Friday, March 4, 2011

Ramsey leaves Bellevue City Council

Remaining council members charged with choosing replacement

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By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

Gene Ramsey had served on the Bellevue City Council since 2007 and was halfway through his second two-year term when he was appointed this week to fill Walt Femling's shoes as Blaine County sheriff. Because he is prohibited from holding two elected positions, Ramsey resigned this week from his post on the Bellevue council.

"This is one of the things I regret," Ramsey said in an interview.

"We've been through some trying times but the council is doing the best it can to do what's best for Bellevue," he said. "There were some challenges on the budget with revenue decreases, but that also made it interesting."

Bellevue's charter states that the City Council will decide who the new member will be. The council will address the matter at its next regular meeting on Thursday, March 10.

"The good part is a new member will be starting out with other new members, so it won't take too long to catch up," Ramsey said.

"I think it's important for a person to have an open mind and not have personal agendas if they are going to join the council," he added.

The new council member will earn $50 per month.

Council Chair Dave Hattula said 95 percent of what a City Council member does is make budgeting decisions.

"We want to make sure we get the right person for the job," he said.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com

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