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minutes meeting date 2026-07-22 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 12862 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 5 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 22, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 8:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in special session Wednesday, July 22, 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: Vernon Miller Joan Brulotte Nancy Davis Ron Anderson Mark Rose Sr. Mark Rose Jr. Brandon Collins Brad Rogers III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 8:05 am Prosecuting Attorney: The Prosecuting Attorney reviewed the department’s budget request, including salary considerations, staffing needs, operational expenses, and office improvements. Discussion focused on the increasing workload of the office, challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified staff, and the need for additional administrative support to maintain efficient operations. The Prosecutor highlighted the need for adequate staffing, including support for victim notification, restitution tracking, data entry, and general office responsibilities. Additional budget requests included funding adjustments for expert witnesses, postage, computer equipment, and other operational expenses necessary to support case management. Facility concerns were reviewed, including office conditions, security, and privacy considerations impacting the department’s ability to operate effectively. 8:25 am Assessor: Assessor Laura Porath reviewed the department’s budget request, with primary discussion focused on employee compensation, insurance costs, and maintaining current service levels. The office evaluated the impact of salary adjustments compared to POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 5 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 22, 2026 increased health insurance expenses and expressed a preference for maintaining insurance benefits. Discussion also included potential software options, upcoming travel and training needs, and the continued use of revaluation funds for eligible expenses such as the EagleView program. The Assessor noted that most budget lines remain stable aside from salary and insurance adjustments. 8:53 am Senior Center: The Senior Center reviewed its current operations, meal programs, funding challenges, equipment needs, and potential areas for additional support. The Center reported continued participation in both congregate meal services and the Meals on Wheels program, providing daily meals to local seniors and residents in need. Discussion focused on the cost of providing meals, reimbursement rates, rising food expenses, and the financial challenges created by increasing operating costs. The Center also reported equipment concerns, including the need to repair or replace a large refrigerator used for meal preparation and storage. Commissioners discussed the importance of the Meals on Wheels program beyond meal delivery, recognizing its role in providing regular contact and welfare checks for community members. The Commission requested additional cost information and follow-up regarding program needs and equipment expenses as part of the ongoing budget review. 9:05 am Coroner: The Coroner reviewed the department’s budget needs, staffing structure, equipment requests, and operational expenses. Discussion focused on the importance of establishing a dependable deputy coroner system to ensure timely response and adequate coverage. The office is working with the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement partners to identify additional personnel who can serve as deputized coroners and assist with scene response when needed. The Coroner also reviewed equipment needs, including purchasing supplies in bulk, obtaining updated technology for field documentation, and maintaining necessary operational materials. Administrative improvements were discussed regarding billing processes and coordination with other counties. The Commission also considered adjustments to certain fees to better reflect current operational costs and noted that overall service coverage remains adequate. 9:11 am Imagine Idaho Foundation Broadband Grant: The Commission discussed the Imagine Idaho Foundation broadband grant and potential use of the funds for continued fiber infrastructure expansion. Discussion focused on partnering with Direct Communications to extend fiber service and continue progress toward completing the regional fiber loop. Commissioners reviewed potential funding gaps, possible use of PILT funds, and the need for additional project details regarding service reach and costs. The discussion was informational, with no final decisions made, as the county awaits additional information and project estimates. 9:20 am Waterways: The Waterways Department reviewed its budget, funding sources, completed projects, and upcoming improvements. Discussion included state funding trends, the Bureau of Reclamation agreement, and remaining Idaho Power grant funds being used for future improvements. Recent projects included seal coating and restriping at Oregon Trail and West Boat Ramp, with additional lighting upgrades planned. The department reported that vehicles and equipment are in good condition with one vehicle needing repairs, staffing levels are adequate, and no major equipment purchases are anticipated. Operational updates included campground patrols, reservoir conditions, and ongoing maintenance needs. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 5 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 22, 2026 9:42 am Treasurer: Treasurer Deanna Curry reviewed the department’s proposed budget, including salary adjustments, software transition planning, administrative responsibilities, and operational expenses. The Commission discussed a proposed staff salary increase and reviewed the upcoming transition from the current financial software system to a new platform. Additional discussion focused on potential hardware requirements, data migration needs, and coordination between the Treasurer’s Office and IT Department to ensure a successful transition. The Treasurer also provided an update regarding public administrator responsibilities assigned by the court, including concerns regarding available funding, staff time, and reimbursement from estate assets. The Commission discussed monitoring those expenses and addressing additional funding needs if necessary. Postage costs and department spending trends were also reviewed as part of the overall budget discussion. 10:00 am I.T. Computer Services: Brad Rogers presented the IT Department’s proposed budget changes, including a transition from a county-employed IT position to a contracted managed services model through SOLUS. The proposed approach would provide consistent technology support, reduce overall costs, and include additional after-hours assistance for critical county operations. Discussion included restructuring telecommunications expenses, eliminating unnecessary services, and transitioning from older phone systems to a more efficient system. The Commission reviewed software licensing needs, department-specific software transitions, cybersecurity improvements, and plans for establishing dedicated replacement funding for servers, network equipment, and other technology infrastructure. 10:48 am Clerk: Clerk Sprague reviewed the Clerk’s Office and District Court budget requests, including staffing adjustments, compensation considerations, training expenses, software costs, and operational needs. The discussion included recognition of expanded responsibilities performed by staff members and a request for compensation adjustments related to increased duties. The Clerk also reviewed efforts to manage training and travel costs while ensuring employees receive necessary professional development. Additional budget items included GIS software increases, potential outside legal counsel expenses, and maintaining the election fund transfer at the current level to avoid additional taxpayer impact. The Courts portion of the budget included discussion of shared law clerk expenses, court assistance staffing supported through Supreme Court funding, increased interpreter costs, mental evaluation expenses, and updated equipment needs. 11:31 am Commissioners: The Commissioners reviewed their proposed budget, including salary adjustments, travel and training expenses, and professional service funding. Discussion focused on balancing compensation needs with available funding, reviewing conference attendance priorities, and maintaining resources for specialized legal or professional services when needed. The Commission also discussed overall county budget considerations, including health insurance costs, salary approaches, and further review of department expenditures before finalizing the budget. B. MOTIONS: 8:00 am Agenda: A motion to approve the special agenda for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 8:01 am Retail Alcoholic Beverage License Application of JP3, LLC, DBA Ringo’s Tavern: The application for a retail alcoholic beverage license # 19 came before the Commission at 8:01 am. The applicant, requests approval of retail alcohol beverage license #19 for 2026- POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 5 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 22, 2026 2027, namely draught and bottled or canned beer Consumed on premise, and Retail Liquor. Roll call of attendance: • Commissioner Krien • Commissioner Povey • Commissioner Fehringer • Clerk Sharee Sprague • Prosecutor Bischoff • Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa A motion to approve the application of Danette Boyer DBA Ringo’s for approval of retail alcohol beverage license #19 for 2026-2027, namely draught and bottled or canned beer, and Retail Liquor was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krien. Following roll call vote, motion carried unanimously and the record concluded at 8:02 am. 9:37 am Building & Grounds: Maintenance Director Chet Taylor had the Commissioner’s informed about two broken ac units that needed to be replaced at the Extension office. An estimate was provided by Harmison Heating and Cooling to replace and install each unit; 1. Estimate #1093026361: $6,329.46 - The estimate is submitted with a 65% deposit of $4,113.85 upon the acceptance of this estimate. 2. Estimate #1093027461: $6,507.32 - The estimate is submitted with a 65% deposit of $4,229.00 upon the acceptance of this estimate. Following discussion, a motion to approve the two estimates from Harmison Heating and Cooling (1. $6,329.46 – not to exceed) (2. $6,507.32 – not to exceed) and pay the 65% deposit for each of the estimates (1. $4,113.85) (2. $4,229.00) through a demand check, to be paid out of the 01-10 repairs line, for the Extension office was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 11:54 am: A motion to enter into executive session to consider personnel actions pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa conducted roll call on the motion; • Commissioner Povey, AYE • Commissioner Krein, AYE • Commissioner Fehringer, AYE Following roll call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Upon conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Fehringer declared the meeting open at 12:09 pm. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for August 3, 2026. 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 12:12 pm. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held August 3, 2026. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 5 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 22, 2026 ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman Mariano Villa Jr.
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