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minutes meeting date 2026-07-24 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 5832 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Friday, July 24, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Friday, July 24, 2026, 8:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in special session Friday, July 24, 2026, and called the meeting to order at the hour of 8:00 am, in the Commission Chambers of the Power County Courthouse. II. COMMISSIONERS/STAFF PRESENT: Commissioner Chris Fehringer, Chair Commissioner Kryst Krein Commissioner Jason Povey ABSENT: None STAFF: Sharee Sprague, Clerk Mariano Villa, Deputy Clerk Brock Bischoff, Legal Counsel OTHER PARTIES PRESENT: Laurie Bauer Janet Hubbs III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 8:03 am Pocatello Regional Transit: Laurie Bauer of the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments presented an overview of Pocatello Regional Transit services, highlighting transportation options available throughout Southeast Idaho, including fixed-route, door-to-door, commuter, and monthly shopping services for Power County residents. She explained that the system provides five fixed routes in Pocatello, along with commuter services across seven Southeast Idaho counties. Ms. Bauer also discussed the fare-free commuter route serving American Falls and Lamb Weston, which operates twice daily with financial support from Lamb Weston. She reported that approximately 600 one-way passenger trips were provided in Power County during the past year, including the monthly shopping transportation program to Pocatello. Ms. Bauer requested continuation of the County’s annual $3,200 contribution, noting that the funding level has remained unchanged for more than five years. The Commission discussed the continued value of the program and the importance of maintaining transportation access for county residents. 8:09 am Museum: Janet Hubbs presented a museum budget update, outlining recent facility improvements, including new matching frames, chairs, and updated displays to enhance the museum's appearance. She discussed ongoing maintenance and security needs, pending POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Friday, July 24, 2026 equipment purchases, and proposed budget adjustments to support operations and future improvements. Hubbs also reported that the museum continues to receive visitors and donations during regular Friday hours, has hosted school groups, and has additional educational and community tours scheduled for the fall. 8:46 am Fair Board: The Commission discussed the Fair Board budget, noting the current $20,000 PILT-funded allocation is insufficient to maintain the fairgrounds and facilities. Discussion focused on staffing shortages, equipment and building maintenance needs, and opportunities to increase revenue through improvements such as a new arena, campground, and expanded use of the fairgrounds. The Commission also reviewed ongoing operational concerns, including water system issues and maintenance responsibilities, and noted that additional PILT funding could be transferred to the Fair Board in lieu of levying taxes. Building Administration/Weeds Update: This item was removed from the agenda. 8:58 am Commissioner business discussion as needed: The Commission discussed Andrea Higgin’s resignation as Building Administrator and the transition of her responsibilities with Kim Piper, confirming that Ms. Higgins final paycheck will be released once all county property has been returned. Ms. Piper agreed to temporarily adjust her work schedule to provide consistent office coverage and reviewed her current Planning and Zoning responsibilities, upcoming projects, and training opportunities. The Commission also discussed completing the remaining BLM weed control work through a contractor while she continues overseeing the program during the transition. Looking ahead, the Commission considered restructuring the departments by separating Weed Control from Planning and Zoning and creating a combined Weeds/Fairgrounds and Buildings & Grounds position, while exploring a potential partnership with the City for planning services. The Commission agreed to continue evaluating staffing, budget impacts, and organizational structure, with further discussion to be placed on a future agenda. On a separate matter, the Prosecutor presented the office's budget request, discussing increasing workload, staffing challenges, and the impact these issues are having on daily operations. The Commission reviewed concerns about limited administrative support and the need for additional resources to maintain efficient operations and continue meeting the office's statutory responsibilities. B. MOTIONS: 8:00 am Agenda: A motion to amend the agenda and strike the item ‘Building Administrator/Weeds Update’ from the agenda was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for February 7, 2022 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 1:22 pm. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held August 3, 2026. ATTEST: __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Friday, July 24, 2026 MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa Jr.
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