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Page 1
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 2026
Meeting called to order at 9:00. Those present are Commissioner Clark, Commissioner Young, Chairman Hancock, Deputy Prosecutor
Chase Hendricks, Emergency Management Rebecca Squires, Clerk Melanie Smoot; Kimberly Murphy is clerk of the board. Pledge of
Allegiance led by Commissioner Clark. Prayer offered by Commissioner Young. Prosecutor Paul Butikofer is absent.
Recording available at https://icgov.us/AgendaCenter
9:00:26 AM
ELECTED OFFICIALS - DEPARTMENT HEADS
STAFF MEETING
9:02:01 AM Chairman Hancock gave a brief overview of the budget — the Board is going to give all employees COLA at four
percent.
9:02:41 AM The Board recessed briefly to allow Chairman Hancock to consult with the Prosecutor regarding an unrelated matter.
The Prosecutor was subsequently excused from the remainder of the meeting.
9:06:07 AM Open session.
Extension - Amanda Hickman — presented the results from the county fair. Exhibit A.
Planning & Zoning — Milton Ollerton — permits are down just a little bit. So far this year, the department has completed 40 administrative
land use files.
Noxious Weeds — Rhett Hansen — currently has a full 4-wheeler crew and one roadside crew working on spraying. The backpack program
is still going well.
Payroll - Audrey Moon — needs payroll sheets back by September 8. All regrades need to have a personnel action form. Joe Moss, with
Globe Life introduced himself.
Sheriff Steve Anderson — busy month with the Big Rock fire and aftermath.
Treasurer — Kristine Lund - working on warrants of distraint for mobile homes. The goal is to have zero auctions. There are only 144
parcels still owing for 2023.
Building & Maintenance — James Richardson — reviewing applications for the open position, hoping to have interviews next week.
Parks & Recreation — Martin Jones — traffic at the Lake is starting to slow down with school starting. There will be one more event this
summer, a Doggy Dash 5k, with Bramwell Vet sponsoring. Registration numbers are good for flag football, the season starts on
September 4.
Probation - Tammy Adkins — A new agreement with 3B Detention Center is being reviewed by legal counsel, she will be bringing it to the
Board for approval.
Engineer — Sam Scott - the stoplight at 4000 E is now operational. The boat shed bid package was republished.
Public Works — Mike Carter — staying busy. Road & Bridge — Finished chip-sealing and got started with brooming. They will be starting the
project in Lewisville this week. Solid Waste — the operations plan is done and has been approved by the DEQ. They will be
backfilling trenches around the new shop this week.
Clerk — Melanie Smoot — busy with the budget. Audrey finished entering the new payroll numbers. Blue claim forms should only be used
when absolutely necessary; all other claims need to be approved through the claim cycle.
Commissioner Young — appreciates Road & Bridge and the Sheriff's Office for their quick response at Heise. He’s proud of the work done
on the budget and is glad to give the employees a decent increase in wages. He emphasized the need to retain good
employees.
Commissioner Clark - echoed Commissioner Young's comments. He appreciates working with everyone and is hoping to get the budget
passed tonight.
Chairman Hancock — appreciates how busy the Sheriffs Office has been this past month, as well as Emergency Management and Road &
Bridge. Later today, the Board will be going to tour the areas impacted by the fire and subsequent storms.
IT - GARN HERRICK
PHONE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FOR R&B, WEEDS, LANDFILL- (ACTION ITEM)
9:33:01 AM Garn Herrick — presented options for replacing the phone systems at Road & Bridge, Weeds, and County Line Landfill.
He noted that the new system is expected to reduce monthly phone costs by approximately $500 and would consolidate existing phone
lines while providing improved after-hours functionality. The proposed systems would serve approximately 20-21 phones across the three
locations.
9:39:51 AM Motion by Commissioner Young to authorize the purchase of BPS phone systems for $339.56 per month.
Second by Commissioner Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock -
aye. Motion passed.
Commissioner Meeting Minutes AUGUST 24, 2026
Page 2
COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET REVIEW & DISCUSSION
9:40:31 AM Prior to the public hearing this evening, the Board and Clerk reviewed the proposed budget for any final corrections.
APPROVE CLAIMS - (ACTION ITEM)
9:47:26 AM Motion by Commissioner Clark to approve the claims from August 15, 2026 through August 21, 2026 for
$487,227.19. Second by Commissioner Young. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman
Hancock - aye. Motion passed.
APPROVE CERTIFICATES OF RESIDENCY - (ACTION ITEM)
none.
APPROVE COMMISSIONER MEETING MINUTES - (ACTION ITEM)
9:53:34 AM none.
APPROVE CATERING PERMITS - (ACTION ITEM)
9:53:59 AM Motion by Commissioner Clark to approve the catering permit for Bee’s Knees for a wedding at Snake River
Meadows on September 3. Second by Commissioner Young. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young -
aye, Chairman Hancock - aye. Motion passed.
APPROVE RETAIL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES - (ACTION ITEM)
9:54:47 AM Motion by Commissioner Clark to approve the Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for Lil Mike’s BBQ. Second
by Commissioner Young. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock - aye.
Motion passed.
9:55:10 AM Motion by Commissioner Young to approve the Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for El Andante in Roberts.
Second by Commissioner Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock -
aye. Motion passed.
9:55:55 AM Motion by Commissioner Young to approve the Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for BJ’s Bayou in Roberts.
Second by Commissioner Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock -
aye. Motion passed.
9:56:11 AM Motion by Commissioner Young to approve the Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for Rigby’s Patty Shack.
Second by Commissioner Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock -
aye. Motion passed.
CARLOS APONTE
INSURANCE DISCUSSION - (ACTION ITEM)
10:00:11 AM Carlos Aponte — presented the preliminary renewal information for the County's employee health insurance benefits,
which renew January 1. The County's self-funded plan has experienced increased claims, resulting in a preliminary renewal increase of
approximately 22 percent. The projected composite rate is $2,546.80 based on the current employee census and plan design. The renewal
figures are preliminary and additional options and potential plan modifications are being evaluated with insurance providers. The Board
discussed the impact of the preliminary renewal rates on the upcoming budget, as well as the goal of maintaining adequate reserves in the
self-funded plan. Carlos also presented information regarding the Samaritan Fund, which may provide an alternative funding option for
certain employees and dependents with qualifying high medical expenses. The Board discussed the potential for the program to reduce
claims costs to the County. No action taken.
PLANNING & ZONING - MILTON OLLERTON
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER VARIANCE APPEAL - APP-VAR26-0007 - (ACTION ITEM)
o RIGBY 191, LLC IS APPEALING THE PLANNING AND ZONING DECISION TO DENY THE REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE
FOR 29 LOTS IN THE HUNTER CHASE SUBDIVISION, RANGING FROM 0.9 TO 0.96 ACRES, DUE TO PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-
WAY DEDICATION — FALLING SHORT OF THE 1-ACRE ZONING MINIMUM. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED ON PARCELS
RP04N38E350033 & RP04N38E354201 IN THE RESIDENTIAL-1 ZONE ON A TOTAL OF 187.94 ACRES IN A PORTION OF
SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 38 EAST BOISE-MERIDIAN
10:29:22 AM _ The Board held a public hearing regarding an appeal of the Planning & Zoning Commission's denial of a variance for
29 lots in the proposed Hunter Chase Subdivision. The lots range from approximately 0.90 to 0.96 acres and do not meet the one-acre
minimum for the R-1 zone due to the dedication of additional public right-of-way.
Commissioner Meeting Minutes AUGUST 24, 2026
Page 3
Milton Ollerton — reviewed the history of the preliminary plat, which has been under development since 2022. The preliminary plat has
undergone multiple revisions, including changes to the road layout and additional right-of-way requested by Road & Bridge. The additional
right-of-way resulted in 29 lots falling below the one-acre minimum. The variance was initially submitted as an administrative variance, but
because 29 lots were affected, the request was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Commission subsequently
recommended denial based on its determination that the hardship was self-imposed. Milton reviewed the variance criteria and noted that
the application and appeal were timely and complete. He also discussed the applicant's position that the reduced lot sizes resulted from
the additional right-of-way required for public road improvements. Other public concerns raised during the subdivision process included
traffic, water, and sewer impacts; however, the preliminary plat had not yet returned to the Planning & Zoning Commission for final
consideration.
Kipp Manwaring — representing the appellant -stated that the applicable ordinances at the time the preliminary plat was developed allowed
for the proposed right-of-way and said the applicant had worked to meet the requirements. He discussed traffic studies completed for the
area and stated that the proposed right-of-way would help address future road improvements. He explained that the development is
anticipated to occur in phases over an extended period rather than all at once.
Public Comments:
Kathy Burnside, 3658 E 157 N, Rigby - Opposed: Burnside stated that she has lived near the area for more than 50 years and expressed
concerns about existing road conditions and the potential traffic impacts of the subdivision. She questioned the need for the
additional road right-of-way and expressed concems about the impact of additional development on local wells. Burnside stated
that the applicant should revise the subdivision to comply with the zoning requirements and asked the Board to uphold the
Planning & Zoning Commission's denial.
Nancy Hansen, 30 N 3700 E, Rigby - Opposed: Hansen expressed concerns about the history and timing of the subdivision application
and the traffic study used in the process. She questioned whether the proposed right-of-way dedication was in the public interest
and expressed concerns about the impacts of the development on the surrounding area. Hansen asked the Board to deny the
appeal and require the subdivision to comply with the R-1 zoning requirements.
Craig Walker, 3745 E 100 N, Rigby - Opposed: Walker stated that the need for the additional right-of-way resulted from the size of the
proposed subdivision and characterized the resulting hardship as self-imposed. He expressed concems about water and sewer
impacts associated with lots smaller than one acre and stated that the applicant should resolve the lot-size issue within the
subdivision rather than through a variance.
Amber Kent, 3745 E 38 N, Rigby - Opposed: Kent expressed concerns about existing traffic conditions on County Line Road and the
potential impacts of additional development. She stated that development carries the responsibility of complying with applicable
regulations and questioned whether the proposed right-of-way dedication would provide a benefit to current residents. Kent also
expressed concerns about traffic, light, and noise impacts and stated that the variance would primarily benefit the developer
rather than surrounding residents.
Marshall Hurst, 124 N 3413 E, Rigby - Opposed: Hurst expressed concerns about existing traffic conditions near County Line Road and
Highway 20 and the potential for the development to worsen those conditions. His primary concern was water availability in the
area. He referenced reduced agricultural water availability and asked that water resources be preserved for existing agricultural
users.
Katie Bennion, 3785 E 100 N - Opposed: Bennion stated that, based on her review of the subdivision's history, the current proposal
remains substantially similar to the original plat aside from changes to the road layout. She questioned whether the applicant had
made a sufficient effort to redesign the plat to comply with the zoning requirements and stated that the variance should not be
granted.
Rebuttal - Kipp Manwaring — stated that the preliminary plats complied with the County's ordinances when they were developed. He stated
that water and sewer concerns could be addressed during the preliminary plat process and referenced completed studies regarding traffic
and road conditions. He also stated that existing road deficiencies predated the proposed subdivision and that the additional right-of-way
would provide an opportunity to improve 3800 E.
Board Deliberation
The Board discussed the variance criteria, the timing of the application relative to changes in the County's right-of-way requirements, and
the distinction between the standards applicable when the application was submitted and those currently in effect. Commissioners
acknowledged concerns raised regarding traffic and water while also discussing the County's obligation to apply the applicable ordinances.
The Board discussed whether the applicant could revise the plat to accommodate the current right-of-way requirements and whether the
matter could instead be remanded to Planning & Zoning for further consideration after the preliminary plat was finalized. Milton noted that
the Board could remand the appeal to Planning & Zoning to substantiate the hardship and address outstanding plat concerns.
The Board also discussed the County's need to plan for anticipated growth and future transportation corridors. Chairman Hancock noted
ongoing efforts to address traffic concerns on County Line Road, including a recent State study and an upcoming meeting with ITD.
Commissioner Meeting Minutes AUGUST 24, 2026
Page 4
11:33:11 AM = Motion by Commissioner Clark to deny the appeal for the Hunter Chase Subdivision for the lot-size variance.
Second by Commissioner Young. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young — aye, Chairman Hancock -
aye. Motion passed.
UPDATE
9:06:11 AM Milton Ollerton — raised concerns about the County's transportation planning needs and the potential cost of
developing a comprehensive transportation plan. He noted that a full plan could cost approximately $100,000, although some work could
be completed in-house and grant funding may be available through LHTAC. The Board discussed the substantial amount of work and
expense involved, particularly within the approximately 30-square-mile area experiencing significant growth.
COMMISSIONERS
THE BOARD MAY ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE 74-206(1)(F) - PENDING LITIGATION -
(ACTION ITEM)
THE BOARD MAY ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE § 74-206(1)(C) TO CONSIDER THE
ACQUISITION OF AN INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY - (ACTION ITEM)
11:46:40 AM ___ Motion by Commissioner Young to go into executive session 74-206(F) and 74-206(C). Second by
Commissioner Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock - aye. Motion
passed.
12:37:08 AM Open session. The Board discussed legal matters. No action taken.
12:37:30 PM _ Recess until 6:00 p.m.
6:00:11 PM Open session.
COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVING RESOLUTION #2026-42 - TO ADOPT THE 2026-2027 JEFFERSON COUNTY BUDGET - (ACTION
ITEM)
6:06:46 PM The Board opened the public hearing regarding the proposed 2026-2027 Jefferson County budget. The proposed
budget had been published at $35,052,336 and was presented at $33,898,276 following negotiations and adjustments with County
departments and elected officials. The prior year's budget totaled $33,223,644. The Board reviewed several significant changes in the
proposed budget, including approximately $3 million in increased employee health insurance costs, changes to Road & Bridge and
Sheriff's Office funding, and grant funding and matching funds for a new Waterways shop. The proposed budget includes a 4 percent cost-
of-living adjustment for County employees.
6:23:40 PM Commissioner Young read the resolution into the record. No members of the public provided comment.
6:24:43 PM Motion by Commissioner Young to approve resolution #2026-42. Second by Commissioner Clark. Roll call
taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock — aye. Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVING RESOLUTION #2026-43 - (ACTION ITEM)
o TORE-OPEN AND ADJUST THE 2025-2026 BUDGET AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED TO REFLECT THE RECEIPT OF
UNSCHEDULED REVENUE, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OR
PRIVATE SOURCES, AS WELL AS EXPENSES - THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE IN ANY ANTICIPATED PROPERTY TAX
WITH THIS ADJUSTMENT
6:00:16 PM The Board opened the public hearing regarding the 2026-2027 Jefferson County budget. The Board also discussed
reopening the 2025-2026 budget to account for expenses related to completion of the new shop at the County Line Landfill. The shop had
been included in the prior year’s budget, but construction was not completed as anticipated, leaving funds from the 2025 budget available
for the remaining expenses. The adjustment was needed to move the funds into the appropriate fiscal year and was not due to a lack of
funding.
6:03:12 PM Motion by Commissioner Young to re-open the budget for the 2026 budget year. Second by Commissioner
Clark. Roll call taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock - aye. Motion passed.
6:03:50 PM Commissioner Clark read the resolution into the record. No members of the public had signed up to speak,
and there was no further discussion.
6:05:30 PM Motion by Commissioner Clark to approve resolution #2026-43. Second by Commissioner Young. Roll call
taken. Commissioner Clark - aye, Commissioner Young - aye, Chairman Hancock — aye. Motion passed.
Commissioner Meeting Minutes AUGUST 24, 2026
Page 5
6:25:47 PM Motion by Commissioner Clark to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.. Second by Commissioner Young. All in favor - aye. Motion
passed.
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Commissioner Meeting Minutes AUGUST 24, 2026
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