Jerome County | minutes | meeting 2026-02-23 | Commissioners Meeting source: https://www.jeromecountyid.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02232026-1609 Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 1 of 13 JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Monday, February 23, 2026 PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman Charles Howell, Vice Chairman Art Watkins, Commissioner Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk Meeting convened at 9:02 am. Commissioner Reports Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins stated that he attended the empty bowls meeting. He attended the Jerome 20/20 meeting. He gave a report on the county during the meeting. The speaker at the meeting was Brett Madren who helped teach professors at CSI. Then he attended the REDS meeting. There was a discussion regarding the money that the board had collected and how they would disperse the funds. Later he attended the Snake River Canyon Parks board meeting. A discussion was had regarding the signage for the overlook project and how quickly those can be placed. He stated that he attended a valley ag board meeting. He also attended the public health district meeting. Then he attended another Snake River Canyon Parks board meeting. There was a discussion regarding employees needed for the overlook once it is open. Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell stated that he had discussions with First Seg Fire district and Hillsdale highway district regarding potential upcoming power lines into the county. He also talked with Nathan Murray from Idaho Power regarding gateway west. Then he had a phone call regarding the Southern Idaho Solid Waste group that is looking to bid out a transfer station. He took a tour of the racing barns. Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch stated that he attended the Rotary meeting. He also attended the fair board meeting. There was a discussion regarding the horse racing barn. The fair board reviewed their financials. Then he attended the Jerome 20/20 meeting. He was able to tour the overlook project’s process. He attended another rotary meeting. Then he attended the IAC legislative meeting. He then attended the Republican Central Committee meeting. There was a vote to replace a committeeman that had resigned. He gave a report of the county during the meeting. Yearly Financial Audit Review Vanessa Davis, Cy Lootens, and Tracee McKim were present. Vanessa stated that she is the auditing partner at Condie, Stoker, and Brown. She wanted to thank the county for working with them again this year on the audit. She stated that the findings of the audit were considered as clean audit results. At the end of the audit review Vanessa discussed reportable conditions they found. These are matters that they found could affect the Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 2 of 13 county’s ability to be consistent with managing money. They found items like a check for a department that was not attached to an invoice, and an error with a budget transfer after a resolution was signed where the amount was not properly deducted from one account to be placed in another. The full list of found items can be viewed on the county’s website on the audit recorders page, or in person in the Clerk’s office. The found items are located at the end of the audit report. Airport Board Members and By-Laws Marty Luhr and Jon Highley were present. The Board received emails from all of the members requesting to be reappointed to the airport advisory board. The airport board wanted to know about a hangar purchase that Jon Higley had made. Jon stated that he purchased hangar two and that he put a new meter for the hangar. He is looking to have the hangar placed into an LLC’s name later this year. Commissioner Crouch stated that the airport board had some issues with the purchase of the hangar. Jon stated that there were no issues from his perspective and that he has followed all the proper processes. He did not go behind anyone’s back and had no idea that anyone else had previously been interested in that hangar. The Board discussed the reappointment of the airport advisory board members. Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the airport advisory board as agreed upon. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Discussion: Charles Schabacker is retiring from the airport board and Jerry Callen will fill the remainder of his term ending in 12/31/26. Ralph Kincheloe and Albert Lockwood terms expired and will be reappointed to a full three-year term ending in 12/31/28. John Toolson will be moved to an alternate board member with a term ending in 12/31/28three-year Jordan will take the seat of John Toolson and fill the remainder of the term for that position. Jon Higley, Gary Oliver, and Tom Peters will continue their term that will end in 12/31/26. Charles Schaubocker is retiring and asking to leave the airport advisory board. Misdemeanor Probation Monthly Report Emily Gonzalez was present. Emily gave a presentation on the misdemeanor probation department. She stated that there were 40 new cases. There were 46 cases closed during the previous month. During the previous month they received a total of $21,551.47 in fees. The new officer has been hired and has started working in the office. Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 3 of 13 Tri County Weed Board Joint Powers Agreement The Board received a copy of an agreement from tri county weed and reviewed the agreement. Commissioner Crouch moved to sign and accept the tri county weed agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Meeting recessed at 11:45 am. Meeting reconvened at 1:20 pm. Jerome County Public Lands Discussion Heather Eastman and Cy Lootens were present. Heather stated that she is with Idaho Business for the Outdoors. The company is a non-profit that focuses on recreation and businesses that require the outdoors. She has come to meet with the County Commissioners to discuss what is going on in their county. This way she can gain more information to advocate on behalf of the county at a state and federal level. Inspection and Review Fee Waiving Discussion David Thibault, Kacie Buhler, Cy Lootens, Bill Bridges was present. David is meeting on behalf of the boys and girls club. The property was donated to them and the boys and girls club wants to build a home to auction off to raise funds. With the property being built the boys and girls club is looking to have the fees waived regarding the inspection and any other fees. The city has waived the required fees. He wanted to meet today to discuss this possibility. Kacie stated that the fees included would be the inspection fee and the plan review fees. Commissioner Howell moved to approve the waiving of fees, not to exceed $1000, in building inspection and plan review fees for the boys and girls club house in Hazelton. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Shoshone Falls Overlook Employees and Security Discussion Bill Bridges, Larry Hall, and Cy Lootens were present. Bill stated that attendance at the last meeting was the best the board has ever had. He also stated that there was a sheriff deputy who mentioned updating ordinance to not allow hunting in the park. This way it would prevent any accidents that could come up when the overlook project is complete. He stated that the original estimate for the overlook project was around $800,000 and that it is going to be completed in under $500,000. He wanted to see if there was anything else that the Board thought should be added that was not considered already. He is hoping to have the ribbon cutting for the overlook by May 1st. Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 4 of 13 The park board suggested that the first 30 days of the park should be free for admission. Once charging starts it should be for $5 per car or an annual pass for $20. There will be some informational signs placed regarding the history and information of the falls. He had a discussion with the Idaho Transportation Department regarding the signage for the overlook. The RV park is looking to start charging for the next month, and the park board has considered charging $20 a night. Bill also wanted to discuss the need of employees for the overlook. This way fees can be collected upon entry. The annual clean up for the park is coming up on May 16th. The national guard reached out to the park to help with creating the parking lot near 700 N. If the grant goes through the parks board would purchase the gravel and the national guard would put in the parking lot for free to help practice several things that would take place with completing the project. First Quarter Budget Resolutions and American 250 Grant Cy Lootens was present. Cy presented budget resolutions regarding reimbursement funds or grant funds the county has received and where they will be placed in the budget. Commissioner Crouch moved to approve first quarter budget resolutions 2026-4 through 2026-11. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Cy wanted to discuss the America 250 grant from the State of Idaho. He has filled out the paperwork for the grant and brought them for the Commissioners to approve. Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the paperwork regarding the America 250 grant, including resolution 2025-12, to help the Jerome and Eden/Hazelton 4th of July events. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Professional Services Contract Discussion Ysabel Bilbao, Melissa Muney, and Cy Lootens were present. The Board stated that they wanted to meet with Ysabel and her company to help them get their information out more readily. Their goal is getting correct and accurate information out to the public quickly. The Board wanted to see what options are available to them that Ysabel can provide. Ysabel wanted to confirm who currently runs the website for the county. The Board confirmed that the IT department runs the website. Ysabel wanted to confirm how the process would work for them if the contract is approved. The Board confirmed that the information would need to be run through the Board first before it is sent out to the public. Ysabel wanted to confirm whether to have this start proactively going forward or if there is a topic to continue with. The Board confirmed that it would be proactively going forward. Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 5 of 13 Ysabel stated that she is with Bilbao and Company. They cover public affair issues with helping to get information out. They help with crisis communication. The goal of her company is to get out information correctly. She has a background in being a reporter for multiple news channels in Idaho. Then she moved into the public affairs realm. There are two sides of the company. One is public affairs and the other is a lobbying team regarding legislative affairs. Melissa Muney has a background in the news as well. She started over on the public affairs side several years ago and she is excited to be able to work with the county. One of the biggest things that they require as a client is communication. Ysabel wants to have quick responses to be able to communicate on behalf of the county. Fairgrounds Vehicles & Horse Racing Barn Discussion Amanda Worthington, Steve Ricketts, Sam Verret, Chris Dunn, and Jarrett Milk were present. Amanda brought a list of old cars that have not run at the fairgrounds for several years. She is looking to find new homes for the vehicles. The Board stated that the vehicles would need to be sent to auction. She also wanted to discuss the horse racing barn. The barn itself is in very rough shape currently. There are electrical issues as well as structure issues. She stated that the fair board voted to turn the decision over to the Commissioners since it is regarding a structure. She also wanted to discuss whether it would be salvageable or that the whole building would need to be rebuilt. The Board felt that it could be salvaged and the fair board members in attendance felt the same. Sign and Approve Claims Commissioner Howell 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 13 of the minutes. Read and Approve Minutes Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the minutes with the indicated changes. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Employee Paid Time Off Payout Requests Commissioner Howell moved to approve the PTO payouts as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 3:57 pm. Workshop with Planning and Zoning Commission on proposed amendments: Chapter 10 of the Comprehensive Plan to add language on large-scale energy projects; Add Chapter 11, Energy Facilities, to the Zoning Ordinance Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 6 of 13 Meeting convened at 6:35 pm. Brett Thompson, Oscar Carranza, Patricia Heath, Becky Dean, Janet Bolich, Ryan Christensen, Kacie Buhler, Julie Dewolfe Arroyo, Jerry Holton, Connie Kincheloe, Ralph Kincheloe, Steve Marshall, Anthony Crutch, Aaron Menenberg, Elizabeth Koeckeritz, Ufuoma Ojumah, Zairyk Schilousky, Teri Stokes, Katy Riker, and Lyle Johnstone were present. The Board thanked everyone who came to attend the meeting. The Board stated that they would have a workshop with the planning and zoning commission first. Then the meeting will be opened up to the public for comment, and after that they will open to those attending virtually for comment. The Board suggested that through the comment time to make sure to stay on topic and be productive towards a solution for the issues in consideration. The Board asked for Brett to review the things that were brought forward in the previous meeting by the planning and zoning commission. Brett stated that there were issues brought forward regarding the use of agricultural land for energy facilities. The planning and zoning commission felt that there should still be an ability to use farming land for energy facilities if that is what the owners wanted to do. The other issue was regarding personal property rights. The owners of the property should be able to be used as the owners desire as long as it meets the requirements. There was another issue that was brought forward regarding the need for power and not allowing the facilities to be brought into the county. Lastly there was an issue regarding spot zoning for parcels to be moved to industrial as the verbiage currently states. After a facility is removed there could be the possibility for something else to be built on that parcel that maybe shouldn’t have been placed on that property. Becky also stated that the conditional use permit can help with the ability to vet the facilities that are being proposed to be built. This way there can be conditions met before anything could be brought into the county. Janet also stated that there should be something to allow owners to bring these types of facilities into their property if they feel like doing so. Oscar also agreed that these concerns are valid and should be something that is updated in the verbiage of this ordinance. Commissioner Howell agreed that these were all valid points that were discussed previously. Brett also stated that part of the conditional use permit can cover all sorts of conditions to be met before the facility would be approved, such as parking, lighting, and decommissioning of the facility. If the conditions are not met then the project would not be approved. Commissioner Howell asked if these types of facilities could be approved near an area of city impact. Patricia stated that with the conditional use permit it can create a case by case basis for these projects. They can be approved in different areas or not be approved if the area is not appropriate. Commissioner Howell asked if all facilities would be lumped together or if there would be different limitations based on the type of facility. Brett stated that with the conditional use permit it allows for a review of case-by-case basis. Whether it is a wind farm or a solar farm there would need to be conditions met and proof that it would not create a danger to those around the project. Patricia stated that there could also be certain criteria created for each type of facility, but that in the end they would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Howell asked if there were two identical solar farms proposed that one could be approved and one denied Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 7 of 13 based entirely on the location of the proposed project. Patrica stated that this would be true and that they could have different results just based on location. Becky stated that there could also be conditions created that prohibit the facilities from being placed on good farm ground, and only be available to be placed on ground that is not good to farm for one reason or another. She further stated that the burden to prove the benefits of the project would be on the applicant and not on the county or planning and zoning commission. Brett stated that there has not been a time since he has been on the commission that there was a ruling he felt should have been reversed that took out farm ground. He doesn’t feel like this would be the case with the process of approving these energy facilities. Commissioner Crouch stated that part of the issue with Lava Ridge was regarding the fleecing of the county. He stated that there is only one time to do this right especially with the Aquafer. If the Aquafer is ruined there is no redoing it and feels the urge to make sure that the Aquafer is protected from these projects. He wants to see that this process is stringent to make sure that no worse case scenario can take place from a large influx of these projects into the county. Brett agreed that this should be the case and make sure to protect the resources that the county has. He feels that part of this process is to make sure that the companies bringing forth these projects have the best feelings at heart for Jerome County. Commissioner Watkins stated that this should be the county that some of these projects should take place in. Part of the county feels like bringing in these projects onto their personal land to help them for the future. At the same time these projects should not harm those around them. This should be a case-by-case basis of approving these projects so it is done correctly. Brett stated that another thing that is heavily considered during a projects approval process is whether the facility would be a producer or a consumer. If a company would consume a lot of water with their project it is something that is considered. If there is a company that produces power or water it would be something to consider as well. Commissioner Howell asked if the planning and zoning commission would be the one to write those terms, if the Commissioners would be the ones, or if it would be a combined process with the public as well. The planning and zoning commission agreed it should be all of the above. Becky stated that something that should be considered is having someone who knows about what to expect with these projects should be able to help with the verbiage. This way the conditions can be more informed and applicable to the projects. She feels that she does not know enough about all of these projects to be able to do this without help. Janet agreed that they should receive help to write this information from someone with more knowledge. This way we can be able to be more informed with the process. Becky also stated that there should be someone who is willing to teach them about the process rather than just stating what the process is for them. It should be a process for each of the members to learn on their own rather than just having it spelled out. Commissioner Crouch wanted to see if there is anything that anyone has specifically for the conditions. He asked if there should be something capping the acres used in a project, distance from the facility to other individuals. Becky stated that the distance would have to be something to consider. Brett stated that there for sure should be decommission plans included as part of the conditional use permit for these projects. He also feels that there needs to be clarification of how Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 8 of 13 the property is taxed that the facility is on; as well as how it is taxed when the facility is on the land and when it is removed in the future. Commissioner Crouch stated that there should also be something included in case the company who installs the facility goes under that it would be up to them to still decommission the facility. Oscar stated that another thing that needs to be considered is what zones these can be applied for and eventually built on. Commissioner Howell stated that one of the first things that needs to be considered is water safety as well as the safety of other resources. There should also be something included from the fire district to let them know of those facilities before they are built so they are aware of processes to handle fires at the property. Oscar asked if there were any other counties who have already gone through the process of adapting an ordinance for energy facilities. Kacie stated that she gave several ordinances to the commission to reference. Commissioner Crouch stated that he also met someone at the IAC conference from Madison County who has helped with a lot of these issues for other counties and states during the adopting process. Commissioner Howell also wanted to make sure that other departments that would be affected should be included in the process before approving the project. Brett stated that this would be required that they would have to have responses from other departments before approving a project. Commissioner Crouch stated that another thing that needs to be considered is the impact to the county’s airports. One of the other issues with Lava Ridge was that there was no consideration to the airport and the safety of those flying in and out of county airports. Janet stated that another part of energy facilities would be transfer lines and that those should be held under the same conditions to be met for the FAA guidelines. She also stated that those lines should be only allowed to follow certain lines to further protect members of the community who have to work around them. Steve Marshall He and his wife own property next to the substation. During one of the previous meetings there were discussions regarding solar farms. There have been concerns for him over the years of people bringing in windmills. They get lots of fliers throughout the years regarding these facilities. He is glad that the Commissioners are discussing this. He believes in farms and that his family has been farming for generations. There have been a lot of projects out near their home and now there is a BESS facility project that is being proposed. He stated that everyone wants to lease the land and create these projects. Then they don’t have to clean up the projects, but that the projects should have to purchase the land that they are creating the facility on. Solar farms are better in our area than warmer regions like Arizona. One of the other issues is if they spread gravel or create cement pillars on the property, there is no way that the farm ground will be viable in the future. He has heard of a proposed data center being brought into the area near their home. He also had a concern that if the property is rezoned to heavy industrial whether he would still be allowed to farm that property. Lyle Johnstone He stated that what is being discussed is green energy and other facilities like power lines. He discussed what an owner of an energy company said that windmills or solar panels are really only good for powering lights. He stated that the use of AI is using power in lots of the worst times of the day. These are also during the same times of the day that individuals use most of the power. There are also issues that come from weather damage to these facilities. One of the other Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 9 of 13 things that are going to be happening with the SWIP north power line is to send power to California. He stated that Gavin Newsome has already confirmed that this is the case and that there is a picture that was shown by him of our substation. Another issue is the amount of EMF that will come off of the energy facilities that are being discussed. He stated that one thing he is hearing is that energy companies won’t walk all over the county, but he is not sure that this will be the case going forward. He brought up that there is an issue with companies being brought into the county and receiving tax breaks for the first five years that they are here. He doesn’t feel that this is the right way that things should be done. He is also worried about the amount of ground in the area that is being covered up by homes and concrete. One of the best areas in the valley for farming was the area in Twin Falls near the new hospital that is now no longer viable to be farmed. He feels that the true issue is looking to far into the future to try and resolve issues that are too far off into the future. If the water is damaged because of one of these projects then it will be ruined forever. He feels that it is interesting that the members of the community have to come with all sorts of information to prove how things are and the members of the green energy facilities don’t have to bring anything. Julie Arroyo She stated that she appreciates all of the information that was discussed tonight. There were issues that were already brought forward to the planning and zoning commission and Kacie from planning and zoning and that they were just readily dismissed. She feels that it is an issue like Lyle stated that the people have to bring all sorts of information to back up what they say and that the energy companies don’t have to bring anything with them because they are experts. There are issues with water contamination across the US currently of people’s wells being contaminated. Those who have contaminated the water won’t own up to it of course. She pointed out that farming has not begun this year and that there is a large shortage of water already this year. She stated that the members of these boards could be the heroes to save the water and protect it for future generations. She feels that it is an issue with the amount of cows that are being placed on property currently. There are issues about what these new facilities can bring into our area. She stated that these facilities can not be disposed of when they are taken apart or when they get bad. She stated that there are lots of areas that are running out of fresh water in the world. Our area has fresh water that these companies are looking to bring their facilities into. She stated that there is just one chance to save the water in our area. The heavy metal that could come from these facilities that could ruin our area. She stated that everyone on the boards should take time to research into these facilities. She stated that there was an issue in the past with putting asbestos in kids pajamas that was considered safe at the time that is no longer proven to be safe. Jerry Holton He stated that he was going to bring some information today with him, but that Kacie told him not to bring any of that information with him today. He wanted to bring up that most of the people who receive the mailers are from the county. He feels that there should be something better to be able to bring out more information to the public. He discussed a previous issue of the county regarding a rec center that was voted down. Then the Commissioners approved for a survey to be able to find out why it was voted down . He feels that the posting in the paper is not enough and that there should be more done to get more information from the public. He brought up the issues that could happen with our farming community regarding the potato and sugar beet crops. This would damage our area. He knows that most of those in attendance are the energy Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 10 of 13 companies. The people who come in to these meetings are the same people each time. He feels like the community needs to be more involved. He feels like there is an issue that the planning and zoning department needs to go above and beyond. The point of these meetings should be to get the whole community involved. He feels like whenever he brings up these issues that it always ends the same way. He stated that some of the other areas that he has met with are all working together to fight the commissioners and planning and zoning department. Ralph Kincheloe He stated that one of the things that rubs him the wrong way is when a wind and solar farm is called a farm. Those are not farms and do not produce the things that actually classify as a farm. He became a farmer out of tragedy. He isn’t sure how to classify certain parts of farm land as productive or not. He agrees with the danger to the airports. There should be something to make sure to protect the airports and their airspace. One of the issues of the windmills is the danger to the airspace in the area. These should be protected and made sure that the airspace is kept clear. He is working with the state on legislation to try and help protect this area. Another issue that needs to be considered is regarding electro magnetic interference. This is nothing that has been considered yet and should be to make sure that they do not provide any danger to planes while they are in the air. Aaron Menenberg He stated that he appreciates the ability to be here. He appreciates the comments that were made about the growth of the area. He did some numbers regarding the growth of the area. He also discussed the new permits that were done within the last year. Permits are going up in value for the county. He feels that both of these numbers confirm that the county is approving of the growth of both residentially and commercially. One of the issues that take place naturally with growth is the demand of power. He reached out to Idaho Power regarding the energy demand in Jerome County. The statement from Idaho Power discussed the large increase of demand for power in the county. He wanted to encourage that this demand is considered when making these decision. He discussed the tax incentives that are currently being included within the state for solar or geothermal facilities. Another thing he wanted to discuss was looking into a purchase power agreement (PPA) for personal research. He thinks that decommissioning and bonding are important in these projects. Elizabeth Kekorrets She is with a law firm out of Boise. She has helped with energy policies across the state. She has seen what has worked and what has not worked. She stated that the things that the county is looking into are things that other counties require and the companies putting in the facilities require. She stated that a very important part is the decommissioning of these projects. She also saw an instance where two exact same proposals were taken to a board of commissioners, one was approved and one was denied. The reason was solely on location. These requirements in the conditional use permit that are being discussed are great and she feels that they are the right way to go. She also feels like there is something important to include regarding the different projects and the requirements they need to meet. She went into the taxing of BESS facilities and how they are taxed on their own verse being built with another facility. She has also seen a lot of different requirements that are being included in conditional use permits across the state. One of the benefits of a BESS is to help with evening things out across the day. Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 11 of 13 Ufuoma Ojumah He wanted to thank the Board for the opportunity to speak tonight. He is here as part of an energy company to discuss the opportunities of BESS. These facilities can send energy to the grid when power is at its highest demand. This helps to stabilize the power grid. He would like to suggest approving the installation of BESS facilities in all zones excluding residential zones. These use very little water and low traffic. He also wanted to discuss the protection of ag land. These lands should be considered on a case by case basis. There are several reasons that these should be considered this way such as soil quality. If the electrical grid is strengthened in the area, BESS would be the way to be able to do this. These projects would also create jobs for the area, some of which would be temporary. The projects would also bring in additional funds to the county. There are processes that are put into place with these projects to help teach those in the area before the project is completed. Katie Ryker She is here with NG North America out of Boise. She wanted to discuss the requirement that was discussed about the land owners changing the property. This could lead to some uncomfortable things that could be brought forward by the owners of the property. This is not something to consider for just money but for peoples retirement as well. Leon Letson He is a part of Idaho Power. He stated that he is sorry he could not make it in person due to being sick. He works of facility projects. He feels that this has been a great conversation. This can lead to a great ordinance if this path is continued. He feels that with this process that there will be more community involvement and that this seems to be a part of the plan. He feels that the conditional use permit is the way to go with these projects. He feels that with certain requirements it can be made to follow anything that the county feels like needs to be met. He would like to also answer other questions that people have about Idaho Power and their system. Connie Kincheloe She wanted to touch on something regarding the FAA that was touched on previously. There is a website that can be found that discusses projects that would intrude on airspace. There are projects that are being reapplied for that are for windmills. Those projects are for decommissioning old windmills and building newer windmills next door to the existing one. She also wanted to mention what Gooding County created for their energy ordinance. Commissioner Crouch thanked everyone for attending tonight and for their input. He wants to remind everyone to submit written comments as well. He feels that there may be the need to reach out to the individual from Madison County to help in this process. Commissioner Howell also brought up that there needs to be something created to have in place before a completed application is submitted. He also asked if there is a way that planning and zoning could create and disperse a survey. Brett stated that he appreciated the open houses that the valley rec put on when they came closer to their election. Commissioner Crouch stated again that he appreciates everyone for attending tonight. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Monday, February 23, 2026 Page 12 of 13 ________________________ ______________________________ Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk A. Ben Crouch, Chairman ______________________________ Charles M. Howell, Commissioner ______________________________ Art Watkins, Commissioner BUDGET TOTALS DEPARTMENT PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL | 1/CLERK $ 41,221.11 $ 41,221.11 2 ase soe ———8 9,373.33 | $ 506.10 9,879.43 | 3|TREASURER.~*Y 7,676.74 $ ~alHUMAN RESOURCES ——[S —3 502.305 ——zoxza[s —3 524-5} [ S|COMMISSIONERS ___[§__7,950.00| ___—‘|$ __7.950.00 [s___ 166.00 $__1,174.22 | | 6|CORONER : 1,019.22 $ 155.00 | 10/BUILDING & GROUNDS MAI] $ 9,138.56 | $ 5,537.20 14,675.76 $ $ EMERGENCY MANAGEMEN| $__2,120.00 $2,120.00 HSIEXTENSION AGENT [53776208 —927T[$ —a,70000] s|evecONS J ELECTIONS $ - SeNeRAL_——_[y teqmmnss [ssa [§ moeea GENERAL $ 184,000.66 /$ 38,343.60|[$ 222,344.26 Hales |S 2202 80 $2020 22|GIS 2,202.80 $2,202.80 -alGENERAL FORD RESERVE Op eS Tal igenaral Fund) — 1,174.22 5 Pe 59 5 AG : |S 90,315.96 [3 10,791.96 |S 101,107.92 | TT ORTEMTION DETENTION = 623. rr $ 1,977.52 | $ 97,600.96 ADULT PROBATION 11,256.50 | $ 9297.53 | 35 20,554.03 $ $ 8|/PUBLIC DEFENDERS - GENERAL JUSTICE 739, 524. 68 | 3 1,505.74 |$ 141,030.42 a Total (Justice Fund) é 382,983.16 | $ 69,088.06 |$ 452,071.22 AIRPORT «|S —6,872.50|$ 5,945.58|§ 12,817.94 5 |VETERANS MEMORIAL es ee 6|/DISTRICT COURT 10,518.34 319.19) $ 10,837.53 ira Ts r.gerte [1500s ra sa 16] | SICAPITALFAIR9 | | [41|HEALTH DISTRICT | TS 22,496.13|$ 22,496.13 | | 15|ELECTION CONSOLIDATION $ 3,333.36] | $3,333.36 | |20/REVALUATION |S 27,608.36 1$ 195.82 |$ 21,804.18 | | 23|/SOLID WASTE a TORT. | 7|WEED — WATERWAYS BOARD —————— BROADBAND GRANT FUNDS Pi1[BOND REDEMPTION | 48) AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN Ee aloe | ]SRAND TOTAL ————[ 5" gee 33 [Stso,tos.te[s bea 11149 it t t t t 4A) cA