Yellowstone County has appointed Mark Morris as the new chairman for the next two years during the Commissioner Meeting held on December 31, 2024. This decision follows the county's established policy of rotating the chair every two years. In addition to his role as chairman, Morris will also serve as the rural fire chief, a position that has been held by the chairman since a resolution was passed by the Board of County Commissioners several years ago.

The meeting included the presentation of the fire chief's badge to Morris, marking the beginning of his dual responsibilities. Derek Yeager will continue in his role as fire warden and Director of Emergency Services (D.E.S.).

The commissioners also addressed several claims during the meeting, approving a series of claims numbered 25078 through 25084. Additionally, the agenda was amended to remove an annual agreement between the city of Laurel and the Laurel Urban Fire Service Area for fiscal year 2025, which will be revisited at a later date after further negotiations.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments on county business, emphasizing the county's commitment to transparency and community engagement. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to have a significant impact on the county's governance and emergency services in the coming years.