County Commissioner Meeting 10.21.22

The County Commissioners met on Friday the 21st to tackle a lengthy list of action items. The meeting began with Mountain Home News Publisher, Brenda Fincher, addressing the Commissioners regarding their denial of a MOU with the University of Idaho. The Commissioners faced a number of questions regarding their denial of the MOU and the events leading up to their decision. The Commissioners assert that the extension educator noted in the prior MOU with the University of Idaho was not meeting the needs and expectations of the county, which had previously been discussed with U of I and the county agent with no resolution to their satisfaction.

Additionally, the Commissioners contended that some discussions surrounding the retention of the extension educator were held in executive session on the grounds that they involved county employees also employed in that department. The commissioners explained that a member of the University of Idaho is already in place as a liaison within the county, but that the process of attaining a new local extension educator could take as long as 1-2 years. Lastly, the Commissioners noted that there are no anticipated consequences to the taxpayers of Elmore county following their decision to not sign an MOU with the previous extension educator remaining in the position. A new MOU with the University of Idaho is being drafted for approval by the 2 consenting agencies.

Following this discussion, the Commissioners heard from Tim Howley, who was seeking approval for the purchase of four firearms for probation officers, but ultimately only two firearms were authorized.

Next, Alan Robert of Elmore County EMS reported that he had positive meetings with members of the Mayfield Springs development during which there were discussions regarding EMS services and future needs down the road.

The Commissioners faced an important procedural task on Friday, appointing a new County Prosecutor to replace Daniel Page. There were three individuals up for the position, two of which work within the Elmore County Prosecutor’s office already. After much deliberation and a slew of questions from the Commissioners, Shondi Lott was selected by the Commissioners to be Elmore County’s Prosecuting Attorney.

The Commissioners also spent time discussing impact fees for Elmore County, and returned to their prior issue with the previously proposed impact fees, which was a large hike in fees resulting from a proposed new jail.

Following a lunch break, the Commissioners reconvened and spoke with Mart Gmelin of the USDA Forest Service regarding a letter of support for a grant that would provide funding for dust abatement, as well as to notify the Commissioners that Forest Service Road 227 would be closed for a period of time in order to replace a bridge.

The Commissioners took time to acknowledge and thank individuals who helped provide cleanup of illegal dumping within the county. Individuals from Nampa, Meridian, and other surrounding areas played a large role in the cleanup within Elmore County. Thank you to those individuals from Ada County who aided Elmore County and its residents by volunteering your time and efforts.