $10 per individual daily use. $75 for a Family membership up to 4 people. Youth 5 years and younger do not need to purchase a membership, but a guardian must sign a waiver and be present when riding. Safety first! The arena will be locked on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Mountette practice, so you must schedule your riding time around practice. The arenas will be worked twice per week, beginning June 1st and are officially opened for riding. Please call us ahead of time for current arena conditions. Thank you! 406-363-3411.

4. Do you need any volunteers?

Yes, yes and yes!!!! We can always use volunteers to help beautify our fairgrounds. We are currently in need of some volunteers to pick up micro-trash, pull some weeds & paint. One of the best things about the fairgrounds, is that it is a place for all aspects of our community to come together and make connections. We host events throughout the year, and can always use help. If you have special skills, let us know, and we will utilize your help in the best possible way. The fairgrounds will always have a special place in our hearts for those who give their time to help make us great!! For every four hours of volunteering, you will receive a free gate pass for Fair! Call us at 406-363-3411 or mail at fairgrounds@rc.mt.gov 

5. How can I have a food booth at the fair?

We have lots of great food at fair!!! If you would like to join our team, please know we have many food vendors who return every year. If you would like to apply, please send an email to: fairgrounds@rc.mt.gov and include your menu, prices, photos and description of your set up. Please include any needs that you have. If we have space available for a new booth, we will make our selections in December. We do keep a waiting list for those who would like to be considered should a space become available. Please contact the fairgrounds office with any questions. 406-363-3411. Thank you!

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1. What is the Montana Junk Vehicle Law?

In 1973 the Montana Motor Vehicle Recycling and Disposal Act was enacted for the establishment, control, operation, and licensing of public and private motor vehicle wrecking facilities.

This law requires commercial and county motor vehicle storage and wrecking yards to obtain an annual license, keep pertinent records and shield their junk vehicles from public view. This law also requires the control of junk vehicles in your yard, alley, etc.

2. What is a "Junk Vehicle?"

A junk vehicle is defined as any "discarded, ruined, wrecked, or dismantled motor vehicle, including component parts, which is not lawfully and validly licensed, and remains inoperative or incapable of being driven". A vehicle must meet all three parts of the definition to be classified as a junk vehicle.

3. If I only have one junk vehicle do I need to shield it?

Yes, all junk vehicles regardless of number must be shielded from public view.

4. What is "Public View?"

Public view is defined as "any point 6 feet above the surface of the center of a public road from which a junk vehicle can be seen". A public road is any publicly owned or maintained street, road or alley.

5. Do I have to shield my vehicles if I’m not in the commercial motor vehicle wrecking business?

Yes, all vehicles that meet the three-part definition of a junk vehicle must be shielded from public view.

6. How can I shield my junk vehicles from public view?

You can move the vehicle to a location that will shield it, such as into a garage or behind a solid fence, hill or building.

You may also construct shielding using permanent fencing materials. Certain construction specifications are required for proper shielding. If you intend to shield your vehicles, contact your County Junk Vehicle Program prior to construction. Placing tarps or plastics over the vehicles is not acceptable shielding. County Junk Vehicle Program

7. Can I do anything else other than removing or shielding the vehicle?

Yes, you may repair the vehicle to make it operable, or license it. Either action will remove the vehicle from the classification of a junk vehicle.

8. What if I no longer want to keep the vehicle?

If the vehicle has value from its parts, contact a licensed private motor vehicle wrecking facility. Most commercial wrecking facilities will buy vehicles that have marketable parts. If the vehicle’s value is low, they may haul it away free in exchange for its parts. Some vehicles have little or no parts value and the private wrecking facility my not be interested in hauling it. If this is the case, contact your local County Junk Vehicle Program. They will arrange to haul and dispose of your junk vehicle at no charge to you. County Junk Vehicle Program

9. Do I need to shield such items as engines, transmissions and fenders?

Yes, any component part of a vehicle must also be shielded.

10. How can I comply with the law if a junk vehicle has been abandoned on my property?

Montana has specific laws regarding the disposition of abandoned vehicles. Contact your local law enforcement agency and request their help in contacting the owner or in obtaining authorization to have the vehicle removed.

11. What are the penalties if I don’t comply with the junk vehicle law?

The junk vehicle statutes provide for criminal penalties of up to $250 and/or 30 days in jail. Civil penalties of up to $50 for each day of violation may also be imposed.

12. Do I need to obtain a motor vehicle wrecking facility license for my own junk vehicles?

If you have four or more junk vehicles at any one location or if you buy, sell or deal in secondhand motor vehicle parts you may need to obtain a license.

13. If I have more than four junk vehicles and decide I want to start dealing in used parts who do I contact for licensing information?

Information on the requirements for obtaining a Montana motor vehicle wrecking facility license can be obtained from your Junk Vehicle Director, your County Sanitarian, or the Department of Environmental Quality.

Junk Vehicle Program
PO Box 200901
Helena MT 59620-0901 Junk Vehicle Director

14. Where can I get a Junk Vehicle (Motor Vehicle Release) Form?

You can download the form using the link below. Junk Vehicle Form

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1. Why was this Local Government Study Commission created?

Under Article XI, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution, every 10 years a local government must review their form of government. On June 3, 2014 Ravalli County residents voted for the creation of the Local Government Study Commission.

2. How do I contact a study commission member via e-mail?

The study commission can be reached via e-mail at LGSC@rc.mt.gov.

3. Can I attend the meetings?

All meetings are open to the public.

4. When are the meetings?

Meetings will be held every Tuesday from 1 - 4 p.m. through the end of March. Dates after March will be announced. Check the website for location.

5. How were the Commission members selected?

On November 4, 2014, the voters of Ravalli County elected five Local Government Study Commissioners out of 19 candidates.

6. What is an ex officio member?

An ex officio is appointed by the local governing body (the Board of County Commissioners) to serve as a nonvoting member and a liaison between the Study Commissioners and the local government. Under MCA 7-3-177(2), the ex officio must be a member of the governing body, or an elected official or employee of the local government. The ex officio serves as a source of knowledge on County operations, coordinates technical assistance and assists with other matters deemed necessary by the Study Commissioners.

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1. Which roads are County maintained roads?

See the List of Ravalli County Maintained Road Link for the list. There are other roads which may be State or privately maintained. In addition, there are many miles of platted County roads which are not maintained by the County.

2. What do we do if our trees or bushes in the easement are blocking drivers’ sight distance on the county roadways or about to fall down?

It may not be safe for drivers if you attempt to remove the tree yourself. Please do not take any action without first obtaining permission from the County Road Department when working in the easement.

3. What is the County’s procedure for snow plowing?

The County attempts to remove snow from the major collector roads first then moves to the less travelled roads. There are nine (9) snow plow routes with over 550 miles of County maintained roads. We appreciate your patience during snow events.

4. What should I do if I see a traffic or street sign which is missing or damaged?

Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and repair the deficiency as soon as possible.

5. There are potholes in the county road. What should we do?

Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and mediate the issue as soon as practically possible.

6. We live on a County Road which has dust issues. What can we do?

One basic way to produce less dust is drive slower. Also, the county has implemented a Dust Abatement Program for treating county maintained roads. In summary, the homeowner pays for the dust oil and the county provides the grading and application for dust oil. See attached link for information regarding the Dust Abatement Policy. Please note that the county does not conduct dust abatement on private roads.

7. How often and when do county maintained gravel roads get graded?

The Road Department’s first grading event happens after the ground is sufficiently thawed (usually April) for grading operations. There are presently four (4) grading districts. Each district takes about three (3) weeks to complete depending on weather and road conditions. Periodic grading events occur throughout the year with one final grading cycle (usually September) prior to entering the winter season. Extra dry roads are especially difficult to grade as they require supplementary water trucks to conduct the operations. Grading during dry weather requires more resources and is accomplished as staffing and resources are available.

8. When will county maintained roads be paved?

The Road Department does not have plans to pave any existing gravel roads. As resources become available, this could be a possibility.

9. What do we do if trees or bushes are blocking our sight distance in the county roadways?

Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and mitigate the issue as soon as practically possible.

10. An animal is dead in the road, what should we do?

Please contact the County Road Department and the animal will be relocated to the side of the road. The County is not responsible for disposal of dead animals. For disposal of dead animals, see the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department’s website’ link “Disposing of Dead Animals.”

11. Where is the right of way relative to our property corners?

Rights of way vary depending on the road. Please consult a registered surveyor to verify property corner issues.

12. Who do we contact regarding State Highway conditions?

Please call 511 or check the Montana Department of Transportation’s web site.

13. What guidelines should I follow to install my mailbox?

Please refer to the following link: