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minutes meeting date 2026-07-06 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 14627 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
Monday, July 6, 2026
Page 1 of 6
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, July 6, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:00 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended the rotary meeting.
The presentation was on America 250. Then he attended the America 250 planning meeting.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he had a discussion with some of
the airport board members about losing some of their members. Then he had a discussion
regarding security at the Snake River Canyon Parks locations. He attended the freedom fest
event. He also attended the ribbon cutting for the new armory.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended the rotary meeting.
Then he attended the Joe Mama’s car show event meeting to discuss the upcoming car show in
Jerome. He attended the freedom fest event.
Executive Session Per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f) for litigation
Commissioner Crouch moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 74-
206(1)(f) for litigation. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed
with a unanimous roll call vote.
Executive session began at 10:01 am and ended at 11:45 am.
Meeting recessed at 11:55 am.
Meeting reconvened at 1:16 pm.
BREAK
Update on Coroner Building and Probation Remodel
Staff present: Brent Culbertson, Cy Lootens, and Erick Jackson
Brent gave an update on the remodel work at the misdemeanor probation office. The office is
wanting to expand the receptionist area and have two receptionists. He has found a contractor to
cover the demolition of the current walls and install the new window. Then he will be able to do
a lot of the other work like trimming, moving outlets, and painting. He is expecting with all of
Monday, July 6, 2026
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this that the expenses would run around $3,000. The Board wanted to know when Brent could
start on the project. Brent stated once he has been approved for the amount he can work to order
the glass and start on the project in the next few days.
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the misdemeanor probation remodel
project as presented in the amount of $3,010.28. Seconded by Commissioner
Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Brent also wanted to discuss the potential new building for a coroner’s office. He has received
bids for the project that would take place near the sheriff’s office. The bid includes most of the
expenses for the project, excluding the parking lot and entry options for the building, as well as
the cooler to be placed into the examination room. He expects that the cost would come in
around $350,000 as it currently stands.
He also wanted to discuss the fire drill that took place recently. There was a fireman who stated
that there was an interest to have some of the doors on the east side of the building be made into
fire doors.
Legislative District 26: Listening Session with Candidate
Staff present: Cy Lootens
Public present: Kevin Marsh, Lyle Johnstone, Connie Kincheloe, Cathy Roemer, and Jeff
Pierson
Kevin stated that he didn’t want to give a speech for his position, but to discuss things related to
the county and to start a dialogue. He has been able to meet with many other counties and groups
inside of the counties of District 26. He wants to see a collaboration start between the regions in
the district. He feels that this is critical and wants to learn about the issues that Jerome County is
facing. He lives in Blaine County and works on a small farm. He sells different produce and eggs
at markets in the area. The farm he is on gives him a large feel for the economic status of the
area. He has a degree in education and worked as a professor at multiple universities within the
state. One thing he feels is important is the investments that the state has made and protecting
those investments. He also feels that the education system is another investment that must be
protected. Some other things that he considers to be important investments to protect are the
water in the area, roads, and agriculture businesses.
He asked commissioners to discuss the issues that the county is facing. Commissioner Crouch
stated that one thing that he appreciated about the previous individuals in the legislature is that
they reached out to the Commissioners to see how they felt about certain issues. Another thing
that went really well was that these members also came and helped to create a resolution against
Lava Ridge. He asked how Kevin would help to collaborate across different parties if he were
elected. Kevin stated that this would not be an issue and that he would work to listen and
collaborate. He doesn’t feel strongly attached to a party and therefore feels that he can work with
anyone to try and solve issues as they come up. Commissioner Howell asked about water rights
and the differences between surface irrigating and irrigating from a well, and how that works on
his small farm. Kevin stated that it is tricky but that he works with the members of those districts
Monday, July 6, 2026
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and that sometimes there has to be a transition from surface water to ground water.
Commissioner Howell asked further questions about issues that are being faced with the use of
water through residential wells. He stated that he is not fully sure of the correct answer but
discussed whether someone should be deputized to track the usage of the water.
Commissioner Watkins stated that he felt that the state legislatures kind of panicked this year.
With the deficits that were being faced there was just a strong cut to everything that shouldn’t
have been made. He wanted to see what Kevin thinks regarding the cuts that were made. Kevin
stated that the budget is a huge priority. The cuts that were made he feels were too great and that
some of the cuts were more deep than others because of the important programs that were cut,
even though it was the same percentage. He would like to see budget totals be discussed more
individually and have any cuts be made on a case by case basis. He also feels like some of the
other larger budgets that were given after the COVID years were not sustainable and should not
have been created the way they were. Commissioner Crouch asked what the singular reason is
that Kevin is wanting to run. Kevin stated that he wants to contribute to the community. He
doesn’t want to just be passive and sit on the sidelines but be more involved and contribute to
things. Commissioner Crouch asked if there are any priorities that Kevin would like to work on
in the legislature. Kevin stated that he would like to stabilize the funding of public schools and
find a more sustainable way to fund the schools. He would also like to find a way to help protect
the water in the state through protecting public lands. Commissioner Howell wanted to discuss
the property tax and sales tax removal ideas that is being discussed statewide. Kevin stated that
the first question would be how to replace those funds and how things could continue to be
funded going forward.
Commissioner Office Follow Up Discussion
Staff present: Ryan Treanor and Cy Lootens
The Board wanted to review the list of responsibilities for the secretary position. Ryan stated that
he had received the list of responsibilities and had some questions for clarification of some of the
responsibilities. He asked regarding the calendar and what meetings he needs to keep track of.
The Board stated that they would like Ryan to keep track of unique events that are not recurring
so they can attend them at their availability. Ryan then asked regarding the best way to keep
track of boards and their members that are not directly appointed by the Commissioners. The
Board stated that the best way to keep track of those boards would be to email someone from the
board or to ask the Commissioner who sits on the board for updated member lists. Ryan then
asked about the rooms that the Commissioners would prefer when it comes to hotel stays. The
Board discussed the rooms that they would prefer and that they would also like to have direct
billing set up for those stays. The Board also discussed a couple of other things that they would
like to make sure Ryan is doing. One was to ensure that Commissioner absences are marked on
agendas, as well as maintaining the email list for agendas. The Board also discussed if there is an
easier way to have people send in requests to be added to the list.
Monday, July 6, 2026
Page 4 of 6
Budget Workshop
Staff present: Cy Lootens and Tracee McKim
Tracee stated that she has been doing some more work on the upcoming budget. She did figures
for what the budget would increase with wage increases of 4% and 5%. She also worked to
create a list of individuals in the county who have large amounts of comp time. Cy stated that the
only company who has turned in their insurance bid is St Lukes. There is still more info that will
come in in the upcoming weeks regarding other bids for insurance, but the overall outlook is a
large jump in insurance costs again this year. Tracee stated that there was a discussion previously
about new employees in the proposed budget. There was a discussion had about moving the
sheriff office human resources employee to the human resources section of the budget. There
was also a discussion about the new probation officer and the new receptionist for adult
probation. Another new position was proposed in the fair budget to handle marketing and vendor
coordination.
Final Approval of Employee Handbook
Staff present: Jesse Vallez and Cy Lootens
Jesse wanted to go over the employee handbook manual. There were some concerns that have
come up with the random drug screening process. She stated that with these concerns that there
has to be a very specific way for the wording of the policy. She received a lot of results for the
cover of the employee handbook from county employees. Jesse showed the commissioners the
options created and a cover was selected for final approve after some small revisions. She would
like to send out a summary of changes to policies to all employees and department heads. Then
she also gave an update on the upcoming roll out of Neogov. There still needs to be some more
tests and time put into the new software before it can hopefully be rolled out in October of this
year.
Legal Counsel/Treatment Court Counseling Office Space Discussion Follow Up
Staff present: Sam Beus, Cy Lootens, Jesus Mendoza
Public present: Gerlyn Walker, Mark Copin, Judge Stacey DePew, Judge John Lothspeich, and
Judge Rosemary Emory
Sam stated that there was a previous conversation regarding the treatment court and trying to
bring it back into Jerome County. He has been discussing this with the state. Including steps to
bring it back. Using the old public defender’s office was an option, but there will need to be
some modifications to the building to bring it into ADA compliance. There needs to be
something based here as the only option currently is in Twin Falls. He has also done some
research into potential grants that could be obtained to help with those costs. Judge DePew
informed commissioners that the court feels that Jerome individuals should receive Jerome
services. This way the members of Jerome County can receive more localized help and not have
to find ways to travel to other areas, which can be an issue for some of the individuals involved
with treatment court. There has now been a bid to provide services to Jerome County again, and
the old public defenders office could be utilized by the bidder. Commissioners will look into
getting the building fixed up to house a treatment provider and what those cost will be.
Monday, July 6, 2026
Page 5 of 6
Sam stated that he was able to look into the issue discussed last week regarding multiple homes
on the same parcel. He was able to find that there was something in place for a temporary
residence that can then be removed later on. There could be different options that could be
created to change the current policy. Currently code states that it is more of a temporary
emergency procedure instead of allowing the additional residence to be kept permanently.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve all outstanding claims. Seconded by
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
To see an image of the report please see page 6 of the minutes.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the minutes from June 29th. Seconded
by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Meeting convened at 5:12 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT
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REASURER
UMAN RESOURCES
CORONER
MERGENCY MANAGEME
ATA PROCESSING
LECTIONS
HARITY
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PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL
$ 7,950.00/$ 1,290.31
$1,019.22 |$ 750.00
$ 2,120.00|$ 240.83
$ 3,776.28 | $ 215.93
ee
Q)O
ENERAL
LANNING & ZONING
|
ENERAL FUND RESERVE
$ 72,415.08|$ 20,122.19 92,537.27
$ 15,839.77 | $ 615.24 16,455.01
$2,202.80 2,202.80
6A) 69) 69
<
ETERANS
ub Total (General Func
HERIFF-DETENTION
DULT PROBATION
ROSECUTOR
UBLIC DEFENDERS
UVENILE PROBATION
ENERAL JUSTICE
ub Total (Justice Fund
ETERANS MEMORIAL
ISTRICT COURT
APITAL FAIR
EALTH DISTRICT
LECTION CONSOLIDATIO
2
6A) -69)| 69
> BY 66 o : U 34 o
91,896.00 | $ 6,923.35
8,328.02
32,036.94
57 Gua 6
98,40
98,819.35
8,328.02
33,054.19
2,308.00
12,924.67
272,629.95
526,465.33
q 45,/92.
1,017.25
2,308.00
305.00
136,598.79
149,650.12
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$
$
$
q
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12,619.67
136,031.16
376,815.21
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3
$
$ 4184.47
$
10,518.35
15,724.83
14,702.82
15,724.83
3,333.36
21,665.77
1,039.98 4,373.34
21,665.77
TORT
AMBULANCE
WATERWAYS BOARD
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Sub Total
GRAND TOTAL
$ 58,114.67
$ 622,591.64
$ 44,144.32
$ 297,741.60
$ 102,258.99
-
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