Jerome County | minutes | meeting 2026-04-20 | Commissioner Meeting
source: https://www.jeromecountyid.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04202026-1647

Monday, April 20, 2026
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JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, April 20, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
       Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
       Art Watkins, Commissioner
       Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:00 am.
Commissioner Reports
Matt West and Dan Chatterton were present.
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended the rotary meeting. 
There was a presentation from the Jay Foundation. He attended the chamber luncheon. There 
was a presentation on America 250 during the luncheon. He attended the Jerome 20/20 meeting. 
There was a presentation from the Boys and Girls club during the meeting. Then he attended the 
empty bowls meeting. Later he attended the South Central Public Health meeting. There was a 
discussion regarding the budget for the public health board. He attended the crab feed for Martha
and Mary’s Pantry.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he attended the Juvenile Joint 
Powers board. There were discussions regarding the budget of the board. He attended the St 
Luke heritage banquet. 
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended the Juvenile Joint 
Powers board. He attended the ITD open house. There was a discussion regarding the upcoming 
projects over the next 7 years.
Snake River Parks Award
Matthew West, Dan Chatterton, Steven Parker, Jon Daubner, Kenny Emery, Gary Taylor, Larry 
Hall, Brenda Weekes, Chris McRoberts, Rick Bohling, Cy Lootens, Jesus Mendoza, Mark 
Swenson, Mario Umana, Tevian Kober were present. 
Commissioner Howell stated that there was an award that was received by the Snake River 
Canyon Parks board. The presentation on the award will be given by Brenda Weekes.
Brenda stated that the Idaho Parks Department and Association is presenting Bill an award. It is 
the 2026 outstanding merit award for his work on the Snake River Canyons Park. The letter 
thanked Bill for his effort on the park board and the projects that have been completed. The 
award will be presented during a conference that is being held this week. She stated that with the 
leadership of Bill on the board that the projects that have been completed have been great 
additions to the county.

Monday, April 20, 2026
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Sheriff Candidate Decision
Matthew West, Dan Chatterton, Steven Parker, Jon Daubner, Kenny Emery, Gary Taylor, Larry 
Hall, Brenda Weekes, Chris McRoberts, Rick Bohling, Cy Lootens, Jesus Mendoza, Mark 
Swenson, Mario Umana, Tevian Kober were present. 
The Board stated that they are meeting to discuss the candidates that have been interviewed. 
These are the individuals that the Republican Central Committee nominated for the position.
Commissioner Crouch shared that the decision has been very difficult. It has not been taken 
lightly, and he has reviewed the interviews from the candidates. He has also received a lot of 
input from other individuals. There have been several topics that he has considered for the 
position and who would be the best fit. He graded all of the candidates on these items and each 
of the candidates came very close. After taking everything into consideration he came up with 
Robert Rausch as his pick for the new sheriff of Jerome County.
Commissioner Watkins shared that he had a lot of people who reached out to him about the 
candidates. He feels that there were three excellent candidates to consider in this process. He 
lives on the east side of the county. He has more contact with Matt then the other two candidates.
He knows Gary very well and was not familiar with Robert Rausch. He weighed a lot of things 
with each candidate. While talking with those in the east end there was no bad comments about 
him. With all of this he felt that Matt West would be the best candidate.
Commissioner Howell expressed that he had a lot of individuals who reached out to him 
regarding this process. He had a lot of feedback given to him regarding the candidates. He agrees
that all three of the candidates were excellent candidates. In his process he took into 
consideration those that work with these individuals should be considered highly. With 
everything being taken into effect that he feels that the best candidate was Gary Taylor. 
Commissioner Crouch voiced that this is a testament that they have three very strong candidates. 
He thought there could be multiple scenarios regarding who each commissioner wanted to 
consider. He wants to take the time now to go over this and make a decision.
Commissioner Howell shared that he learned a lot more about the candidates being out in the 
hallway during the interviews with the Republican Central Committee than the interviews with 
the Board. He felt that Rob was the last on his list. Matt was a close second due to not knowing 
the budget process as well as Gary.
Commissioner Watkins stated that the main reason he chose Matt was regarding the fact that he 
did not hear a negative thing from anyone. He felt that there were some negative things from 
employees towards Gary, which is why he did not lean towards appointing Gary. He did not like 
the fact that Rob didn’t send in a resume to review against the other two candidates.
Commissioner Crouch expounded that he reached out to multiple areas of law enforcement for 
information regarding the candidates, as well as what to expect of a sheriff. He has heard 
wonderful things regarding all of the candidates. He stated that his decision came down between 
Gary and Rob, with a minimal amount between them. He wanted to know if the other

Monday, April 20, 2026
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commissioners were firm on their decision. Both of the other members stated that they are not 
firm and that this will be a group decision.
Commissioner Watkins expressed that he knows that Matt is a little greener on the administration
side of things, but that he can jump in quick and learn it. He also wanted to take into 
consideration who would run for another election after being appointed.
The Board continued to discuss the candidates and who would be the best fit. There was 
discussion regarding if the members of the Board would change who they feel would be the best 
fit. After delineating further Commissioner Crouch and Commissioner Howell felt that Gary 
Taylor would be the best candidate. Commissioner Watkins felt that the best candidate would 
still be Matt West.
Commissioner Crouch moved to appoint Gary Taylor as Jerome County’s new 
sheriff. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a majority 
vote. Commissioner Watkins voted against the motion.
Historical Society Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2027
Linda Helms, Tracee McKim, and Cy Lootens were present.
Linda stated that she is the curator at the historical museum in town. She is here to discuss the 
funding for the museum. Everyone who works at the museum is a volunteer. The only money 
that is received is through donations; there is no income received in any other way. She stated 
that the barracks out at the I-Farm is in need of some repairs. She has received some information 
regarding the process to go through those repairs. There also needs to be repairs and upgrades 
made to the barracks. She does have some non-profit paperwork that she gives to businesses that 
the museum does business with. Sometimes they will even give discounts on materials. One of 
the biggest projects is collecting obituaries for members of the county, and there are quite a few 
people who stop by to ask for a copy of an obituary. Another project that is being worked on is 
stripping and repainting the new wagon outside the depot. She is asking for a total of $12,000 for
the upcoming fiscal year. 
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report
Kacie Buhler was present.
Kacie stated that this is her report for March. She also felt that this would be good to go over the 
hearing of the ordinances and the next steps for them. She stated that there was a total of 
$23,861.75 collected during March. There were two inspections in the City of Hazelton. A total 
of 73 inspections were done during the last month. There were 24 new permits that were 
received. During the previous month her department was able to do more with code enforcement.
She discussed an ordinance that allows for individuals to apply to live in an RV for two years 
due to hardships and how there are many people who are looking to apply for this. A total of 31 
records requests were received.

Monday, April 20, 2026
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She wanted to discuss the ordinances that were discussed last week during the public hearing and
the next steps for them. The ordinances are being planned to be published on Saturday. She also 
wanted to discuss when to have the next workshop. 
Adoption of Resolution 2026-18: amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 10;
Legislative Action to accept amendments to Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 of the Jerome 
County Zoning Ordinance (JCZO); Adoption of Ordinances 2026-03 and 2026-04: 
amendments to the JCZO; replace Chapter 7, Conditional Use Permits (Special Use), and 
add Chapter 11, Energy Facilities
Kacie Buhler and Connie Kincheloe were present.
The resolution is for amending the comp plan to add the verbiage on the . She stated that they 
have been run through legal counsel and that they were approved.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve resolution 2026-18 for the adoption of 
the language for chapter 10 in the comprehensive plan. Seconded by 
Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Kacie stated that the next two pages are legislative action pages regarding the changes for the 
updates to the Jerome County zoning ordinance.
Commissioner Howell moved to approve the legislative action pages regarding 
the changes to chapter 7 and 11 of Jerome County zoning ordinance. Seconded 
by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Kacie stated that the other pages are regarding the ordinances.
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve ordinance 2026-03 amendments to 
chapter 7 regarding conditional use permits. Seconded by Commissioner Howell.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve ordinance 2026-04 for adding chapter 
11 to Jerome County zoning ordinance regarding energy facilities. Seconded by 
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Meeting recessed at 11:56 am.
Meeting reconvened at 1:17 pm.
Idaho Airport Aid Matching Grant

Monday, April 20, 2026
Page 5 of 8
Cy Lootens was present.
Cy stated that this resolution is very similar to the other airport grant that was received a couple 
of weeks ago From the Idaho Transportation Dept. The matching number is a bit higher this 
time. This grant is from the Idaho Airport Aid Program though ITD as well. Cy Stated that he 
sent this grant to JUB for review as well.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve resolution 2026-17 Idaho Airport Aid 
matching grant in the amount of $19,210.00. Seconded by Commissioner Howell.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Tax Cancelation
Mark Swenson was present.
Mark presented a tax cancelation to the board. The cancelation is regarding an error that his 
office created. The parcel was supposed to have an occupancy of one month, and it was entered 
in as 11 months. The cancelation would cover the 10 months that were not actually occupied. 
The total to be canceled is $3,701.59.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the tax cancelation and correction of 
the amount of $3,701.59 due to the incorrect occupancy value, for parcel 
RPJ10100030130. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with
a unanimous vote.
Multi Factor Authentication Policy
Matthew McGregor and Cy Lootens were present.
Matthew stated that this is the policy that he had discussed running by Jesse and legal counsel. It 
is regarding the use of multi-factor authentication and the Yubi keys by county employees when 
accessing county computers. The purpose is to allow for an option so employees do not have to 
use their phone to authenticate their logging into a computer if they don’t desire to. This will 
help with protection of county data and users. The policy discusses whether someone will be 
charged for Yubi keys if the previous keys are lost or destroyed.
He stated that he has been working on interviewing for new candidates for employment for his 
open position. He did an interview this morning with one individual. He has appreciated that 
there has been someone else to help with scheduling from HR this time, not that the HR director 
has an assistant. 
Commissioner Crouch moved to accept the Yubi key issuance policy for multi 
factor authentication. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed 
with a unanimous vote.

Monday, April 20, 2026
Page 6 of 8
Review and Decision on Employee Handbook
Jesse Vallez, Tracee McKim, and Cy Lootens were present.
Jesse stated that she worked all last week on the handbook. She is very close to being finished 
with the adjustments. There are some changes that she is waiting for from legal counsel. Once 
those are approved, she will bring in a final draft for approval. She feels that if there is a decision
made on PTO that she can have the final draft ready for next week. She discussed a new PTO 
policy that would change how PTO is accrued and managed by employees. The current policy 
will have to be followed and phased out as employees use the hours they have accumulated 
under the current policy, and the new policy will begin to take effect. Then there could be a new 
accrual rate for ESL so that people will build up those hours as well. The new program would 
also remove yearly payouts for extra time that employees have accrued and cap the number of 
hours of PTO an employee can hold.
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 8 of the minutes.
Indigent Matters
Commissioner Howell moved to approve the indigent claims. Seconded by 
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Employee Paid Time Off Payout Requests
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the PTO payouts as presented. 
Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the minutes with the proposed 
changes. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a 
unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 2:53 pm.
________________________
______________________________

Monday, April 20, 2026
Page 7 of 8
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner

BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT

| 4|CLERK
| 2;ASSESSOR- sid
| 3|TREASURER

PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL

HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMISSIONERS

$ =
175.00 | $ 175.00

CORONER $
BUILDING & GROUNDS MAINT. 603.32 | $ 603. 32

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT $
EXTENSION AGENT $ 1,224.89 | $ 1, 224. 89

7,442.90

7,442.90

DATA PROCESSING
ELECTIONS

$
$ 6,956.76

6,956.76

CHARITY
GENERAL

PLANNING & ZONING
GIs

$
$

$ 1,873.29 | $ 1,873.29
$ L

GENERAL FUND RESERVE
VETERANS
[Su 3

ota eneral Fund

$
$

$ 5,726.61 5,726.61

| 4/SHERIFF
SHERIFF-DETENTION
ADULT PROBATION

$ 36,806.18 36,806.18
$ 8,465.30 8,465.30

PROSECUTOR
PUBLIC DEFENDERS

JUVENILE PROBATION
GENERAL JUSTICE

$ 629.00 629.00
$ 247.06 247.06

$
$
$ a
$
$
$

ROR Sub Total (Justice Fund) $ 55,126.53 55,126.53

| 5|VETERANS MEMORIAL

DISTRICT COURT
FAIR

es ee
402.9] $ 402.90
$ ‘

CAPITAL FAIR
HEALTH DISTRICT

$

ELECTION CONSOLIDATION $
REVALUATION 60.03 | 3 60. 03

SOLID WASTE
TORT

$ 7

WEED
AMBULANCE

3S H

8|\WATERWAYS BOARD
8|WATERWAYS SHERIFF

$

BROADBAND GRANT FUNDS $
BOND REDEMPTION $

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

48
a Sub Total

$
$ : 462.93 | $ 462.93

| [GRAND TOTAL ___

86,200.09