Lack of money, not lack of conflict shuts down Montana Consensus Council

The Schweitzer administration is about to shut down a tiny state agency set up to help resolve conflicts, but which hasn’t generated enough business to pay its bills.

The agency, known as the Montana Consensus Council http://mcc.mt.gov/ , already has given layoff notices to two employees sharing 1.5 jobs, effective Feb. 29.

The board overseeing the council soon will decide its fate and that of the council’s remaining employee, Director Judy Edwards. However, officials said it’s inevitable the agency will be shuttered, and Edwards laid off.

The council, created by Gov. Marc Racicot by executive order in 1994 to help groups and agencies resolve conflicts and reach consensus on issues, hasn’t made enough money in consulting fees to continue. A grant from the California-based William and Flora Hewlett Foundation expired several years ago.

By Charles S. Johnson

Full Story: http://www.montanastandard.com/articles/2008/02/17/state/hjjbjhicjjibjf.txt