BOCC Meeting, June 24, 2026
Main Subject
The primary focus of the June 24, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of County Commissioners was the selection of a new Office of Emergency Management Director, accounts payable approval, discussion of a possible Public Health vehicle trade-in, and personnel action regarding landfill supervision following an executive session.
Summary
The June 24, 2026 BOCC meeting opened with approval of the June 17 minutes and commissioner updates on OEM document digitization, regional planning, weed-control spraying priorities and tours, fair preparations, landfill wind-closure reminders, TV translator status, and the upcoming Fourth of July parade.Accounts payable totaling approximately $200,944 were approved. The board then discussed and voted to hire Candidate D (later identified as Eric Silone) as the new full-time OEM Director at a starting salary of $70,000 (within the posted range of roughly $65,187–$94,494). Commissioners emphasized the importance of a local candidate who lives in and is engaged with the community.A proposed trade-in of the Public Health Agency’s Ram 2500 Cummins diesel long-bed truck for one or two new heavy-duty pickups was discussed but deferred; the current dealer offer was declined pending a future workshop to review the full county vehicle inventory and needs (including OEM chipper-towing requirements).After a short executive session on landfill supervision and management, the board voted to terminate Landfill Director Brian Lockhart effective immediately and to post the position. Interim coverage arrangements (including potential use of existing personnel such as Rusty Christensen) were discussed to keep the landfill operational.
Key Points
OEM Director Hiring
- Four candidates interviewed the previous day.
- Board selected Candidate D / Eric Silone (local veteran, multi-capable, pilot/helicopter experience, fire-mitigation knowledge, energetic, process-oriented).
- Starting salary set at $70,000 (full-time position).
- Offer extended; start-date details to be finalized after candidate discussion with family.
Accounts Payable
- Total AP through June 24: $200,943.90 approved.
- Notable larger items included health insurance, AC units for Assessor/Extension, airport jet fuel, attainable-housing design work, Road & Bridge fuel/lubricants, and various departmental expenses.
Public Health Vehicle Trade-In
- Discussion of trading the current long-bed Ram 2500 diesel.
- Dealer package offered two similarly equipped heavy-duty pickups (or one) with trade-in credit.
- Board declined the immediate offer and directed a future workshop to evaluate overall fleet needs, usage (towing, septic inspections, OEM chipper, etc.), and budget impact before any decision.
Landfill Personnel Action
- Executive session held on landfill supervision and management.
- Motion approved to terminate Landfill Director Brian Lockhart effective immediately and to post the position at once.
- Interim operational plans discussed (gate coverage, equipment operators, possible temporary full-time assignment for Rusty Christensen or similar).
Other Updates
- Weed spraying underway with priority given to areas adjacent to already-treated agricultural land.
- Landfill closes when winds reach 30 mph gusts (reminder issued).
- Channel 11 TV transmitter still under repair.
- Fair preparations on track; Fourth of July parade expected to be larger than last year’s record.
- Audit progressing well; under federal single-audit threshold.
Summarized Transcription
OpeningChairman:
“Good morning everybody. This is Wednesday, June 24th, 2026… I’ll call this meeting to order… Please stand for the pledge.”OEM Director SelectionCommissioner:
“I will make a motion that we move to hire candidate D… for the position of Office of Emergency Management Director.”Discussion noted preference for a local resident who is engaged in the community. Candidate described as energetic, trainable, and experienced enough. Salary motion set at $70,000 – approved.Later identified:
“Eric Silone… He’s a veteran… multi-capable… pilot and helicopter pilot… understands fire mitigation… excitement and the energy…”Vehicle Trade DiscussionDiscussion of Ram 2500 trade options and package pricing; decision deferred to a workshop after reviewing full inventory and needs (including OEM requirements). Current offer declined.Landfill Action (post-executive session)“I’ll make a motion to terminate landfill director Brian Lockhart effective immediately and post the position immediately.”
Motion seconded and approved unanimously.ClosingMeeting adjourned at approximately 10:24 a.m. after confirming interim landfill coverage plans.
