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Commissioner Meeting

minutes meeting date 2026-05-18 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 21468 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text

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JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, May 18, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Cy Lootens, County Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:00 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended a benefit dinner for
Debbie and Dave Stone. The dinner was well attended by the community. Tuesday, he attended
Rotary. A spokesman from Idaho power was the presenter.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he attended the Magic Valley
Cattleman’s Association meeting. Their scholarship program was discussed. He attended the
Metropolitan planning organization meeting. He stated that at the meeting it was announced that
eh environmental impact statement for a new third bridge has been approved. He also attended a
SIRCOMM meeting. In the meeting they discussed bookkeeping issues, and that SIRCOMM
should be fully staffed next month.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended another America 250
meeting for Jerome County. The committee is getting ready for the flag run next month and are
working on other upcoming projects and ideas. He also attended the Rotary meeting. He stated
that he visited with Mark Doer from Precision Aviation to discuss airport topics including fuel
prices at the airport.
Kyle Myers for a Zoning Map Amendment from A1–Agriculture, to A2–Rural Residential
Present: Kyle Meyers, Whitney Meyers, Michael Bingham, Lorena Ortega, Kacie Buhler, Ryan Chritiansen
Kyle Meyers, Michael Bingham, and Lorena Ortega were sworn in to testify.
Kyle gave his opening statement. In his statement he expressed that the land in question is on
West 100 North. It is approximately 3.69 acres. He is asking that the land be moved from A1
Agriculture to A2 Rural residential. He stated that the land is currently weeds and not growing
anything. The land is near the city but not within city limits. He stated that homes are being built
outside of the city and are near this property. He would like to be able to build on this property as
well.
Commissioners were given the opportunity to ask questions or make comments. Commissioner
Watkins noted that this application does not fit with eh counties comprehensive plan as stated by
the P&Z board.
Next P&Z staff were given the opportunity to speak. Kacie Buhler stated that the applicant
discussed surrounding properties having homes, but no other A2 is touching this piece of

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property. Kacie showed the county zoning map and how surrounding property is labeled. Kacie
stated that the P&Z commission recommended denial in a 3 to 1 vote because of the issues with
the comprehensive plan.
There were no questions or comments from the commissioners for staff.
Next the commissioners asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the application. Lorena
Ortega spoke in favor. She stated that she owns property next to the property in question. Her
property is just north. She also expressed interest in changing her property from A1 to A2 so that
both pieces of land would be A2, but she has not applied yet.
Next commissioners asked if anyone would like to speak against the application. Michael
Bingham spoke. Michael stated that the land in question as well as the land owned by Miss
Ortega are near an LCO/dairy. He stated by Idaho law this land is protected from growth around
it. He also stated that he is concerned about water and water usage if homes were built.
There was no Neutral testimony.
Kyle Meyers was given the chance for rebuttal. He stated that he has spoken to the neighboring
properties. He said the issues discussed against the application are not as relevant as it may seem,
and that individuals should have the right to make changes to their property.
Commissioners then asked questions of the applicant. Commissioner Howell asked how many
times the land will be subdivided. Kyle stated that he does not have a planned number, but the
land will stay in larger pieces for rural living.
Next commissioners held discussion for a decision:
Commissioner Crouch began by saying that he is in favor of individual property rights, but the
comprehensive plan needs to be used for guidance. He stated that he agrees with the P&Z
commissioner that now is not the right time to change this property to A2, but that in the future if
surrounding neighbors also apply for a change to A2 the chances of approval are better.
Commissioner Watkins stated that he also agrees with the P&Z commission but sees the
opportunity for the change in the future with clarification and agreements with neighbors.
Commissioner Howell stated that after looking at the map presented by staff and the P&Z
commission’s recommendation it appears to be spot zoning, but if other neighbors are on board
in the future it will be easier to get approval in the future.
Commissioner Crouch stated that there will be a formal decision from the County’s legal
department in the next couple weeks.

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Adult Probation Monthly Report
Andrea Gonzalez was present
Andrea was present to give her report for the month of April. Andreas stated that there were 54
new cases in April, and 32 closed cases. In April her department collected $19,859.53 in total
fees. Andrea informed the commissioners that she has an employee leaving. She also discussed
the remodel of her office. She informed the commissioners that she will soon be going on
maternity leave but will not be taking FMLA leave. She is not sure the exact amount of time that
she will be out on leave. She informed the commissioners that she will be working half days on
June 22-24 because of family matters. She also let the commissioners know that the next DUI
graduation is June 11th at 730am.
To see an image of the report please see page 8 of the minutes
Gerald Martens for Zoning Map Amendment from A1–Agriculture, to CG–Commercial
General
Gerald Martens, Dan Wille, Mark Swenson, Mark Barnes, Kacie Buhler, Ryan Christiansen, Lyle
Johnstone were present
Gerald Martens, Dan Willie and Mark Barnes were sworn in to testify.
Gerald gave his opening statement. In his statement he informed the commissioners that he is
looking to change a piece of property from A1 to Commercial General. He stated the land in
question is 22 acres near the Garden of Eden truck stop that is owned by Dan Willie. If approved
the land in question will be used as a distribution center for goods. He also stated that the facility
would use the existing sewer system in place by the Garden of Eden. He stated the zoning
change is needed in order to begin the process of creating the distribution center.
Commissioners were given the opportunity to ask questions or make comments. Commissioner
Howell asked if this would effect in any way the bridge expansion planned at the Hansen bridge.
Gerald stated that it would not, and if anything, it may move the process along quicker.
Commissioner Crouch asked if the property is currently being farmed. Gerald stated that yes, it
is, and any part of the property not being used will continue to be farmed.
Next P&Z staff were given the opportunity to speak. Kacie Buhler submitted her staff report to
commissioners. She stated that the P&Z commission recommended approval of the request, as it
is in accordance with eh comprehensive plan. They stated that the rezone is appropriate and will
benefit the county. She pointed out to commissioners that eh zoning map submitted has errors
and that the commercial zoned property nearby is closer than what appears on the map and
would touch this property.
Next the commissioners asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the application. No one
else spoke.
Next commissioners asked if anyone would like to speak against the application. Mark Barnes
stated that he is in opposition because of the loss of farmland and does not want to see any
farmland lost.

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Gerald Martens was given the chance for rebuttal. Gerald noted that even though this land is
currently farmland it is in an area of growth and this is an appropriate location for future growth
in the county.
Next commissioners held discussion for a decision:
Commissioner Watkins stated that Gerald is a good steward of farm ground, but he understands
the reason for the change.
Commissioner Howell stated that he also understands the loss of farmland is difficult, but this
change would fit well for the area it is in.
Commissioner Crouch stated that he appreciates Mark’s comments about farmland but this is a
worthwhile project in the county, and the location, use and infrastructure is already there. He
stated that he is in favor of the rezone.
Commissioner Watkins stated that the project is well thought out and he is also in favor of the
rezone.
Commissioner Howell stated that he agrees with his project and is also in favor of the rezone.
Commissioner Crouch stated that there will be a formal decision from the County’s legal
department in the next couple weeks.
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report
Kacie Buhler was present
Kacie presented her report for April. She stated that her department collected $17,234 in revenue
in April and a total of $165,425.03 for this fiscal year. Last year at this point the total was around
$96,000 so they have a significant increase in revenue. She discussed building permits and the
number of permits issued in April. She discussed code enforcement as well. She is hoping to add
in next year’s budget the money to hire another employee to help with code enforcement. She
discussed records requests for the month as well.
After discussion with eh board it was determined that he next work session with P&Z will be
June 8th at 2pm.
To see an image of the report please see page 9 of the minutes
Meeting recessed at 12:05 pm.
Meeting reconvened at 1:19 pm.

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Kent Atkin, JUB - Jerome Airport Pilot Project Grant Application/ Hazelton Airport
Grant Status
Kent Atkin, Marty Luhr, Mark Barnes were present
Kent stated that the FAA has a program looking for runways to extend, and applications for consideration
are due in December. He stated the grants are for $4-6 million with a 90%-10% split. So the county would
be responsible for the 10% He said however that the state may be able to match half of the 10% as well,
leaving the county with only 5% of the cost. He said the grant would cover expenses like the purchase of
land and the cost to extend the runway. He said that this may be a couple years out, but it will give the
county time to budget and save for the matching costs.
Next Kent discussed the Hazelton airport. He stated the grant for the taxiway has been completed but
there are funds left over. He asked if the commissioners would like to use the remaining funds for land
acquisition or to purchase an easement at the end of the runway. He stated that there is about $29,400 left
in grant funds.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the Idaho Transportation Department close out
certification grant of $29,344.15 to use for the preservation of runway at Hazelton airport.
Second by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Budget Resolutions
Tracee McKim, Mark Barnes were present
Tracee presented budget resolutions to commissioners regarding reimbursement funds or grant
funds the county has received and where they will be placed in the budget.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve resolutions 2026-19 through 2026-27 as
presented by staff. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the minutes from 5/12/26. Seconded by
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve all outstanding claims as presented by staff.
Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Retirement of K-9 Kanzu
Gary Taylor, Rick Bohling, Chad Kingsland, Craig Crouse, Tasha Crouse, Mark Barnes were present
Sheriff Taylor spoke to commissioners about K9 Kanzu. Kanzu has worked for Jerome County
for 8 years, he is ready to retire. Sheriff Taylor is requesting that commissioners allow Kanzu to
retire and be sold as county surplus property to his K9 handler Craig Crouse. Kanzu will be
replaced by a female K9 currently in training named Falcon.

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Commissioner Crouch moved to officially retire K9 Kanzu with honors and allow him to
be sold as surplus county property for the amount of $1 to his handler. Seconded by
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
County Broadvoice Contract and Broadband Grant Update
Matthew McGregor and Mark Barnes were present
Matthew presented the final broadband grant milestone certification to commissioners for review.
Matthew also presented an contract for 12 months of service for Broadvoice. They are the counties
current service provider for in-office phones. Matthew stated that Broadvoice originally submitted an
contract with a 17% increase from last year. After further discussion he was able to lower that increase to
3%
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the Idaho Broadband Grant certification phase 4 as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous
vote.
Commissioner Howell moved to sign the Broadvoice contract as recommended by staff.
Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Review Contract for Juvenile Detention
Brent Reinke, Kevin Sanclay, Neil Nakamura, Mario Umana were present
Brent presented to the commissioners a proposal from the Twin Falls Juvenal Detention center.
Currently the county is using the facility as needed, but the proposal is asking the county to pay
for a certain number of days of detention instead to help with budgeting for both counties. The
proposed cost for Jerome County for next year will be $171,550 based on paying for 730 days.
Employee Handbook Approval Discussion
Jesse Vallez was present
Jesse discussed with commissioners everything that she has updated in the employee handbook since the
work sessions with commissioners began earlier this year. She also discussed an updated introduction
page and asked the commissioners to create a welcome statement to be placed in the handbook. She
focused most of the discussion on the changes to the counties PTO policy including a change to accrual
rates of PTO. A policy for paying out overtime to employees was formulated and will be added to the
handbook as well. The handbook will need to be given a final review from the county Prosecutor’s office,
as well as the HR consultant Jesse has been working with to create the handbook, then it should be ready
for formal approval by the board.

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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 started at 4:24 pm and ended at 4:45 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 4:56 pm.
_________________________
________________________________
Cy Lootens, Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner

April Statistics 2026

Cases

New Supervised Cases:

Toial Number
Supervised Probation:
Court Compliance:

DUI Court:

DV Court:
Unsupervised Probation:

Warrants

Closed Cases

Total: 32

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FEE’S

Probation Fees

U\A Fees:

GPS:

Seram:

$8,664.03

$9,785.50

$1,120.00

$290.00

TOTAL FEES:

$19,859.53

JEROME COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING
wt! ber LES thes rl Lr te

300 NORTH LINCOLN* ROOM 200*JEROME ID 63338
Planning & Zoning (208) 324-9116 “Building Department (208) 324-9262 “Facsimile (208) 324-9263
Website: waw jeromecountyid.ue - Email: planning&zoning@eco_jerome.id_us

Department Head Report for April 2026
May 18, 2026

Financial Report pos. 4-7
The monthly revenue for April was $17,234.00
Fiscal year 2025-2026 YTD Annual (gross) Revenue $165,420.03

Pass Thru Fee
Other Income

Monthly Revenue (net actual-passthrufee) $13,209.00
Contracted Inspections/Services

Invoiced for April

Building Department Inspections and Projects

Jerome County Inspections pgs. 8-9

Rick 16
Sharde” 24
Kacie 1

Building and Mechanical Permits for April pgs. 10-11
« 13 Residential: 6 New Homes, 7 Misc. F
* ££ Commercial: 5 New, 3 Sign, i
* & Mechanical;

Building and Mechanical Permits for Year-to-Date (Jan-April) pgs. 12-18
* 36 Residential: 19 New Homes, 17 Misc. :
® 70 Commercial: 12 New, 3 Misc., 5 Sign :

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* 40 Mechanical;
* 4 Ag Exempt Building:
* 1 Zoning Permit

Meetings and other notable activities: pg. 19

Code Enforcement pgs. 20-39

Approximately 41.25 hours were expended by the Administrator, Assistant Administrator, and Planning Technician
in April for Code Enforcement duties. This does not include time spent in the field by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Reports attached, We are trying to find better reporting methods and time keeping strategies.

At this time, most of the open violations are for failure to olbtain building permits, using accessory structures as
residences, living in RV's, and having too many animals on properties. We continue striving for voluntary
compliance. We do have two that are going through the prosecutor's office, William Pearce and Candido Pena both
for failure to obtain building permits.

Russ and Ridgway continue to have weekly meetings to discuss cases and actions that need to be taken. Ridgway
and | are completing ride-a-longs once a month to determine what direction to go with some of the cases and make
contact with the residents. The on site visits continue to provide valuable insight and push many property owners
into taking action on complaints.

The policy of the office is to wark with the property owner to resolve land use complaints. If the complaints are not resolved, the Planning & Zoning
Office will record their property and clase the complaant. The office will go to the Prosecuting Atiomey’s Office to sek compliance through the judicial
System only under certain circumstances, Building without a Permit is considered a life safety issue so we will try to continue pursuing those in court.
Time will tell what other complaints vill go te court.

P&Z Department
DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
Public Records and Information Requests pg. 40
5 Public Records Requests 3.75 hrs.
34 Information Requests 27.25 hrs.

Monthly Reports for Denice Carrillo, Russell Ruhland, Ryan Christensen, and Tiffany Noll— pgs. 41-46

Zoning Development Permits pending, in process, requiring follow-up, or completed = gs. 47-55

LEGISLATIVE — pq. 56
Current Legislative Activity

DISCUSSION TOPICS
*Energy Ordinance work session time
*Problems with information requests and A.|,

Administrator Meetings and Activities
* Violation Meeting with Blanca on building a 2™ residence without permit
* Predevelopment Meeting for NorthBridge Bldg. 5/Chris McKay
* APA Virtual Spring Conference
* Department Head Report
* Ag Chat Virtual meeting
* Meeting with Steve Marshall on LCO and Land Divisions
* Meeting with EHM on Subdivision and CUP process

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« Meetings to discuss next steps for Energy Ordinance

* Post signs for rezone and SUP Hearings

* Planning and Zoning Meeting with one, SUP hearing/Dwelling Hardship, Temporary

* Tour of INL

* Think Tank Meetings with legal counsel on ordinance amendments

+ Assist Building Department

* Code Enforcement Meetings

* Weekly Meetings with Ryan on ongoing files and text amendments

* Review for accuracy: time sheets; claims; deposits; Information and Public Record requests; Building
Permits; SUP, LD, and BLA written decisions; Text Amendment Recommendation pages; legal ads
and hearing notices; Pre-Development Minutes, and miscellaneous documents, correspondences,
and forms.

11|Page

BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL
ASSESSOR

Oo} x4
64) 64) 64) oF
1) |)
H Peal eel tell 5 1

4,473.72
80.25
143.57
11,958.94
975.02

11,958.9
LECTIONS

CHARITY

GENERAL

PLANNING & ZONING

3,905.9
218.7

6,417.93
218.77

VETERANS
eneral Fund

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- 6,201.11 6,201.11
ROSECUTOR
PUBLIC DEFENDERS

UVENILE PROBATION

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1,109.59 1,109.59
14,135.36 14,135.36
5 67,316.01 67,316.01

bail

Sub Total (Justice Fund
AIR POR

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APITAL FAIR
HEALTH DISTRICT
ELECTION CONSOLIDATION

22,496.13
650.00
940.85

SOLID WASTE
TORT

50.00

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OND REDEMPTION

Sub Total $ 82,047.28

$2,511.97] $ 172,015.03

$ 82,047.28

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