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minutes meeting date 2026-03-19 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 5638 characters · official file · plain text
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Thursday, March 19, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 1:05 pm.
Emergency Energy Ordinance
Mike Seib, Jerry Holton, Kacie Buhler, Ryan Christensen, Aaron Menenberg, Ivy Lyn, Katy
Riker, and Sam Beus were present.
The Board stated that there was some confusion regarding the phrasing on the agenda. It is not an
emergency meeting, but a review of the emergency ordinance that was passed last year. The
purpose is to review the previous ordinance while also seeing what the Board can do to pass a
new energy ordinance. The current concern is that most of the solar, wind, and BESS projects are
currently allowed in most of the zones in the county. The purpose of the ordinance is to block
those and to pass a new ordinance that would allow them in more specific areas of the county.
Kacie stated that the previous ordinance that was passed was regarding a ban on all applications
for 182 days. The Board wanted to see what the current ordinance would allow and what the
planning and zoning commission recommended. Kacie stated that the commission recommended
to deny the energy ordinance. There is a possibility to pass the current ordinance as it was
presented and then to go through adjusting the ordinance later on. If that was the case there
would need to be open houses before the ordinance can be adopted. This proposed ordinance
would also restrict the building of facilities in most of the county and only allow them with a
special use permit in certain areas. The Board wanted to discuss if there is an option to change
some language in what the current ordinance states. Kacie stated that if this was done then the
whole process would have to begin all over again with taking it to the planning and zoning
commission before moving forward to an open house again. Sam and Mike both confirmed that
if there are changes then nothing could be passed until a year from now. If the current one is
approved as is then it could be adopted once the proper process is finished.
The Board also wanted to confirm the time frame of this and how important it is to pass this item
sooner rather than later, with an open house being done soon for an energy project. Kacie stated
that this would be correct and then changes could be taken to adjust the energy ordinance with
more feedback from the public and other experts. She also stated that the rec zones as a reference
to this ordinance took well over 10+ years to get it to the best option that the county currently
has. With this being adopted it can be adjusted, fine tuned, and come to a better outcome of what
the county fully expects with these energy facilities. The Board wanted to confirm if there are
any conditions that could be placed on the adoption of the ordinance. Sam stated that there
couldn’t be any conditions placed, but things that can be discussed further and be fined tuned or
replaced upon feedback that the Board receives.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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The Board wanted to discuss the next steps for this process. Kacie stated that the advertising
process would have to start and a public hearing could be held on April 13th as the earliest
available date. In this process there would be collecting of comments and input regarding the
ordinance as it is currently written. The Board wanted to see if there is an option to continue with
the workshops that are scheduled along with the open house meeting. Kacie stated that there
could be some confusion with this process and that maybe it should be delayed until the current
ordinance is approved. The Board stated that there could also be things lost in this process of not
keeping the workshops and making sure that there can be more fine tuning done with the
ordinance. Kacie stated that if there is a lot of issue with this that it could be alleviated by
making sure to put out information to the public about the process so they are well informed on
what is going on and why.
There was a comment made from the public that one of the points that needs to be addressed in
the energy ordinance is that there is nothing to address the current energy facilities. This is
something that does need to be addressed so it can be shown in the special use permits, so that
the facility would show it can meet safety standards. This should something included into the
special use permit process. There was a comment made that the process of going forward with a
moratorium would not be the best option and instead going through the normal process to get
feedback and see applicants provide the required information to show that the facility will meet
safety standards.
The Board wanted to discuss the options that are up for the ordinances and if anyone has any
questions or comments about them. One being hearing the ordinances again to move towards
passing as is, or to continue to work and change the ordinances before passing them.
The Board decided to hold a meeting on April 13th for the open house. Kacie stated that would be
the first available date and to plan for the evening as it is the best time to try and get the majority
of the public to attend. The Board decided to hold the meeting at 6 pm on the 13th.
Meeting adjourned at 1:31 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
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