County Commissioners 5.5.23

The Elmore County Commissioners held their first regularly scheduled May meeting on Friday the 5th. Each of the commissioners was present, and they began the meeting with a brief executive session for indigent matters. Following this, they heard from Livingston Timsuren of Duke Energy to discuss scholarships to be provided to local graduates.

The commissioners expressed a desire for the scholarship funds to be diverted primarily to Glenns Ferry Graduates. The representative present explained that he wouldn’t have direct control over the distribution of funds, but that he would advise of the commissioners’ requests. Duke energy is spearheading the Black Mesa solar project. The commissioners asked about the longevity of the solar panels, and the representative informed them that the current panels will be rated for 30-35 years. The commissioners also asked about the availability of materials. The representative explained that materials are somewhat accessible, but that materials companies in the U.S. are struggling to keep up with the level of demand.

Next, the commissioners heard from a representative of the national day of prayer celebration held one day prior on the courthouse steps. She thanked the commissioners for their support, explaining that the event was, “...the biggest it has ever been”. She asked for the commissioners blessing for the event to be continued next year, a request which the commissioners quickly granted.

Following this, the commissioners approved the minutes of the previously held April 21st and May 1st meetings.

Next, the commissioners spoke with Sheriff Mike Hollinshead. The conversation began with discussion regarding a sign on bonus currently offered by the sheriff’s department. The commissioners wanted to know when the current sign on bonus would end. Sheriff Hollinshead suggested that it be reevaluated a year from the date that it was first offered, and the commissioners agreed.

The commissioners questioned overtime hours reflected in the Sheriff’s office reports, and Sheriff Hollinshead explained that the overtime is a result of being down two deputies.

The commissioners asked the Sheriff why the number of inmates in the jail was down, acknowledging that it serves as a strong source of revenue for the county. Hollinshead explained that staffing issues are the primary cause of declining inmate numbers, but noted that there are two new recruits currently being trained to work in the facility. Next, the commissioners were briefed on investments made with county funds.

It was reported that in the first 6 months of investment, the county yielded a return of $380,000.

Next, county assessor Josh Dison announced that assessment drives would start soon and that notices would be going out the first week of June.

Next, there was discussion about the DMV and the way the funds are collected. It was discussed that while DMVs are supposed to pay for themselves, because of online processes and other external factors funds are being misdirected.

Next, Christy Acord of Glenns Ferry spoke to the commissioners about her work in Glenns Ferry.

The commissioners then approved certificates of residency.

After this, the commissioners heard from the Sheriff, EMS Director Alan Roberts, and Tracy LeFever about a request for funds from the E911 board for funds for a new repeater to ensure that emergency services are able to communicate via radio county-wide. The county’s previous repeater was destroyed in the Prairie Fire. The current repeater being used is a loaner and there is no back up for it. The county commissioners approved the request for funds to the tune of $48,000 and change. Following this approval, the meeting was adjourned.