Jerome County | minutes | meeting 2026-03-12 | Commissioners Meeting
source: https://www.jeromecountyid.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03122026-1621

JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Thursday, March 12, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
       Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
       Art Watkins, Commissioner
       Cy Lootens, County Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:47 am.
Legal Counsel
Sam Beus was present.
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 9:49 am and ended at 9:58 am.
Sheriff’s Department Update
George Oppedyk, Same Beus, Tanzy McCool, Tracy Perkins and Eric Goodell of the Times 
News were present
Sheriff George Oppedyk was present to present a letter to the commissioners. His letter was a 
statement informing the commissioners of his intent to retire. His retirement date is set for April 
18th.
Commissioner Howell stated that he has worked a long time with the sheriff and wanted to state 
on the record he appreciates the hard work and dedication of the sheriff and his staff.
Commissioner Crouch stated that he appreciated the sheriff’s 22 years of service and echoes 
Commissioner Howell’s statement.
Commissioner Watkins stated that he agrees with the other commissioner’s statements and 
appreciates the sheriff’s hard work.
George Oppedyk stated that he appreciated working with the commissioner’s and other county 
offices over the years. He stated that he will be available during the time of transition to a new 
sheriff in case there is anything that comes up.

Commissioner Howell moved to accept the retirement of George Oppedyk as stated in his
retirement letter. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. Motion carried unanimously with a
roll call vote.
*a copy of the retirement letter is attached below*
________________________
______________________________
Cy Lootens, County Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner

JEROME COUNT Y

SYAILALL-LY

GEORGE OPPEDYK, Sheng GARY TAYLOR, Capra

To: Jerome County Board of Commissioners

| am notifying you that after 22 years of service in the Jerome County Sheriff's Office it is my intent to retire from the
office of sheriff for Jerome County. This retirement will be effective 4/18/2026. It has been an honor and privilege to

serve the citizens of Jerome County, and | thank you for your collaborative efforts in increasing the safety of our
communities.

Warm Regards,

Sheriff George Oppedyk
Jerome County Sheriff's Office
2151 South Tiger Drive
Jerome, Idaho 83338

PaO ype

2151 South Tiger Drive « Jerome, Idaho 83338-2344 « (208)595-3300 * Fax (208)595-3309 « www.jeromesheriff.com

JEROME COUNT Y

Sn

GEORGE OPPEDYK, GARY TAYLOR, @agtaw

Jerome County Commissioners:

Since | have submitted my letter of retirement, | would like to inform the board that between now and my retirement
date (April 18, 2026) Chief Deputy Gary Taylor will oversee the daily operations at the Jerome County Sheriff's Office. |
will be available at any time to assist the Jerome County Sheriff's Office during this transition. | think it's important that
the citizens of Jerome County know their law enforcement services will not be affected in any way and | expect the
sheriff's office will continue to run smoothly and provide the same first-rate service it has been providing to the citizens
of Jerome County.

Jn Qo

Shenff George Oppedyk
Jerome County Sheriff's ( Iffice
2151 South Tiger Drive
Jerome, Idaho 83338

2151 South Tiger Drive * Jerome, Idaho 83338-2344 * (208)595-3300 * Fax (208)595-3309 « www.jeromesheriff.com