Snake River District #52 | minutes | meeting 2026-03-02 | Minutes March 2, 2026
source: https://irp.cdn-website.com/68c89c0a/files/uploaded/Minutes+03.02.26+%28Special%29.pdf

Snake River School Board of Trustees 
Held at Snake River District Office 
 103 South 900 West, Blackfoot, ID  83221 
Monday, March 2, 2026 
 
 
1. 
CALL MEETING TO ORDER 
Chairman Lon Harrington called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Other board members present were Carol Hepworth and 
Larin Mortimer. Toni Ibarra and Josh were absent. Also attending was Superintendent Mark Kress and Board Clerk Terisa 
Coombs. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
          
2. 
PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
 
Larin Mortimer opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance 
 
3. 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA 
 
A motion was made by Carol  Hepworth and seconded by Larin Mortimer to approve the agenda as presented. All 
board members present voted aye.  Motion passed 3-0. 
 
4. 
PUBLIC INPUT 
 
There were no comments during Public Input. 
 
5.   SUPPLEMENTAL LEVY PRESENTATION 
The Snake River School District has seen its total property valuation grow from about $440 million in 2021 to more than 
$1.05 billion in 2025 due to rising home values and new construction. This growth has significantly reduced the district’s levy 
rate, from roughly $695 per $100,000 in 2016 to about $67 per month for a $100,000 home today. This number is calculated 
by taking 700,000 divided by 1,050,298,158. In addition, state funding through House Bill 521 currently provides about $1.6 
million annually, covering the district’s bond and most plant facility costs. The current rate is $31 per $100,000 after school 
district facilities distribution. 
The district is considering renewing its $700,000 supplemental levy as a continuation rather than an increase. While the 
district maintains healthy reserves, administrators note that state funding remains uncertain, potential cuts could occur, and 
staffing adjustments will need to take place. Renewing the levy would provide a financial buffer to help maintain salaries, 
security, and programs during possible funding volatility. 
Chairman Harrington read the following resolution: 
 
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 33-802(3), Idaho Code, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Snake River 
School District No. 52, Bingham County, State of Idaho, has determined there is a need for a supplemental levy in the 
amount of Seven Hundred Thousand and no/100 dollars ($700,000) per year for two (2) years, for the purpose of 
paying all lawful expenses of maintaining and operating the District, as listed on the official ballot, for the fiscal years 
beginning July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2029. 
 
A motion was made by Larin Mortimer to approve the resolution for the supplemental levy in the amount of $700,000 
per year for two years, beginning July 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2029. The motion was seconded by Carol 
Hepworth. The Chairman called for discussion; none was offered. Roll call vote was done:  Carol Hepworth, aye; 
Larin Mortimer, aye, and Lon Harrington, aye.  The motion carried 3-0. 
 
6.     ADJOURN 
 
        Larin Mortimer moved and Carol Hepworth seconded to adjourn.  
 
        The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
ATTEST: 
 
 
 
 
                     Terisa Coombs                                
 
 
   
   Lon Harrington            
 
   
  
             Clerk 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Chairman 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  March 18, 2026                             
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Date