Zach Brown took the oath of office before a small crowd on Wednesday morning, replacing Don Seifert, who has retired, as a Gallatin County commissioner.
Brownâs swearing-in marked the first time Democrats have held the majority on the commission since 1996. He will join Republican Joe Skinner and Democrat Scott MacFarlane on the board that oversees Gallatin County.
âI will discharge my duties representing those that voted for me and also those that didnât, and Iâll work my tail off and take this job incredibly seriously,â Brown said as he stood at a podium in the county courthouse. âGood government matters, public service matters and itâs an honor to have this opportunity.â
Tuesdayâs meeting of the Gallatin County Commission began as it usually does.
There was a moment of silence and the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, but when the time came for public comment, a small group filed into the meeting room to sing their bandmate, Commissioner Don Seifert, a song they had written for his retirement.
âWhat do you do with old bulls when they ainât no good no more? Do you take âem out to the auction or to the killing floor,â they sang. âNo matter what their age is or if theyâre fat or thin, just turn âem out to pasture to start their life again.â
The Gallatin County Commission is planning to close a road near Maudlow each spring to resolve a conflict between recreationists and nearby landowners.
The commissioners voted Tuesday to pass an ordinance that would close Bremer Creek Road annually to motorized vehicles from March 1 to June 1.
A second and final vote will occur on Jan. 5.
If commissioners approve the ordinance in January, which they are expected to do, the first seasonal closure would begin next March.
Those who violate the ordinance could be fined $10 to $50 or jailed for five to 25 days. Subsequent offenses have more serious penalties.
Issues with Bremer Creek Road came to a head in February when nearby landowners requested the county eliminate public access to the road.