Reed Point Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Reed Point, Montana government websites.
About Reed Point, Montana
Government Type
City Council
Reed Point, Montana, is governed by the Reed Point Town Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term of 4 years.
The town is known for its close-knit community and hosts the annual Reed Point Rodeo, which showcases the agricultural roots and cowboy culture of the region. Historically, Reed Point was established in the late 19th century as a railway stop, Stillwater County. The town's economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching activities. Reed Point's unique charm and rich history make it an interesting point of interest in Montana's scene.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Reed Point, Stillwater County relies on a cooperative approach between the Stillwater County Sheriff's Office and the Columbus Police Department. Meanwhile, the Columbus Police Department focuses on local law enforcement and community policing within the city of Columbus itself. These agencies coordinate their efforts to ensure coverage and response to criminal activities across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Stillwater County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Stillwater County. When someone is booked, the process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Visitation at the facility requires scheduling appointments in advance, following specific rules established by the detention center.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Stillwater County are maintained by the Stillwater County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of each arrest, charges filed, and any subsequent court proceedings. Residents and attorneys seeking arrest records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. A typical arrest record contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and details about the arresting agency.
Court Records
The municipal court for Reed Point operates from the Stillwater County Courthouse at 400 E 3rd Ave, Columbus, MT 59019. This court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and small claims matters within the town's jurisdiction. When more serious criminal cases arise, they're handled by the Stillwater County District Court, which also operates from Stillwater County Courthouse.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Stillwater County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from these agencies or use the services of the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history checks. The sex offender registry is accessible to the public, making sure of community awareness and safety.
Public Records Access
Public records for Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana are housed at the Stillwater County Courthouse, located at 400 E 3rd Ave, Columbus, MT 59019. Property records, marriage and divorce records, and other vital documents are available there. For certain historical or state-level records, residents may also need to contact the Montana State Archives in Helena.
Vital Records
Vital records for Reed Point, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Stillwater County Health Department. The department is located at 400 E 3rd Ave, Columbus, MT 59019, and records can be requested by contacting them directly.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licenses and permits for Reed Point are issued and maintained by the Stillwater County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 400 E 3rd Ave, Columbus, MT 59019. This office also handles business entity filings, including articles of incorporation and annual reports for companies operating in the area.
Economy & Demographics
Reed Point's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with farming and ranching being the dominant industries. The town also is a hub for outdoor recreation, with the Yellowstone River and nearby public lands attracting visitors. Major employers in the area include local farms, ranches, and small businesses catering to the tourism industry.
Elections & Voter Records
Reed Point voters are served by the Stillwater County Election Administrator, housed within the Stillwater County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 400 3rd Avenue North, Columbus, MT 59019, phone (406) 322-5278. Montana voters can register online through the Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, with registration accepted until noon the day before Election Day, though the state allows same-day voter registration with proof of residence.
As a small incorporated town, Reed Point holds municipal elections for mayor and town council positions, typically in odd-numbered years. The next municipal election cycle is scheduled for November 2025. These town elections are nonpartisan and conducted by mail ballot in Stillwater County. To find their assigned polling place for federal, state, and county elections, residents can use the polling place lookup tool at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or contact the County Election Administrator directly. Montana operates as a vote-by-mail state for many elections, meaning all registered voters in Stillwater County receive mail ballots for most elections, though in-person voting remains available at the courthouse and designated polling locations. Election records that are public include voter registration lists, which can be purchased for political purposes, campaign finance reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices at https://camptrackmt.gov, candidate declarations and petition filings, and certified precinct-level election results maintained by Stillwater County. In the November 2024 general election, Stillwater County reported approximately 67% voter turnout with roughly 5,400 registered voters countywide. For the November 3, 2026 general election, local voters will decide several key races: the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jon Tester or Steve Daines (depending on the 2024 outcome and which seat is up), Montana's U.S. House seat - Reed Point is in the Eastern District following 2022 redistricting - state legislative races for House District and Senate District representatives, and county offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk and Recorder, and other constitutional offices depending on the election cycle. Absentee ballots in Montana are automatically mailed to all registered voters for most elections. Voters can also request absentee ballots by contacting the Stillwater County Election Administrator or through the My Voter Page, with requests accepted up to noon the day before the election.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (appellate only; district court requires in-person/phone contact) | Property: Yes: Partial Online (free state cadastral for basic parcel data; recorder docs require office visit) | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online (must call Sheriff's Office for booking information) | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering (VitalChek for state vital records with fees) | Business: Yes: Free State Database (Secretary of State business entity search fully online) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results (My Voter Page and county results posted) | Overall: 6.5/10, Stillwater County provides solid online access for business entities, elections, and basic property data through state portals, but court records and law enforcement information require direct contact with county offices in Columbus
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana?
Public schools in Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Montana Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana?
Crime data for Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana Library?
The Reed Point Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Stillwater County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana Public Library located?
The Reed Point Public Library serves residents of Reed Point and the surrounding Stillwater County area in Montana. Contact the library or visit the Stillwater County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana?
Fingerprinting services for Reed Point, Montana residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Stillwater County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Reed Point, Stillwater County, Montana including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Montana Department of Public Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Stillwater County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Reed Point, Montana?
To register to vote in Reed Point, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Stillwater County elections office. Montana requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Reed Point, contact the Stillwater County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Reed Point, Montana?
Property records for Reed Point, Montana are maintained by the Stillwater Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Stillwater County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stillwater County, including parcels in Reed Point. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stillwater County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Stillwater County offices at the county courthouse. The Stillwater County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Reed Point, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Reed Point, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Stillwater County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stillwater County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Reed Point, Montana?
Business licensing for Reed Point, Montana operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Reed Point town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Reed Point limits. Stillwater County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Montana businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Montana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Montana licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Reed Point, contact the Reed Point clerk's office and the Stillwater County economic development office.