Gooding County | minutes | meeting 2026-07-27 | Regular Session Board of County Commissioners
source: https://www.goodingcounty.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07272026-898

REGULAR SESSION, JULY 27, 2026
Commissioner Bolduc opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Buhler, Commissioner Eames, Prosecutor Misseldine, 
the Clerk, Chad Hoeft, and the Deputy Clerk, Sara Berling were present.
CAROL JOHNSON- SUDS/CBAS CONTRACT & BUDGET SESSION
Carol Johnson discussed the proposed juvenile probation fiscal year 2027 budget in addition to bringing to the attention of the 
board that two contracts are needing their approval. The first is the SUDS contract, and the second is the CBAS contract. 
Commissioner Eames made a motion to approve both the SUDS and the CBAS contracts. Motion was seconded by 
Commissioner Buhler. Motion carried. 
AMBULANCE DISTRICT
Jon Kepler and Barb Rivers discussed with the board their proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.
DISCUSSION ON FLOCK CAMERAS
At the start of the conversation Commissioner Eames made a motion that those who wish to speak must raise their hand and 
identify themselves before speaking in addition to the fact that only one person may speak at a time. The motion was seconded 
by Commissioner Buhler. Motion passes.
Sheriff Gough provided an overview of the Flock camera system, clarifying that the system only captures images of the rear 
license plate of vehicles. He also explained that the system alerts law enforcement if the plate is linked to a felony crime. He 
also stated that images are only held in the system for 30 days, it was also stated that the cameras do not take pictures of faces 
and it is only intended to be used as a tool to catch criminals. Sheriff Gough cited the successful usage of the flock camera 
technology in current events.
The floor was then opened up to public comment. Heather Graves voiced strong opposition, labeling the flock system as a 
mass surveillance tool that could be used that could violate rights by collecting data on innocent citizens and selling that 
information. Heather also claimed that with the use of AI cameras can read electronic devices within a vehicle.
Dustin Sears expressed concerns regarding who has ultimate administrative access to the digital data whether the 30-day 
deletion policy is strictly followed by the private companies involved. Chris VanAllen noted that other jurisdictions such as 
Denver, Colorado and various counties in California were reportedly removing these systems due to concerns about the usage 
of digital data. 
Regal Sloan highlighted the inevitability of government abuse with the system citing a specific instance where the Jerome 
County Sheriff misused the system to track his wife’s vehicle over 700 times. Rachel Pringle raised concerns about the lack of 
accessibility to the county meetings. Rachel suggested implementing a Zoom option for meetings to allow residents to 
participate and stay informed. 
Bonnie Warner questioned why taxpayers do not get the option to vote on the flock cameras implementation, the board 
responded that elections are costly and the Board of Commissioners is elected to manage budget decisions. 
The discussion ended with the board members explaining that agendas are posted on the county website every Thursday 
afternoon for the following Monday meeting.
DON GILL- FAIR BUDGET SESSION/SIGN FAIR SIDETRACK AND ELK’S CONCESSIONS
Don Gill presented to the board the proposed 2027 fiscal year fair budget as well as made a proposal to get a budget for the 
Dairy Barn to be replaced. In addition to the requirement of needing a signature for the Fair Sidetrack and Elk’s concession 
agreements. A motion was made to approve Fair Sidetrack and Elk’s concession agreements by Commissioner Buhler. The 
motion was seconded by Commissioner Eames. Motion Carried. 
FY 2027 BUDGET SESSIONS- ADULT PROBATION/PLANNING AND ZONING
Tracy Martin Discussed with the board her projected increases for Adult probation. Wanted to propose to the board a change 
for her Probation Service Tech and allow her to work 20 hours a week to be able to have PERSI she would also waive benefits 
all other offered benefit, without an increase in wage. Cynthia Scott was there to present to the board the Planning and Zoning 
Proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – PURSUANT TO IC §74-206(b) PERSONNEL MATTERS
Commissioner Buhler moved to go into executive session pursuant IC§74-206(b) Personnel Matters.  Commissioner Eames 
seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Buhler-Yes, Bolduc-Yes Eames- Yes. The Board recessed the executive session at 12:45 
p.m.
KARL SOUZA- DISCUSS ESTIMATE TO FIX WATER HEATER FOR JAIL
Karl Souza bought to the attention of the board an issue that was occurring in the jail where the water in the water heater was 
backflowing in the wrong direction. Karl had received an estimate from Aquabest plumbing to fix the problem. A motion was 
made to approve the estimate by Commissioner Buhler. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Eames. Motion carried.
SARA BERLING- DISCUSS PLANNING AND ZONING APPLICATIONS
Sara Berling informed the board that they have received multiple candidates for the Planning and Zoning administrator. Sara 
provided the top three candidates to the board for consideration.
MINUTES
Commissioner Eames moved to approve July 20, 2026 minutes.  Commissioner Buhler seconded the motion.  Motion carried.
Commissioner Bolduc adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

/s/Mark E. Bolduc ________________      /s/Vern Eames____________           /s/Ron Buhler______________
Mark E. Bolduc, Chairman                         Vern Eames, Commissioner               Ronald Buhler, Commissioner
Attest: /s/Sara Berling
Sara Berling, Deputy Clerk