Frequently Asked Questions
Human Resources
Treasurer
District Court
Mosquito
Weed
Commissioner FAQ
Q: How do I make an appointment to meet with my County Commissioner?
A: Simply call the Commissioner’s Office at (406) 357-3250 and ask for Tracy Thorstad, the Administrative Assistant. She will arrange a mutually convenient time for you to meet with your Commissioner. She can also can be contacted via e-mail at: tthorstad@blainecounty-mt.gov.
Q: Are meeting agendas available?
A: An advanced agenda is available for each meeting 7 days prior to the meeting. Agendas are posted on the Commissioners website, in the Blaine County Journal, or can be obtained by contacting the Commissioner’s Office at (406) 357-3250.
The preliminary agenda is subject to change prior to the meeting. Additions, deletions and other modifications are posted to the online copy as they occur.
Q: How can I find out how my tax dollars are spent?
A: The county recognizes the importance of transparency in government, and is committed to keeping taxpayers informed. Budget data and information about expenditures is made available to the public through the Clerk & Recorders Office or can be viewed in the Commissioner’s Office.
Road Department FAQ
Q: How do I request a road repair, culvert cleaning or repair, or cattle guard repair/cleaning?
A: Contact us at 745 7th Street East Chinook, MT or by phone 357-2840. A service request will be created and a crew will be dispatched at our earliest convenience.
Q: How often are County gravel roads graded?
A: Gravel roads differ greatly throughout the county due to the volume and type of traffic along with many other factors. Because of these reasons, road grading schedules vary from weekly to monthly or longer as deemed appropriate.
Q: Who trims the trees that block signs or overhang the roadway?
A: Blaine County Road & Bridge Department has a crew that will trim trees that are causing visibility problems at intersections or blocking traffic signs.
Q: Where can I get legal advice?
A: Lawyer Referral and Information Service: 406-449-6577
Montana Bar.org – Self Help
Montana Legal Services: 406-442-9830 – (800) 666-6124
Attorney FAQ
Q: What do I do if someone gave me a bad check?
A: You can call our office at 357-3220 or stop by to get paperwork to begin the process of trying to recover the money owed to you.
Q: If someone I know has been arrested, when will they be seen by a Judge?
A: Contact Justice Court at 406-357-2335 and ask when prisoners will be seen by the Judge.
JUSTICE COURT FAQ
Q: I have a lawyer. I have an Omnibus Hearing, what’s next?
Q: I have a lawyer. What is discovery and how do I get it?
Q: I have a lawyer. How do I get a witness to come to court?
Q: I DON'T have a lawyer. I have an Omnibus Hearing, what’s next?
Q: I DON'T have a lawyer. What is discovery and how do I get it?
Q: I DON'T have a lawyer. How do I get a witness to come to court
CLERK & RECORDER FAQ
Q: How do I determine the recording fees to record a document?
Q: How do I get a certified birth certificate?
Q: How do I get a death certificate?
Q: How do I register to vote?
Q: How do I request an absentee ballot?
Q: How do I get a copy of my military discharge?
Q: What is the process to file a Certificate of Survey?
Q: What is the process to file a Subdivision Plat?
SHERIFF’S FAQ
Q: How do I get information about someone that was arrested?
A: Call the Valley County Sheriff’s Department at 406-228-6285.
Q: How do I get a restraining order?
A: Now known as Orders of Protection, you can call Justice Court at 357-2335 and see if you meet the qualifications to obtain one.
Q: How do I report my car stolen?
A: Call the Sheriff’s Office at 357-3260. Have all of the pertinent information about your vehicle. License plate number, make, model, year, and color of vehicle.
Q: When is the driver examiner in Chinook?
A: The driver examiner is in Chinook on the third Wednesday of each month. They are located in the basement of the Courthouse. Their hours are 9:00 am -3:30 pm and are closed noon – 1:00.
Q: Do you have any current job openings at this time?
A: Please check this website and it will be updated as we have openings.
HUMAN RESOURCES FAQ
Q: If I have applied for a position with Blaine County in the last six (6) months do I need to fill out another application for a different position.
A: Yes you need to fill out another application as different Supervisors will be looking at the applications depending upon what position the County is filling.
Q: Do I need to have a CDL in place before I can apply for a Heavy Equipment Operator Position?
A: No, it is preferred, but if you don’t have it you must be willing to obtain it within the first six months of employment.
treasurer FAQ
Q: When does the Driver’s Examiner come to the Blaine County Courthouse?
A: The 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of every Month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Q: Is the Treasurer’s Office open through the noon-hour?
A: Yes. The Treasurer’s Office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Q: When are taxes due?
A: Real Estate – First portion due November 30th
Real Estate – Second portion due May 31st
Personal Property – Due June 30th
Mobile Home – First half due May 31st
Mobile Home – Second half due November 30th
Q: How much will my motor vehicle title and registration cost?
A: It depends on the vehicle. Please appear in person for title & registration questions relating to cost as we do not give quotes over the phone.
Q: Do you accept credit/debit cards?
A: Yes; however, there is a convenience fee when using a credit/debit card. The fee is 2.5% of each transaction, minimum $1.25
Health Dept. FAQ
Q: Can anyone get immunizations at the Blaine County Health Department?
A: Yes! The opportunity to protect your health through immunization is a LIFELONG opportunity! All ages are immunized here! Additionally, BCHD has the ability to bill private insurance and also provides immunizations to individuals covered by Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), HMK PLUS, Medicaid, and those without insurance coverage. No child will be turned away from an immunization opportunity due to the inability to pay.
Q: How do I make an appointment to be in touch with these BCHD services?
A: Call 357-2345 or visit us at the Blaine County Courthouse Annex at 420A Ohio, Chinook, MT (Building directly behind the courthouse)
District Court FAQ
Q: How do I request a copy of a marriage license?
A: A form is attached to request a copy of a marriage license. A regular copy of a marriage license is $5.00 and a certified copy of a marriage license is $7.00. A certified copy is usually needed for any legal purposes. When a request is made, we need the parties’ names and the date or approximate year of the marriage. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required to return your requested documents, or include an extra $1.00 for postage and handling. Neither personal checks nor debit or credit cards are accepted.
Q: How do I request a copy of my divorce decree?
A: A copy of a divorce decree is $10.00, plus a $2.00 charge for the certification. Any other copies of a document, such as a property settlement or parenting plan are $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages, and $.50 page thereafter, according to the fee schedule. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is requested, or include an extra $1.00 for postage and handling. Neither personal checks nor debit or credit cards are accepted.
Q: How do I request a copy of other court records?
A: Copies of a document are $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages, and $.50 page thereafter, according to the fee schedule. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is requested, or include an extra $1.00 for postage and handling. Neither personal checks nor debit or credit cards are accepted.
Q: How do I search for records?
A: Anyone may come to the office to check the public records at no cost. Record searches are done by the office staff for the fees set out in the fee schedule, which is $2.00 per name, per year for the first 7 years, and $1.00 per name per year for all additional years. There are no on-line search capabilities.
Q: When are mosquitoes most Active?
A: Dawn (morning hours – 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM) and Dusk (late evening hours). Weather is always a factor.
MOSQUITO FAQ
Q: Do we have West Nile in Blaine County?
A: Yes we do. Both human and animal cases have been confirmed.
Q: How do I protect myself from West Nile?
A: Have activities when mosquitoes are less active, generally during daylight hours.
Dress in clothes that protect your body. (long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks)
Use a good mosquito repellent. (Deet is recommended at least 30%)
Weed Department FAQ
Q: How to determine if a plant is a noxious weed?
A: Bring in a sample in a zip lock bag for identification by either the County Extension Agent at the courthouse or the County Weed Coordinator at the fairground office. You can also get a weed ID booklet at the Weed Shop at the fairgrounds. Another place you can go to The Montana Weed Control Association website and click on the Weed ID tab.
Q: What different chemicals does the weed department use?
A: That depends on the plant and the type of environment you are spraying in. If you would like a list of chemicals stop by the Weed Shop at the fairgrounds. Make sure you read and follow chemical labels. They tell you the type of plants you can spray, the type of environment you can use it in, and the rates at which you apply it.
Find the Right Department
Our Office
Blaine County Courthouse
420 Ohio St
Chinook, MT 59523
Resources
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
