Sentinel Media records · public agendas and minutes, text only, refreshed nightly from each body's own site · not a newspaper
minutes meeting date 2026-06-22 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 12341 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
Monday, June 22, 2026
Page 1 of 6
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, June 22, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Cy Lootens, County Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:03 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended Rotary on Tuesday.
Mike Pophanka was the presenter. Wednesday after the county budget meetings he attended a
Health board meeting along with Linda Montgomery. After the meeting he signed checks for
South Central Community Action. Thursday, he attended a meeting with the City of Hazelton.
They discussed creating a Health Services building.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he attended a Southern Idaho Solid
Waste meeting. At the meeting they stated that rates will be going down because the district has
become more efficient and it is lowering costs. He stated that the fire that occurred in Wendell
last week burned part of their transfer station and they will need to shift resources until they can
get back to running properly. He attended a SIRCOMM meeting. There was no quorum at the
meeting, so the meeting ended quickly, but it was reported that SIRCOMM is fully staffed. On
Saturday he attended the live history event at the IFarm.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended the Republican
Convention in Meridian from Thursday to Saturday. He reported on the process of the
convention and some highlights of the event. He attended events related to the convention and
met with delegates from surrounding counties. He reported on the process of electing and the
election of the chair of the Republican Party.
Alsco Presentation/Quote
Public present: Blake Berton
Blake Berton from Alsco presented to the commissioners that he has spoken to Brent Culbertson
from the maintenance department and would like permission from the commissioners to present
Brent with quotes for future work with the county. His company can produce uniforms, and
cleaning supplies. They also service floor mats and other cleaning products. Blake presented a
proposal of service to the commissioners for reference. The commissioners agreed that they
would allow him to work with the maintenance department and present future bids for services to
Brent. Brent would then discuss those bids with the commissioners to decide if they would
utilize Alsco’s services.
Personal Property Taxes Discussion
Staff present: Tevian Kober
Public present: Miriam Hernandez
Monday, June 22, 2026
Page 2 of 6
Miriam stated that she has come in the past regarding her property taxes. She was told to make
payments on her taxes previously. She is wanting to try and get the rest of the 2023 taxes owed
paid off by the end of the year. There were enough payments made to take care of the 2022
taxes. She is looking for help to have the penalties and interest taken off to help with paying off
the rest of the taxes.
Commissioner Crouch moved to remove the penalties and interest charges in the amount of
$889.52, for property RPJ17750020200, to help Miriam to pay of the 2023 and 2024 taxes.
Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Notes: This is based on her payments of previous taxes and following up on previous discussions
regarding her taxes. There will be more payments expected in leu of the decision to remove the
penalties and interest.
Juvenile Probation Monthly Report
Staff present: Mario Umana
Mario gave a presentation on the juvenile probation department. He stated that there are 100
juveniles on probation. There was a total of 13 cases received in the last month. A total of 20
cases were closed. The office received a total of $2,018.80 in fees for the last month.
Misdemeanor Probation Monthly Report
Staff present: Mario Umana
Mario provided a report on the misdemeanor probation department since Andrea was out of
office. There were a total of 23 new cases received. During the previous month 29 cases were
closed. A total of $15,303.08 in fees were received. He stated that the new hire is still pending on
the results of a background check.
Meeting recessed at 11:37 am.
Meeting reconvened at 1:15 pm.
Eden/Hazelton Senior Center Budget Request
Staff present: Tracee McKim
Public present: Pat Bruning
Pat discussed with commissioners future repairs and cost associated with the Silver and Gold
Senior Center in Eden. She also discussed the number of meals they prepare for citizens every
week and the funding she receives to help pay for the meals. She stated that the funding she
receives does not cover the cost of the meals for the year. Pat informed the commissioners that
the A/C unit for the building needs repaired, painting is needed and concrete work needs done.
Pat asked if the county could continue to contribute funds to the Senior Center to help offset her
rising costs. She did not ask for a specific amount but hoped that the commissioners could at
least match last year’s contribution. Commissioner Howell informed Pat that the budget process
will be continuing and they will have an amount set in the future for next year’s budget.
Monday, June 22, 2026
Page 3 of 6
Commissioner Howell discussed with the board if they would be willing to donate extra money
this fiscal year for the Senior Center to help with the repairs Pat discussed. Commissioner
Howell asked Tracee McKim if there were funds in the charity budget that they could donate.
After discussion it was determined that the county had funds available this fiscal year in a
discretionary fund within the charity budget.
Commissioner Howell moved to contribute $10,000 from the discretionary charity funds
for emergency purposes to the Eden Silver and Gold facility. Second by Commissioner
Watkins, the motion carried unanimously.
Review and sign Memorandum Decision for Dan Willie & Gerald Martens Zoning Map
Amendment (A1 to CG) – Approved/ Review and sign Ordinance 2026-07 for Willie &
Martens Zoning Map Amendmen
Staff present: Kacie Buhler and Ryan Christianson
After review of the decision written by legal counsel commissioners discussed the decision with
P&Z staff.
Commissioner Crouch made a motion to sign the memorandum decision. Second by
Commissioner Watkins, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Watkins made a motion to approve and sign Ordinance 2026-07. Second
by Commissioner Howell, the motion carried unanimously.
Review and sign Memorandum Decision for Kyle Myers Zoning Map Amendment (A1 to
A2) – Denied
Staff present: Kacie Buhler and Ryan Christianson
After review of the decision written by legal counsel commissioners discussed the decision with
P&Z staff.
Commissioner Crouch made a motion to sign the memorandum decision for Kyle Myers
that denies the amendment. Second by Commissioner Howell, the motion carried
unanimously.
Interlink Care Givers Budget Request
Staff present: Tracee Mckim
Public present: Tonya Jolley and Nancy Duncan
Tanya is the director of Interlink Volunteer Caregivers. She gave an update to the commissioners
about the services they provide and some stats from the last year of their services. The drove
12,368 miles for Jerome County residents. Totaling 766 hours. They reimbursed over $8600 in
fuel costs for transporting Jerome County residents. Their organization also helps transport
Monday, June 22, 2026
Page 4 of 6
veterans within the county. Tonya asked if the commissioners could match or exceed last year’s
donation for their organization. Commissioner Howell asked if she had a breakdown of the
numbers related to veterans in Jerome County. He stated the county would like those numbers so
that the county could contribute more funds specially for veterans as part of the county’s
veterans’ program.
IT Purchases/Election Printers
Staff present: Matthew McGregor and David Bickar
Matthew presented a quote for 2 printers needed by the Elections department. There are only two
types of printers that can be used for printing ballots with the process the county uses. Two older
printers need to be replaced and updated to the newer version. Matthew stated that he researched
the printers and the quote is for the best price he could find.
Commissioner Crouch made a motion to approve the purchase of two laser printers for
elections totaling $1039.98 that will be used for absentee ballot printing. Second by
Commissioner Watkins, the motion carried unanimously.
Urban Renewal Board Members Discussion
The commissioners discussed potential candidates for openings on the Urban renewal board.
They will be reaching out the candidates that they know are interested. They will also speak to
members of the community that they think might be interested in joining and gauge their interest.
They will revisit the discussion next week and look to appoint new members.
Commissioner Office Discussion
The Commissioners discussed among themselves the duties and assignments they would like to
be giving to Ryan Treanor their minute taker from the Clerk’s office. They compiled a list and
presented it to Cy Lootens the County Clerk. Collectively they discussed his current role and
how to expand it with the presented duties. His progress will be reviewed in the future to see
what might need to be adjusted.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Howell moved to approve the claims as presented by staff. Seconded by
Commissioner Watkins. 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 for June 8th, 15th, 16th and 17th.
Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Monday, June 22, 2026
Page 5 of 6
Legal Counsel/Prosecutor FY 2026-27 Budget Request
Staff present: Sam Beus and Tracee McKim
Sam discussed his budget for the upcoming fiscal year. He stated he would like to leave his
investigation position open for now but will be searching for a replacement before the end of this
year and see if the position can be part time next fiscal year. Sam would like to have extra money
in his A budget so that he can give mid-year raises next year. He stated that he would like to
increase his litigation budget line for next year. Commissioner Howell asked Sam if he has
reached out to other nearby counties to see if they are interested in a cost sharing agreement for
one full time investigation position that they could all share. Sam stated he has not, but will reach
out to the nearby smaller counties because he thinks it would be beneficial and a good idea.
Meeting adjourned at 4:19 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Cy Lootens, Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
BUDGET TOTALS.
DEPARTMENT PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL
Pcl TS aarizesf TS 571265
rS__8148.07[ ———~«dCS—=«8 148.07 |
CaiTREASURER [$ave $e
[4|HUMAN RESOURCES _[$__5,022.31[ ——=«di S$ ——~«S 022.
[S|COMMISSIONERS [$7,950.00] | $ 7,950.00,
6|CORONER———S~d Stig 22 SS ~«*«T 2D
-0|/BUILDING & GROUNDS MAI $9,173.18] ——~«dL S$ 9,173.18,
[44 /EMERGENCY MANAGEMEN| §__2.120.00[ —*| $2,120.00,
MIS|EXTENSIONAGENT [$3,776.28] ———~«diS «3,776.28.
[t4[DATA PROCESSING [$7.eaieif $s 7.88t.6i
MIs|ELECTIONS
CHARITY a 000.00 spo 10,000.00
Hia|Generac_————[s—izarzo]$ — (330 18)| 3 —2o.905-17}
{Serene — [et
GIs 2,202.80 $ 2. 202. 80
a
VETERANS :
| ub Total (Genera
RE ee
-SISHERIFF DETENTION ——[$ tos 461-10 | [5 06 41-10,
| 6IADULTPROBATION [S$ 8,328.01; TS 8,328.01 |
a a
[S8[PUBLIC DEFENDERS _—|
| 9|JUVENILE PROBATION |$ 12,619.67|$ ——(106.23)|$ 12,513.44 |
aelGENERAL JUSTICE [S$ so.s08a5[ aoa
| _|Sub Total (Justice Fund) _|$ 306,109.98 |$ _—*(106.23)|$ 306,003.75 |
VETERANS MEMORIAL tag} __—_ 2 ee
| 6/DISTRICTCOURT |S 8556.47) 0S 8556.41 |
P7|FAIRD C“‘LS: «1236940 {CS 12,369.40 |
| QICAPITALFAIRD |
Sh a re es
| 15|ELECTION CONSOLIDATION $ —2.346.75| |S 2,346.75 |
2OREVALUATION __{ 8 _tedoro’{ _{&__1.407.04
aro
28 TORT
29 AMBULANCE
gases
[38| WATERWAYS BOARD
/38| WATERWAYS SHERIFF
BROADBAND GRANT FUNDS a
a
fp rom 1s asmsrfs
= Sub Total $ 43,582.57 43, 582. 57
| |GRAND TOTAL 485,381.27 9,561.59 |$ 494,942.86
Text is extracted by machine from the official file linked on each page; the official file is the record. Sentinel Media, LLC.