Mission council passes cannabis ordinance and seeks new librarian

November 27, 2025

The St. Ignatius City Council completed the second reading of the cannabis ordinance, looked for a new librarian and authorized laptop purchases for the council on Nov. 18.  

The cannabis ordinance limits the number of dispensaries or any commercial establishment engaged in the retail sale of cannabis based on the town population. This ordinance allows one dispensary per every 1,000 people in St. Ignatius and closely follows Montana state law regarding their distance from churches or educational buildings.  

The council approved the second reading with a minor change to the penalty clause, detailing the fine to not exceed $500 or 6 months in jail. The ordinance will be effective on Dec. 18.  

The council is also seeking a new part-time public librarian or clerk. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and includes benefits such as sick leave, vacation and holiday pay. The position further requires a person to obtain their public library certification within five years of hiring.  

The public library resides at the St. Ignatius High School campus with staffing appointed by the Library Board. Council person Janis Heffern is the library chairman, and anyone interested in the position can email their resume and letter of interest to her at [email protected].   

The council further approved the purchase of Dell laptops at $935 each. This would provide each council member with a city laptop for council purposes. The council plans to purchase these through Lake County and possibly get them at a lower cost.