BELGRADE - The Belgrade City Council has appointed Matthew McGee, 34, to fill a vacant Ward 1 seat following a competitive application and interview process. McGee will serve on the council through the next general municipal election in November 2027. If he chooses to run at that time and is elected, he would complete the original term ending in 2029.

McGee replaces Council Member Mike Meis, who was elected mayor in November and will begin his mayoral term in January. Because Mayor Russ Nelson is retiring at the end of this year, he granted Meis the authority to oversee the appointment process and make a recommendation to the City Council.

Two candidates applied for the vacancy. Meis interviewed both applicants and recommended McGee for appointment, a recommendation the City Council unanimously supported.

“I was impressed with his knowledge of Belgrade and the challenges we face,” Meis said. “I think he'd be an excellent addition to the team.”

A Butte native, McGee has lived in Belgrade since 2015. He serves as vice president of the Belgrade Kiwanis, frequently volunteers with Belgrade Chamber of Commerce events, and works for Pierce Flooring in Bozeman. He previously managed Gallatin Subaru.

In his application, McGee wrote, “Our community is stronger if we can work together and strive for a common goal. And if I plan to stay in Belgrade for the next 20 years at least, I'd like to be a part of that change and growth.”

McGee also noted that his interest in public service was heavily influenced by his father’s example. “Being a voice in your local government and being able to help influence and guide what the town is going to do next is a really big not only opportunity but responsibility,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to serving the City of Belgrade.”

McGee will be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Belgrade Library Community Room.