Stevensville recall election set

The Special Election to Recall Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey is scheduled for August 4, 2020. Registration for the election will close at 5 p.m. on July 6, 2020.

Dewey has submitted his response to the recall allegations. The recall petition alleges that Dewey violated Montana law, and municipal code and his oath of office by making an illegal contract deal for the town’s IT services without council approval.

The mayor’s response, which will appear on the ballot along with the recall language, reads:

“The Mayor did not violate Montana Law, Stevensville Code, or his oath in authorizing the purchase of IT services needed for the Town. The Town’s Attorney investigated and determined that all purchasing activities were done legally and compliant with laws. 

“Montana law has a process for bidding when dealing with “other than professional, technical, engineering, or legal services.” This process does not apply to IT services. According to MCA 7-5-4301 contracts for professional, technical, engineering, or legal services are excluded from certain provisions.

“The Council adopted a Purchasing Policy in 2014 to delegate authority to departments and the Mayor for purchases in varying dollar amounts.  Though this policy, the Council puts trust in the Mayor to spend within the budget without direct oversight.

“The purchasing policy states that for other professional services, including non-construction services totaling between $1,501 – $25,000 per agreement, purchases contained in the current fiscal year budget …, Department Supervisor’s need only get confirmation by the Mayor prior to purchasing.”

“With Council’s approval in the 2019-2020 Budget, the services totaling less than $25,000 in FY2019-2020 was consented to by the Town Council. The Council had authorized several payments to the vendor after the Mayor authorized the purchase.”

If Stevensville residents miss the regular registration deadline, they may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, they can complete and submit a voter registration card, but will need to return in person to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.

All qualified active and inactive electors of the Town of Stevensville are entitled to vote in said election.

Ballots will be mailed to Active Electors only on July 15, 2020. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli County Election Office.