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minutes meeting date 2026-06-08 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 20312 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
Monday, June 8, 2026
Page 1 of 9
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, June 8, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:04 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended the Idaho Association
of Counties (IAC) convention. There were several presentations on energy facilities and water
resources. Then there was a presentation from the tax commission. He received a phone call
from Larry Hall regarding the overlook project.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he attended the region IV
Commissioners meeting. The administrator of the Mid Snake River Water Resources board
resigned, and there were interviews held for the position. Then he attended the Republican
Central Committee meeting. He also attended a baby shower event for a county employee. Later
he attended the event held by Business Plus. He also had a meeting with the Snake River Canyon
Parks regarding the payments that will be received at the overlook. Then he discussed the airport
with Mark Doerr and how the fuel is sold from the airport. He attended the retirement event for
the drug dog Kanzu.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended the Jerome High
School senior scholarship event. Then he attended the Jo Mamas car show meeting. He attended
the South Central Public Health budget meeting. Then he talked to Bill Bridges at the overlook
location regarding the fencing for the lookout. He also attended the IAC conference in Nampa.
During the conference he had a discussion with another commissioner from Ada County
regarding their energy ordinance. He feels that it was a very beneficial conference. Later he
attended an interview on the radio. Then he attended the flag relay run across the county. Then
he went to ICRMP to go over the paperwork and expectations since he was appointed as a board
member. He attended the retirement event for the drug dog Kanzu. Then he went to the
fairgrounds office to look through the office after it flooded.
Tax Cancelation
Mark Swenson was not present for his time with the Commissioners.
Maintenance Monthly Report
Staff Present: Brent Culbertson and Matthew McGregor
Brent gave a report for the maintenance department. He presented a proposed service agreement
for the cooling devices in the data room. The company is in Boise since there is no company
locally that can service the system. The Board recommended that Brent see if there are any other
Monday, June 8, 2026
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companies that could service the devices. He wanted to review a quote that was received for
switching out some of the windows into emergency windows. The quote is close to $5,000 for
the complete project. He received another quote for the project that totaled around $8,000. The
Board suggested that Brent go through with the bid that was received from Twin Falls Glass
around $5,000.
Brent then discussed if there were any plans to expand the buildings at the Sheriff’s office. The
Board stated that there haven’t been any plans discussed. Brent brought up that if the buildings
were expanded then there could be something added to house the coroner’s office and allow for
better facilities for the coroner. The Board suggested that Brent speak with the Sheriff of where
an office could be placed in their facilities. Brent then discussed that the adult probation office is
looking to expand their reception area. This way they can have two receptionists available. He
does not have a quote for this yet, but he can work on creating a bid for this. He also wanted to
discuss the potential of purchasing a manlift that can be used at the Sheriff’s office. The holding
cells that are higher up are getting more difficult to reach and costing extra money through
contracts to clean or repair things.
Snake River Canyon Parks Budget Request
Staff Present: Cy Lootens and Tevian Kober
Public Present: Bill Bridges and Brenda Weekes
Bill presented on the budget for the Snake River Canyon Parks for the upcoming fiscal year. He
included the income from the overlook and the RV park and conservatively estimated the
income. He included the cost for the employees for the overlook park. The park board also
discussed the potential of adding a manager to the park board to oversee the different sections of
the park.
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report
Staff present: Kacie Buhler
Kacie gave a report for the planning and zoning department. She stated that during the previous
month that there was a total of $49,303.18 received in fees. There was a total of 10 inspections
done for the City of Hazelton. A total of 75 inspections were done in the previous month. The
department received a total of 22 new permits. There was a total of 37.5 hours put towards code
enforcement. A total of 21 records requests were received during the previous month.
North Side Soil and Water Conservation District, Valley Lions Club, and County Urban
Renewal Agency Budget Requests
Staff present: Cy Lootens
Public present: Steven Huettig
Steven presented the budget request for the North Side Soil and Water Conservation District.
The district purchased some soil moisture sensors to be used in crop cover studies. The district is
doing well enough financially and is not seeking a large sum for the upcoming fiscal year.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Page 3 of 9
Then he presented for the Lion Club. He does not have a budget request but wanted to give an
update on the money that was donated during the previous year. It has not been spent yet but he
is looking to get the electrical updated in their building soon.
The last thing he presented on was the County Urban Renewal Agency. He wanted to discuss the
appointment that was presented previously for Roy Prescott to be appointed to the board. He
feels that Roy would be great for the board.
Meeting recessed at 11:45 am.
Meeting reconvened at 1:15 pm.
Jerome 20/20 Budget Request
Staff present: Cy Lootens
Public present: Camille Barigar
Camille thanked the Commissioners for the chance to present on behalf of Jerome 20/20. The
purpose of Jerome 20/20 is to be able to help business in the area to retain business, bring in new
businesses, and provide jobs to the members of the county. She wants to work on creating a
small business fair with the chamber of commerce to provide more info on how to start a small
business or how to retain your small business. She will also be doing a housing inventory during
the upcoming year, which can help people to find housing and potentially bring in new
businesses. Another thing that she is working with is on getting a first of its kind grant to work
on retaining agriculture in the county. She feels that there is a lot of eyes on the area and that
there may be a lot of growth opportunity coming to the county.
Airport Appreciation Day Update
Staff present: Marty Luhr
Marty reported that he was able to secure the 7th plane to be used during airport appreciation day.
He has ordered all of the sausage and bacon for the breakfast. Most of the other food has been
ordered. He reached out to the members of the rural fire district to help with cooking again.
He reported that the air conditioner for the airport building went down. He has reached out to a
couple of locations for a quote to replace the current one. He has not received the quotes yet but
will come back again once he has received them. There will be construction that will start on
July 1st. The construction will be to rebuild the taxiways.
Workshop with Planning and Zoning Commission Regarding the Energy Ordinance
Staff present: Kacie Buhler and Ryan Christensen
Public present: Aaron Wright, Jerry Holton, Ufuoma Ojumah, Aaron Menenberg, Adrienne
Dunham, and Katy Riker
The Board welcomed everyone to the meeting with the planning and zoning commission, as well
as planning and zoning staff. The Board wanted to review the events previously. An energy
ordinance was passed and adopted. The purpose of this meeting is to go over the current
Monday, June 8, 2026
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ordinance and how it can be improved. There was discussion from the planning and zoning
commission that the ordinance that was adopted was too restrictive. However there were plans to
come back to the ordinance and to be able to adopt changes to it.
Commissioner Crouch went into his overview of the current ordinance. Many of the good items
that come from the current ordinance is protection of our area, resources, and agriculture
lifestyle. One of the other things that he discussed was that Idaho Power was a net importer of
power. He also feels that Jerome County should not be the guinea pig for testing out these
facilities. He would like to see these potentially be allowed into the county once there has been
enough evidence that they are beneficial. The other thing he would like to see is that there should
be more research and evidence to back up the safety of the energy facilities that are being created
now. He feels that some of the most important things are safety to the community and safety to
the agriculture in our area.
Commissioner Crouch went further into the requirements of an applicant when trying to bring an
energy facility into the county. He mentioned a list of items that may need to be considered
before approving an energy facilities application. Another item that does still need to be
considered is personal property rights while going through this process. The facility should be
able to demonstrate the benefit that it will bring into our community.
Commissioner Crouch would also like to see impact studies be done before an application can be
completed and accepted. Another thing that should be reviewed carefully is the implementation
of a transmission line. He feels that Jerome County should be hesitant for the foreseeable future
about large scale energy facilities. There can be a change brought forward in the future about
these facilities once there is more research done on them.
There was a question from the Planning and Zoning commission regarding a statement that
Commissioner Crouch made about the facilities not being permanent but evolving.
Commissioner Crouch responded that the facilities would be permanent, but that he wants to see
a constant consideration of different facilities as there is more information brought forward about
them. Another comment was made from the Planning and Zoning commission regarding being
in favor of the safety standards of these facilities being updated as the facilities are updated.
Another comment was brought forward regarding the process of receiving a conditional use
permit for these facilities and for it not being capped at six months. There would be a large issue
with potentially receiving all of the approvals during a six month period. Kacie also stated that
there is more approval that is needed for these projects than just from the county, and that there
could be an issue with this. She further stated that there could be a change done to this, but that
the current time is 2 years for a conditional use permit.
Commissioner Watkins said that he is in agreeance with what Commissioner Crouch stated. He
would like to see these companies come in and actually talk with the owners of the property
regarding the facility. He feels that it would be important to review all facilities on a case by case
basis. The other thing that is important to be considered during these permits is the personal
property rights. This can and may affect neighboring properties and should be something
considered when applications are turned in. One of the things that can’t be denied is the fact that
Monday, June 8, 2026
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our area is going to need more energy for the future. He also feels that it is important to protect
the members of Jerome County.
Commissioner Howell also agreed with the statements that have been made regarding these
facilities. He also wants to have the setbacks be taken into consideration and how far back that
they need to be placed from other homes. There are similar requirements that dairies must meet
to keep the impact of their business from affecting other neighboring properties. He would also
like to see soil testing done on the property before the facility would be completed. Another
thing that needs to be worked on with the energy ordinance is the definition of agriculture land
and the scale of the facilities themselves.
A comment was made from the Planning and Zoning commission regarding the landscaping
requirements. This could include things like weeds on the property and making sure they are
being maintained. Another issue with this could be a sound barrier as well. Another comment
was made agreeing with the idea that the Commissioners stated about not being the guinea pig.
This way the county can learn from other areas in their failures and successes. There was another
comment that was being brought forward regarding data centers and how that doesn’t really
make sense for our area. The Planning and Zoning commision feels that with our power
company already being a net importer it would not make sense to have it be brought into the area
with the large impact on energy requirements.
Kacie wanted to clarify the different things that would need to be changed to match the vision of
the Board on energy facilities for the county. She brought up the current requirement that
facilities would be brought into only industrial zones. She also stated that there would need to be
a language change to restrict wind facilities from being implemented into the county.
Commissioner Howell stated that he does not feel that industrial would be the best zone and that
there should be a different area for those facilities.
Executive Session per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for Personnel
Staff present: Amanda Worthington and Jesse Vallez
Commissioner Crouch moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 74-
206(1)(b) for personnel. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion
passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
Executive session began at 3:06 pm and ended at 3:33 pm.
Voices Against Violence Budget Request
Staff present: Kelle Hardy and Cy Lootens
Public present: Joseph Simonson
Joseph stated that he is the director of Voices Against Violence. He stated that over the last year
that they have been able to help over 1,000 individuals who are victims of violence. They have
also helped go to schools to help with bullying that is taking place. The offices are currently
Monday, June 8, 2026
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being moved to a better location. There was some down sizing of employees to the office. This
has not affected the issues of serving those in the area and continuing to maintain the levels of
service.
IT Purchases
Staff present: Matthew McGregor and Daniel Bickar
Matthew stated that he has several items that he is looking to purchase. The first one is an
enterprise campus aggregation switch. With the purchase of this switch that it will allow for him
to run everything in tandem. The second item is regarding a new software that will help with
creating badges for employees. The hardware is called Fargo. The last item that he has is
regarding a new office chair for an employee.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve an expenditure to not exceed $5,400
for an office chair, for the Fargo software, and for an Enterprise Campus
Aggregation Switch. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed
with a unanimous vote.
Matthew reported on the IT leadership conference that was attended. There were some
presentation on ADA compliance for websites. A presentation was given from Kootenai County
on some IT practices. There was also information given on the next generation of 911 calls and
how those systems will be set up. Later there was a discussion had regarding the use of
Computer Arts software for county services. Then there was a presentation on software that can
be used to track things on your network for security reasons.
He stated that there was another presentation that discussed the benefits of off-site backups. One
of the last things that took place was a cyberdiscovery tour that was basically cops and robbers
but in terms of IT. He found this activity to be very beneficial and instructive.
Paid Time Off Policy Discussion, Potential Employee Handbook Decision, Executive
Session per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for Personnel
Staff present: Jesse Vallez, Mike Seib, and Cy Lootens
Jesse wanted to follow up with the paid time off (PTO) policy. She also wanted to discuss the
time keeping for each office and how that will work. Once that is finalized then she can submit a
final draft to her outside consultant for final approval.
Commissioner Crouch moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 74-
206(1)(b) for personnel. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed
with a unanimous roll call vote.
Executive session began at 4:49 pm and ended at 4:59 pm.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Page 7 of 9
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the claims as presented by staff.
Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
To see an image of the report please see page 3 of the minutes.
Employee Paid Time Off Payout Requests
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the PTO payouts as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Jerome 20/20 Opportunity Zone 2.0 Status Grant Support Letter
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the signing of the Jerome 20/20
Opportunity Zone 2.0 Status Grant Support Letter. Seconded by Commissioner
Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Notes: Commissioner Crouch recused himself from signing the document.
Ballot for South Central Public Health District Board Member
Commissioner Watkins moved to nominate Linda Montgomery to a five year term
for the South Central Public Health Board. Seconded by Commissioner Howell.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2025 Subrecipient Award Agreement Paperwork
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the signing of the Idaho Office of
Emergency Management 2025 Subrecipient Award Agreement. Seconded by
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 5:11 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Monday, June 8, 2026
Page 8 of 9
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
BUDGET TOTALS
CLERK
REASURER
CORONER
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$ 625,068.86 |$ 173,619.94|[$ 798,688.80
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