Power County | minutes | meeting 2026-09-08 | Commissioner's Special Meeting source: https://www.powercounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09082026-335 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 4 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 8, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.gov Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in special session Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and called the meeting to order at the hour of 9:00 am, in the Commission Chambers of the Power County Courthouse. II. COMMISSIONERS/STAFF PRESENT: Commissioner Chris Fehringer, Chair Commissioner Kryst Krein Commissioner Jason Povey ABSENT: None STAFF: Sharee Sprague, Clerk Mariano Villa, Deputy Clerk Brock Bischoff, Legal Counsel OTHER PARTIES PRESENT: Jeff Rankin Kim Piper Brock Bischoff Ryan Grayson Macie Evans Kasey Kendall Kami Chandler Deanna Curry Laura Porath III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Personnel: Discussion was held regarding the upcoming employee picnic with potential dates discussed. It was agreed the date would be Thursday the 17th between 11:30 am – 12:00 pm. 2. Building & Grounds: The following updates were provided; • Public Defenders Office: Clerk Sprague reports that the although furniture/office supplies have been moved to the new location, they are still trying to set-up internet connection and other IT systems from the State. Connectivity is expected by the end of the week. • Election Equipment: With the now vacant Public Defenders office, Clerk Sprague requested that any scheduling for removing items from the Prosecutor’s office be arranged until after she returns from vacation. Vehicle Claim: A vehicle repair bill was discussed regarding the extension office truck. Clerk Sprague noted that the repair bill from Andreson’s repair came out to $75.15 over the POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 4 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 8, 2026 deductible. Following discussion, the board agreed that filing an insurance claim was not worthwhile for such a small amount and opted to pay the overage. 3. Board Updates: Commissioner Povey provided an update on the annex building contract and planned demolition timeline, noting that a correction was sent on Friday changing references to "annex" throughout pages 1 and 4 of the documents, which requires re-signatures. Prosecutor Bischoff indicated that if the change is limited to a word substitution, re-signing via e-signature should be sufficient without placing it back on the full agenda. Once the corrected document is executed, Granite Peak will assist in drafting the RFP, with demolition expected to begin at the end of October and finish by November. 4. Commissioners Business as Needed: Clerk Sprague provided an update on the upcoming Liberty Bell visit scheduled for September 16th from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in front of the courthouse. Clerk Sprague informed the Commissioners of the road closure in front of the courthouse that will extend to the Prosecutor’s office with coordination with the city is underway. Tammy Ramsey was referred to as a point of contact. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the special agenda for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Resolution 2026-11 Adopt FY27 Budget: Chairman Fehringer opened the meeting for Resolution 2026-11 to adopt the FY2027 Budget at 9:01 am and roll call of attendance is as follows; • Commissioner Fehringer • Commissioner Povey • Commissioner Krein • Prosecutor Brock Bischoff • Clerk Sharee Sprague • Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa • Jeff Rankin • Kim Piper • Ryan Grayson • Macie Evans • Kami Chandler • Kasey Kendall • Laura Porath • Deanna Curry Clerk Sprague noted that the budget was republished in the Idaho State Journal and posted to the county website on August 28. Adjustments were made to achieve the 4% target, including reallocating insurance funds from departments she contacted. The largest adjustment was a $10,000 reduction from the ambulance district's capital budget, as noted by Chief Chandler. A shortfall of approximately $338.78 was identified but is expected to be covered through underspending in the PERSI, workers' compensation, and Social Security budget lines when positions are not fully staffed. Clerk Sprague further noted that a budget correction could be made toward the end of the fiscal year if needed. Following discussion, a motion to approve Resolution 2026-11, with corrections, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Following audible call of the Board, Commissioners Povey and Fehringer voted in favor of the motion and Commissioner Krien voted against the motion. Motion carried by majority vote. Commissioner Krein stated that he wanted the following POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 4 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 8, 2026 reasons on the record for his dissenting vote. Commissioner Krein expressed concern about the impact of the tax levy rate on taxpayers and what he viewed as unnecessary spending. He noted that livable income increases had not been included for some employees and stated that the county clerk's raise of more than 10% in the previous year had created a pay imbalance. Commissioner Krein concluded by expressing his willingness to work with the other commissioners to address these concerns moving forward. The resolution will be attached to the approved meeting minutes as exhibit A. 3. Resolution 2026-12 A Resolution to Reserve Foregone Taxes for Abatement District: Chairman Fehringer opened the meeting for Resolution 2026-12 to reserve foregone taxes for abatement district at 9:16 am and roll call of attendance is as follows; • Commissioner Fehringer • Commissioner Povey • Commissioner Krein • Prosecutor Brock Bischoff • Clerk Sharee Sprague • Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa • Jeff Rankin • Kim Piper • Ryan Grayson • Macie Evans • Kami Chandler • Kasey Kendall • Laura Porath • Deanna Curry A motion to approve Resolution 2026-12, with corrections, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, the motion unanimously carried The resolution will be attached to the approved meeting minutes as exhibit B. 4. Prosecutor’s Office Update: Prosecutor Bischoff submitted a salary approval form to increase the budgeted salary for the Chief Deputy Prosecutor position from $100,000 to $112,000 to secure a qualified candidate. He reported that the candidate possesses 20 years of prosecutorial experience, familiarity with local judges and software, and civil experience, making them capable of stepping in immediately. Although the candidate declined the initial $100,000 offer, they indicated they would accept $112,000. Prosecutor Bischoff also disclosed that he had been approached about positions elsewhere over the weekend, illustrating regional staffing difficulties for prosecutor roles. In response, Commissioner Fehringer raised fairness concerns regarding other employees who were denied salary adjustments for increased duties, while highlighting the budget impact of a 25% increase and total recent office raises reaching $32,000. Commissioner Krein referenced prior discussions acknowledging that $110,000+ might be required and that the board had expressed a willingness to pay more for the right candidate. Clerk Sprague clarified that the FY27 budget line is set at $100,000, meaning a budget correction resolution will be required to authorize the additional $12,000. Commissioner Povey was in favor due to long processes in hiring and difficulty filling positions. Following discussion, a motion to approve the salary approval request from the Prosecutor’s office and raise the chief deputy line from $100,000.00 -$112,000.00 annually, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, Commissioners Povey POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 4 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 8, 2026 and Krein voted in favor of the motion and Commissioner Fehringer voted against the motion due to concerns stated. Motion carried by majority vote. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for February 7, 2022 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:26 am. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held September 28, 2026. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman Mariano Villa Jr. lnstrument * 22UTT POt\rER COU TY_ tDAltO 9{-2024 10:51:28 AM t'lo. of P.gr3: 2 Rcco.ded tor : POUTER COt t\aTY COMiIISSKTNERS SHAREESPRAGUE Fce:o.m Eronleb Rccorder t cprny r- POWER COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-II ARESOLUTION TO ADOPT BUDGET (Power County Budget for all County Funds for FY2027) WHEREAS, the proposed budget for each office, agency, service or institution of the counff is rvithin the limits set by ldaho Code g 63-802, and WHEREAS. Idaho Code $ 3 1-3 106 directs the board o1'county commissioners to flx the annual salaries ofthe countl,officers as ofand from October l for the next ensuing l,ear, and WHEREAS. on August 5,2026, in accordance with thc ldaho Code $ 31-1604, the Board of Poner Counq, Commissioners convened to consider proposed appropriations. agreed upon a tentative budget and directed the County Clerk to cause a notice to be published on August 12, 2026 setting forth anticipated revenue, property taxes, and proposed expenditures. and also giving notice olthe public hearing on August 24,2026, at 12:00 pm; and WHEREAS, on August 24,2026 the County Clerk reported that the DEQ Compliance Agreement requires $525,000.00 be budgeted for construct at the Power County landfill and recommended the budget be continued. the budget republished and the hearing continued to September 8,2026;and WHEREAS, on August 24,2026. in accordance rvith the Idaho Code $ 3l-1604, the Board of Porver Counq' Commissioners continued the public hearing and directed the Counq,Clerk to cause an amended notice to be published on August 26,2026 setting forth anticipated revenue, property taxes. and proposed expenditures, and also giving notice of the public hearing on September 8.2026. at 9:00 am; and WHEREAS, Idaho Code $ 3 I - 1605 requires the adoption of said budget by resolution upon the conclusion ol such hearing. NOW THER-EFORE, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried: BE IT RESOLVED by the Board olPou'er Countl, Commissioners that the Budget tbr fiscal year 2027 be adopted, totaling $19,953,820.33 in expenditures as reflected fbr each Oftce and department as attached. POWER COI]NTY R.ESOLUTION NO. 2026.TI Page I of2 WHEREAS, the entire Porver County budget r.vas presented to the public on September 8,2026, and the Board of County Commissioners considered public input from parties present at said hearing; and EX. A BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Porver County Commissioners that the Elected Officials of said county shall have salaries set fbrth for the Fiscal Year 2027 as follorvs: o Commission Chair $ r Commissioner Chris Fehringer S o Commissioner Jason Povey $ o Commissioner Kryst Krein $ o Clerk Sharee Sprague S o Assessor Laura Porath $ . Treasurer Deanna Curry $ o Sheriff Kasey Kendall $ o Prosecuting Attorney Brock Bischoff $ o Coroner Mark Rose $ 3,000.00 40.560.00 40.560.00 40,560.00 89,440.00 83,200.00 83,200.00 91,520.00 120.000.00 20,800.00 BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Power County Commissioners that such Fiscal Year 2027 Budget impact to the taxpayer is not more than the published budget and does not exceed estimated revenues to accrue to any fund during the ensuing fiscal year lrom sources other than taxation together rvith any balances and plus revenues to be derived from taxation for such ensuing fiscal year, rvithin the limitations imposed by chapter 8 of title 63, Idaho Code. rvith the understanding that all contingency funds contained therein be designated as follows: e First, as a general reserve appropriation under IC 31-1605 and the BOCC shalI have the right to make an appropriation ofthese funds in the event ofany unforeseen contingency arising, rvhich could not reasonably have been foreseen at the time of making the budget. and rvhich shall require the expenditure of money not provided for in the budget; and r Second, as an accumulated fund balance sufficient to achieve or maintain the operations ofPower County on a cash basis as provided by IC 31-1605(a) Approved and Ado September, 2026. pted by the Board of Power County issioners on this 8th day of Fehringer, Chairman Attested this q NPovey, () lssl0ner Sharee Sprague, erk L POWER COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-11 Kryst lGein, Commissioner Page 2 of2 -D,s+"n<."/- lnstrumert# 22UTA POUTER COt trtTY. tDAlto 9{-2026 10:53:2:, AM No, ot pac3: z Rccorded to. : POUUER COUI{TY CofffnqStOffmS SIIAREE SPRAG{rE F€.: O.OO Erotlicio Rccorder POWER COTINTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE POWER COUNTY ABATEMENT DISTRICT, POWER COUNTY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE $63-802, et al. WHEREAS, Idaho Code $3 I -8 I I empowers the Abatement District commissioners to lely property taxes; and, WHEREAS, Idaho Code $3 1 - 1605 requires the Abatement District commissioners of each county to pass an annual budget; and. WHEREAS, Idaho Code $63-802 sets limitations on taxing district budget requests on the amount ofproperty tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and, WHEREAS, Idaho Code 963-802(1)(a) allows each taxing district to increase properry tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on 90o/o of the value of both new construction and annexation based on a preliminary lely rate added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and, WHEREAS, Idaho Code $63-802(lX0 requires that the taxing district adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and, WHEREAS, the Power County Abatement District has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code 963-802(l)(Q to reserve the current year's increase in the forgone amount; and. WHEREAS, the Power County Abatement District intends to reserve six thousand seven hundred eighty-two dollars ($6,782) of its current year's increase in allowable forgone amount. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE POWER COUNTY ABATEMENT DISTzuCT, that six thousand seven hundred eighty-two dollars ($6,782) ofthe current year's allowable increase in its POWER COUNTY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12 Page I of2 Ex. B forgone amount is reserved and included in the Power County Abatement District's total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years. Approved and Adopted by the Power County Abatement District Board of Commissioners on this 8th day of September,2026. Chris Fe on Po ,CO Kryst Krein, Commissioner Attested this Sharee Sprague, erk POWER COUNTY RISOLUTION NO. 2026.12 Page 2 of2