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minutes meeting date 2026-10-13 · fetched 2026-11-08 · 22411 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 1 of 12
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:05 am.
Weekly Airport Update
Staff present: Marty Luhr and Brandon Buckway
The Board wanted to meet with Marty and Brandon to be able to go over the things that need to
be completed at the airport. Marty stated that they are working on cleaning out the shop. He has
started to work on getting the water shut off for the sprinklers. Another task is to make sure that
the tractors are put away for winter and to winterize them. There needs to be several different
machines that need to be moved inside. He also discussed having the caterpillar picked up,
serviced, and to use it to fill in any holes at the airport with the help of the caterpillar.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins reported that he attended the Snake River
Canyon Parks board meeting. Then he went to the Idaho Transportation Department meeting.
There was a discussion regarding some projects on local highways.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell reported that he attended the University of Idaho
field day. There was a presentation regarding cover crop studies and how the crops can affect the
farmers in the area. He stated that the event was well attended. Then he received a call from
Cevin Jones who wanted to discuss a change to the ordinances to allow for more cows in a
smaller space. He also toured South Central Community Action Partnership with the recent
expansion that was done. Later he toured the Boys and Girls Club in Twin Falls. During the tour
there was a presentation on the funding of the club.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch reported that he attended the airport board
meeting.
Maintenance Monthly Report/Renovation of Old Public Defenders Office
Staff present: Brent Culbertson
The Board wanted to discuss with Brent about the renovations that would need to be done in the
old public defenders office. The main renovations that would need to be done are regarding the
restrooms to have one in compliance with ADA and to add another bathroom to the building.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 2 of 12
Commissioner Howell moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 74-
206(1)(b) for personnel. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed
with a unanimous roll call vote.
Executive session started at 10:23 am and ended at 10:36 am.
Bureau of Land Management Co-Operating Agency Representative Discussion
Public present: Bill Bridges and Connie Kincheloe
Commissioner Howell stated that this has been something that was discussed previously by the
Board. He was contacted by Lisa Cresswell from BLM regarding the project of the Snake River
Energy and Rhea Data Center. There have been other boards that Commissioner Howell and
Commissioner Crouch have sat on with similar projects. Before going forward with this the
Board wanted to discuss whether or not to have someone attend the meetings and sit on the board
that will be created. There was also mention that instead of just having one person attend that
there can be a way to have all three Commissioners attend by taking turns.
Commissioner Howell moved to participate as a co-operating agency for the
department of the interior and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) board
as part of the Snake River Energy and Rhea Data Center projects, with
Commissioner Watkins being the appointed member to the board while having
attendance alternate between the Commissioners for each meeting. Seconded
by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Discussion: The appointment as a co-operating agency for attending the board
meetings does not mean that the Commissioners support or approve the project
in any way, but that it is a way for the Board to be able to obtain information
regarding the project itself.
To see an image of the report please see pages 6-11 of the minutes.
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report
Staff present: Kacie Buhler
Kacie provided a report on the planning and zoning department. She stated that the special
meeting that is being held for the planning and zoning commission is regarding the issue of only
meeting once a month. There are some delays that can come to applicants during this process.
With this special meeting there can be a chance to be able to help with delays and to try and
expedite some of the applications that have been received. She stated that the department
received a total of $25,299.59 in the last month. There were a total of 75 inspections completed.
A total of 23 permits that were received last month. Her department received a total of 33 records
requests and a total of 29 hours was taken to complete those requests. She then discussed that
there was an appeal received and she wanted to know what dates could work for the appeal
hearing to be held. The Board discussed holding the appeal on November 9th at 6 pm.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 3 of 12
Meeting recessed at 11:47 am.
Department Head Luncheon
Staff present: Matthew McGregor, Dan Chatterton, Gary Taylor, Andrea Gonzalez, Mario
Umana, Brent Culbertson, Kirsten Hartley, Mark Swenson, Amanda Worthington, Mark Reyes,
Tevian Kober, Jesse Vallez, Carli Petruzzelli, Kacie Buhler, Sam Beus, and Tanzy McCool
The Board welcomed everyone to the luncheon. They stated that Sam Beus had prepared some
items to present on. Sam stated that he wanted to go over some of the laws regarding
discrimination when hiring individuals. Each office needs to follow these rules to help keep in
compliance with HR rules as well as the laws. He also stated that the rules do not just apply to
when someone is being hired but during the entire employment process including termination.
Then he discussed legal ramifications of these laws if they are broken during any time in the
employment process. He also discussed good practices to follow for each of the department
heads.
There was a question that was brought up regarding the office hours on days before or after
major holidays. The days in questions are days such as black Friday and Christmas Eve. The
Board discussed what has been done previously regarding these days. Another question was
brought forward regarding the department head being able to decide to close early on these days
and whether that would be allowed. The Board decided that this would be placed on a future
agenda to discuss the item more fully.
Meeting reconvened at 1:30 pm.
Fair Food Booths Insurance Discussion
Staff present: Amanda Worthington
Public present: Bryan Craig and Sam Hoskovec
Bryan stated that there was a question regarding the food booths at the fairgrounds. There was a
question brought up regarding the insurance for those buildings and who would be liable in case
of a disaster. He stated that this would be something that would be up to the individual owners of
the buildings instead of the county or the fairgrounds. The Board asked if there should be a letter
sent out to each of the buildings. Bryan stated that it would be good to send out a letter with a
request to prove insurance before the next fairgrounds.
Airport Hangar Lease Contract
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the airport lease with Hammond Helicopter
LLC. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous
vote.
Executive Session Per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for Personnel
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 4 of 12
Staff present: Sam Beus
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 vote.
Executive session started at 2:04 pm and ended at 2:17 pm.
Commissioner Howell moved to move forward with the decision as discussed
with legal counsel in executive session. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Snake River Canyon Parks Update
Bill stated that Roger Morely had showed up to the previous meeting and expressed interest in
being a part of the board. He also had another individual who had expressed interest in being a
part of the parks board. Then he discussed the idea of creating a trail from the overlook to the
bridge. During the previous meeting there was a discussion regarding the timeline that this could
follow if approved. The timeline that was given was that it could take up to two years before the
path is fully created. He stated that the signs for the overlook were placed on the highway.
He discussed working with the group Premier Security on the overlook and the RV park. He has
really appreciated the head of that group who has helped him to create ways to track income for
both locations. Then he stated that the Snake River Canyon Parks budget for the previous fiscal
year had run over from what the auditor/recorder office told him. He did not have the budget
running over in his own projections, but he is trying to figure out what the best way to fix this is.
The Board stated that he should reach out to Tracee McKim and work with her on how this can
be resolved with other sections under the parks budget.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the claims as presented by staff.
Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
To see an image of the report please see page 12 of the minutes.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Airport Hangar Lease Contract Discussion
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 5 of 12
Public present: Jake Gasaway
Jake stated that he has come regarding the hangar lease contract that he is looking to sign for a
new hangar. He has been looking to build a new hangar at the airport for his company. He has a
few questions regarding the lease and the turn around time for building the hangar. The Board
stated that the only thing that should need to be done after the lease is signed would be to get a
building permit from the planning and zoning department.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the airport hangar lease with Feenstra
Construction. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 3:08 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Shoshone Field Office
400 West F Street
Shoshone, Idaho 83352-5284
(208) 732-7200
September 11, 2026
In Reply Refer To:
2800/1DID 106347972 (T030) (P)
IDID106743948 (BO10)
Kacie Buhler
Administrator
Jerome County
300 North Lincoln
Jerome, 1D 83338
Subject: Invitation to Participate as a Cooperating Agency for the Snake River Energy and Rhea
Data Center Projects NEPA Analysis
Dear Kacie Buhler,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Shoshone Field Office is initiating environmental
analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Snake River Energy and
Rhea Data Center Projects. Because your agency possesses jurisdiction by law and/or special
expertise, we invite Jerome County to participate as a Cooperating Agency in the preparation of
this analysis. Additional information about the projects and the NEPA analysis process 1s
provided in the attached Project Overview and maps.
Cooperating Agency status provides an opportunity for government partners to engage early and
substantively in the NEPA process. The BLM will serve as the lead federal agency, consistent
with NEPA, the Department of the Interior regulations (43 CFR Part 46), and associated policies.
The BLM is also the lead federal agency for the Section 106 process under the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Section 7 process under the Endangered Species Act. The BLM’s
Shoshone Field Office is the delegated authority responsible for initiating the analysis for both
projects under NEPA. This invitation reflects our recognition of the value your agency would
bring to the projects through your expertise, authorities, and relationship to resources potentially
affected by these actions.
If your agency elects to participate as a Cooperating Agency, the following outlines the
anticipated roles of each party based on BLM NEPA guidance and our standard Cooperating
Agency framework.
ho
BLM Commitments as Lead Agency x = The BLM will lead development, content, and
quality control of NEPA documents. x The BLM may involve your agency during
alternatives development, effects analysis, and review of working drafts.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 6 of 12
x The BLM will establish project schedules and communicate review expectations. x
The BLM will consider your agency's comments and data to the fullest extent possible.
Cooperating Agency Responsibilities x = Provide technical expertise, data, and
analysis within your jurisdiction or special expertise.
x Follow project schedules and communicate early if delays arise. x Notify the
BLM promptly of any issues or disagreements. x Maintain confidentiality of
pre-decisional information to the extent allowed by law.
Next Steps
If your agency is interested in accepting this invitation, please respond by September 25, 2027, to
the following contact:
Tifany Rubaleaba, Project Manager
Phone: 208-736-2386
Email: trubaleaba@blm.gov
If your agency is interested in pursuing a more in-depth agreement outlining further commitments
and responsibilities, we will provide a Cooperating Agency Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) formalizing roles, schedules, and communication procedures.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Digitally signed by LISA
LISA CRESSWELL
Date; 2026.09.11
CRESSWELL is05:22 000
Lisa Cresswell
Field Manager
Shoshone Field Office
Enclosure:
1. Project Overview
artment of the Interior
Land Manag
Overview of Proposed Projects
Snake River Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Arevia Power, LLC (Arevia, Applicant), proposes to
construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a utility-scale, solar photovoltaic energy
generating facility known as the Snake River Energy Center (SRE). The proposed SRE Project
includes solar photovoltaic panels, new and improved existing access roads, electrical collector
and transmission lines, an onsite collector substation with associated components, fiber optic
communications equipment, a battery energy storage system, operations and maintenance
facilities, temporary construction staging areas, and other ancillary facilities. The SRE Project
would produce up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy and up to 1,000 MW of battery
energy storage.
The proposed project would be located on approximately 6,151 acres of public lands
administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District and Shoshone Field
Office. The proposed project is located within Jerome, Lincoln, and Gooding Counties, Idaho,
approximately 20 miles north of Twin Falls. The application area includes 14,022 acres, of
which, 13,822 acres are for the solar facility, and 200 acres outside of the solar facility are for the
8.6-mile-long generation tie line. The large application area would allow for facility siting if
onthe-ground conditions do not allow for construction as planned.
Rhea Data, LLC, a subsidiary of Arevia, proposes to construct, operate, and decommission an
approximately 4,000,000-square-foot multi-unit data center known as the Rhea Data Center
(RDC). The proposed RDC Project includes data center buildings (600 MW in total), a
substation, stepdown electrical yards, a water connection, an on-site natural gas-fired generation
facility with a capacity of up to 450 MW, and surface parking on a 3,226-acre parcel of federally
managed land and an additional 514 acres for the 10.6-mile-long electrical load line cormidor. The
site is located 2.2 miles west of Interstate 84 near the Blacks Creek Exit in Ada County, Idaho,
approximately 4.5 miles south of Boise. The electrical load line corridor may extend into Elmore
County, Idaho.
Power for the proposed project would be supplied via two new, dual-circuit 230-kilovolt (kV)
load lines and a switching station, which would interconnect to the Idaho Power Company
system through one of three existing 230kV transmission lines, located east of the project site.
The RDC Project includes construction of a high-reliability substation configuration to facilitate
interconnection with the 230 kV system.
The application areas are shown in the enclosed maps.
Status of Analysis
The BLM is the lead agency for review of the proposed projects under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The projects were proposed and advanced jointly to the U.S,
Department of the Interior as an integrated development concept. Transmission, substation, and
right-of-way decisions are interdependent. Therefore, the proposed projects will be reviewed in a
unified environmental impact statement (EIS) to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficient
public engagement. Noting the proposed projects are at different stages of design completion, the
Page /
EIS will be developed acknowledging anticipated data gaps for the RDC Project and applying
assumed presence and conservative impact bounding. Once project design for the RDC Project
has advanced sufficiently, the BLM and Applicant will prepare a streamlined NEPA document for
the RDC Project, informed by project-level surveys.
Project Participants
The BLM Shoshone Field Office is the agency responsible for preparing the analysis for both
projects under NEPA and processing the right-of-way (ROW) application for the SRE Project.
The BLM Four Rivers Field Office is responsible for processing the ROW application for the
RDC Project. The U.S. Department of the Interior has determined that it is appropriate to allow
the Applicant to prepare the environmental analysis under NEPA, as amended, under BLM
supervision, consistent with 43 CFR § 46.107. The Applicant's NEPA contracting team includes
WSP, WEST, and WestLand.
Per regulations, cooperating agencies have jurisdiction by law or special expertise to offer in the
analysis process, The BLM will invite federal, state, and local agencies and Tribes to participate
as cooperating agencies.
The BLM will initiate government-to-government consultation with Native American Tribes
pursuant to Executive Order 13175 and other policies.
The BLM will consult with appropriate agencies as required by Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and other entities as
required by law and regulation.
For More Information
Tifany Rubalcaba, EIS Project Manager, BLM Twin Falls District Office, 208-736-2386 or
trubalcaba(@blm.gov.
Lisa Cresswell, Field Manager, BLM Shoshone Field Office, 208-732-7227 or
leresswell(@blm.gov.
Page 2
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Page 9 of 12
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BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL
VaJCLERKSSCS~S 2ST] SSSCSC~*~SSCSC«C 233.81]
2|ASSESSOR——~—S=~S «155.52, —S~SSCSC«é«* TS
3|TREASURER__—=«(S_—7,083.19[ ————~*d'S__7,983.19 |
-4|HUMAN RESOURCES [S$ __5.434.9[ ——«*(S_——5.434.39 |
-S|COMMISSIONERS___[$__6.412.01| _+($ 8.41201
é|CORONER—————~«d'S 1,059.90 ———~«dS 1,059.99 |
Piel BUM DING & GROUNDS MAK §asseo4| | e.ssn
rs__3.927.79| ——_—*|$ 3,927.79 |
SELECTIONS 6, ‘086. 6415 6, 086. 64
————
GENERAL 73,709.60 10,854.33 84, 565. 93
PLANNING & ZONING 14.95508| ~+«|S
as 2.29050/ CdS
GENERAL FUND RESERVE $
Santeria? SEX SECA CL
= enera
2
ADULT PROBATION 8,644.06 8,644.06
| 7|/PROSECUTOR i
| S[PUBLIC DEFENDERS |
-S]JUVENILE PROBATION —[§ tao | [3 1308.17}
"18|GENERAL JUSTICE [$141,770.46 |$ 27,326.00 |$ 169,096.46 |
[Sub Total (Justice Fund) _|$ 401,344.16|$ 27,743.90 |$§ 429,088.06 |
-3[AIRPORT 1S _7,200.00[5 1.447.30|9 6.677.20|
PS\VETERANS MEMORIAL [| ett —aaasar]
6|DISTRICT COURT [| _10,200.20[ 155.88] $ 10,305.17 |
Ld EA 11,849.27
-9|CAPITAL FAIR
-41|HEALTH DISTRICT ————EEE 22,558.66 a 558.66
45|ELECTION CONSOLIDATION $ 3,53512| | : 3,535.12
20/REVALUATION $ 22,80340| +~(|$ 22,803.40
zs SOLID WASTE
eT
Sol aMsULANCE | |
WATERWAYS BOARD
SS — —
-ai|BOND REDEMPTION
48|/ AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
Sub Total 55,657.07 : 24,161.84 ; 79, B18. 91
| [GRAND TOTAL 647,352.65 $ 725,160.05
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