Jerome County | minutes | meeting 2026-05-18 | Commissioner Meeting source: https://www.jeromecountyid.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05182026-1662 1 | P a g e 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 2 | P a g e 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. 3 | P a g e 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. 4 | P a g e 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. 5 | P a g e 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. 6 | P a g e 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. 7 | P a g e 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 8|Page 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 : 9|Page * 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 10|Page « 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 Oo 4,473.72 80.25 143.57 11,958.94 975.02 Mm) ao z\c =/¢ DIS Os mi AB bl> OO mia Siz n> =| = oe | 4 I 4G) GS) GF | oo Ro) | J) cm) ho) co] co 11,958.9 LECTIONS CHARITY GENERAL PLANNING & ZONING 3,905.9 218.7 6,417.93 218.77 VETERANS eneral Fund 7 mo 2 S| 5c z ba m pm z > |e | he rm o|o 2 ale z wale o A) m z ae w fm al < mi é | oa] : =| a | . H a 0 a - 6,201.11 6,201.11 ROSECUTOR PUBLIC DEFENDERS UVENILE PROBATION La | Le) = = a*) wn ml See aif = = c|m mi m | A) gI|SI8) > 37 wn a a|o m g lsigalsisies = “4 a\2 s) oO oj. a m z/O > 2 | Cab co oo = = Lan oe & = = 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 DISTRICT COURT 921.5 cA wy cra) 9) ue OF) On G9) G9 | ony 9) G9 _ =) -. ey = J ; “5 S APITAL FAIR HEALTH DISTRICT ELECTION CONSOLIDATION 22,496.13 650.00 940.85 22,496.13 650.00 940.85 SOLID WASTE TORT 50.00 ae] oS : o) OND REDEMPTION Sub Total $ 82,047.28 $2,511.97] $ 172,015.03 $ 82,047.28 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |_6| | 10) | 14] | 13 | 14) | 15) | 16 | 18) | 21 | 22) | 29) | 30) |_| | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |_9| | 18) | | | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9) | 14] | 15) | 20) | 23) | 24) | 29) | 38) | 38) | 39) | 41 | 48) = =|=|2 a im a a < mij m| co > aa c =|=|2 > BPS + Psi re] nl on 9 as ir 3) 25 nO in | owe Sle |r a bod Fv + al *|2 al Fl |g oO Cc rr 5 12|Page