Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall told commissioners he plans to retire at the end of the year, prompting the county to prepare for an interim appointment until the November 2026 election.

County staff outlined two options: appoint Lester Bracey, an employee from the auditor's office who was interviewed as a potential interim, or open a broader recruitment process. Commissioners indicated they would move forward with Bracey and asked staff to present a formal resolution at a future administrative meeting.

Commenting on the choice, Wall said, "My opinion is, if you do, choose Lester, you'd be making a very wise choice. I think. In leaving, I you know, there's some sadness for me too..." Wall called the continuity valuable and expressed support for Bracey serving as interim.

Commissioners approved moving forward with the appointment by voice vote; staff said they will bring a formal resolution for the next meeting. No detailed vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript and the formal resolution was not yet on the meeting agenda.