Hamilton Wants to Discuss Federal Job Cuts
Ravalli County may be solidly Republican, but Hamilton leaders have sent a couple of letters to federal officials complaining about agency layoffs, including at the Rocky Mountain Labs, which are critical to the Bitterroot's economy.
The letters express not so much opposition to the cuts being ordered by the Trump Administration but are an appeal for the agencies to explain more about the extent of any layoffs, asking for a "formal consultation" before any cuts are made.
The City Council asks that officials come to the Bitterroot to discuss the changes.
Hamilton leaders worried about impact of budget cuts
The letters have been sent to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the directors of the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The city council writes that there are 450 employees at RML, which account for up to $250,000,000 a year to the economy, and asks for some dialogue before staff cuts are final.
In addition to the potential cuts at RML, the city tells Rollins that cuts for the Bitterroot National Forest could have a big impact on the Bitterroot's tourism and use of public lands.
Asking for a discussion
The council says it supports the idea of cutting off "fraud and abuse" but asks that action be addressed in an "informed and transparent manner."
"Please note that we do not object to government action to prevent fraud and abuse and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government" -Hamilton City Council
The council warns that "missteps" have the "potential for both dangerous safety and economic consequences" for the facilities' "neighbors in the Bitterroot Valley."
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Gallery Credit: Chris Wolfe