Budget shortfall in Montana closes state offices in Blaine County

In November Montana Governor Steve Bullock called a special session of the state legislature to resolve a $227 million budget shortfall. Part of the decision to deal with the budget crisis included closing offices and combining some functions into regional locations and implementing more computer-based reporting, especially for personal property (business equipment).

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) took a $49 million reduction in funding. Prior to the special session that amount was $100 million. The final amount was reduced when Governor Bullock and the Legi...