Swan Valley residents push for possible new County 57

Ted Morgan, a community leader with County 57, said the area had the resources and people to run its own government.

“We believe and many people believe that we have the taxable value and also the talent and the amazing personnel here that we could run our own government and a leaner, more moderately lean way where people are seeing their tax dollars, they're seeing job creation in these areas that are making up for closure, such as Pyramid Lumber,” Morgan said.

Morgan said the distance from county government in Missoula had become part of the frustration in the Swan Valley. NonStop Local’s Ethan Jamba traveled to the Swan Valley to hear why the proposal was gaining support and what it would take to move it forward.

Shelby Stoll, a Condon resident, said the effort had already changed how some people in the community felt about their role in local decisions.

“I think it's brought us together more and have more people feel like they have a voice. And I mean, I think that's what should be happening. You know, people should have a say in what goes on in their community and it should be heard by higher ups just because, you know, we're a town of maybe 300 people,” Stoll said.

To begin the formal process, organizers would have had to submit a petition with the proposed boundaries, a map and the taxable value. If that petition were approved, they would have had 120 days to gather the needed signatures.

Chris Lounsbury, Missoula County’s chief administrative officer, explained what came next in the process.

“They have to go out and gather signatures and they need about 50% of the signatures of the qualified electors in what will be the new county. And then once that. Happens, it goes to the board of county commissioners and then a vote takes place in order to form the new county,” Lounsbury said.

Even if organizers met that requirement, every registered voter across Missoula County would be allowed to vote on the proposal. State law also required a minimum land area and taxable value.

Missoula County leaders said more local control would also bring more responsibility. That included paying for roads, law enforcement, elections and other services now shared with the county.

Josh Slotnick, a Missoula County commissioner, said he saw commitment from the people behind the proposal.

“Well, I'd say I am impressed with Ted Morgan and his followers and the degree to which they believe In the power of local government to solve community problems so Much that they are interested in creating a new local government,” Slotnick said.

Supporters said the idea was about giving Swan Valley communities more control over their future.