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minutes meeting date 2026-06-08 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 23932 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, June 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, June 8, 2026, and called the meeting to order at the hour of 9:04 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: Andi Higgins Sherrie Mortimer Laura Porath Jeff Rankin Jacob Reiss Brad Rogers Brock Bischoff Kasey Kendall Deanna Curry Rob Mason Kade Skaar Alise Dahlke Andrew Hooper III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 9:01 am Board Updates: The following board updates were given; Radio Communications - Commissioner Fehringer reports that the radio system's generator is currently out of order, risking a compromise to emergency communications. While a short-term fix is available for $2,500, a full replacement could cost approximately $50,000. To figure out the best path forward, the recommendation is for the radio organization to present a plan to the commissioners detailing what they can afford and what support they might need. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 Fair Board – Commissioner Fehringer reports that a meeting with Extension office staff will take place on Thursday to review their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, a contact at the Bannock County Fairgrounds recently shared ideas for generating revenue, sparking discussion that similar financial opportunities may exist for our local fairgrounds. Health District - Commissioner Fehringer reports that a rabid bat was recently found, though health officials are not overly concerned as it is a fairly standard occurrence. On the health front, the county is doing well, reporting only one case of opioid issues— the lowest in the district. Finally, the Health District budget has been officially approved, though revenues remain tight, matching the financial strain seen across other local entities. SICOG – Commissioner Povey states that there will be a SICOG meeting next week. Region VI Detention Facility – Commissioner Krein reports that the allotted 6 beds are vacant. Guardianship Board – Commissioner Krein reports that Annette Colton has stepped down from the Board and Teri Kendall will now be the Chair of the board. 9:05 am Public Comment: Sherrie Mortimer (2781 Moonlight Ln) stated that she has served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the past six years. Recently, she has seen the commissioner role shift from a straightforward, routine position to one facing major growing pains. She is asking for support from the Power County Commissioners—not for material resources, but to address critical public feedback. While the P&Z board is trying to be proactive with code updates, she emphasized the need for structural change and consistency, citing that they have cycled through three different legal counsels and lost three board members. Ms. Mortimer also requested to go into Executive Session 74-206 1(b) to discuss a personnel matter. 9:48 am Elected Official’s/Department Head Meeting: The following reports were given by each Elected Official/Department head; Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Kendall provided updates on the fire at Michaud Creek and the implementation of the recently approved burn ban. Building Administration: Building Administrator Andrea Higgins reports that after discussions with the P&Z board, they have agreed to meet year-round with applicants. BLM spraying is scheduled at the fish hatchery and they are exploring setting up a hatchery for netting, sweeping and releases if there’s another mild winter. Assessor: Assessor Porath reports that her office has been busy but has not major reports. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 Landfill: Director Jeff Rankin states that they will be short staffed soon due to a staff member being out for medical reasons. They had an issue with their scale but they able to fix it. IT: The IT team states that the file server migration across courthouse departments is approximately halfway complete. As part of this process, common drive access will be restructured so that elected officials, department heads, and chief deputies have read- write access, while all other staff will be set to read-only. Looking ahead, a server upgrade for the ARTS (CAI software) is planned for later this year, which will primarily affect the sheriff's office. Additionally, work is underway to clean up and reorganize the Avigilon camera and access control system. Commissioners: Commissioner Povey asked the group if they wanted to have another annual picnic this year for staff. The group agreed. A date and time are scheduled to be discussed at a future meeting. Commissioner Krein then informed everyone that he is available to discuss individual department budgets, welcoming anyone to reach out to the Commissioners with questions or requests. Finally, Commissioner Fehringer closed by encouraging the group to take time off during the summer to relax and spend time with their families. Clerk: Clerk Sprague reports the recent election audit went well, achieving 100% accuracy, with only one minor ballot fold issue noted. With that completed, focus has shifted to catching up on budget uploads and revenue projections. Treasurer: Treasurer Curry reports that work is currently underway on pending issues for parcels with unpaid 2022 taxes, ahead of the tax hearing set for the end of August. Additionally, June tax collection is officially in progress, with payments due by Saturday, June 20th. 10:07 am Public Lands Discussion: Rob Mason, Idaho State Director for the Wilderness Society, discussed a statewide effort to gather county input on public lands. Working with a coalition of hunting, fishing, and recreation groups, he has met with all 44 Idaho counties and plans to present the findings at the September Idaho Association of Counties meeting. Counties across Idaho identified several common concerns, including wildfire and vegetation management, inconsistent PILT and Secure Rural Schools funding, and growing recreation impacts such as litter and UTV damage. In Power County, the Commissioners noted that while the county receives about $1.1 million annually in PILT payments, the funding does not keep pace with rising costs. Concerns were also raised that new development on public lands can reduce PILT payments, limiting the financial benefit to counties, as well as the impact of drawdowns at American Falls Reservoir on recreation. Mr. Mason encouraged counties, sportsmen’s groups, and conservation organizations to work together in advocating for improvements to PILT and other public lands issues. 10:24 am Sheriff’s Office - App Discussion and Update: Sheriff Kendall presented information on the Idaho Sheriff Connect mobile app, which would provide access POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 to inmate rosters, records request information, sex offender registry links, anonymous tip reporting, and emergency notifications. Commissioners expressed interest but requested user adoption data before making a commitment. Sheriff Kendall will gather additional information and return with a future recommendation. The Sheriff also reported issues with a malfunctioning water heater at the Sheriff's Office, including improper venting and a noticeable gas smell. After receiving an estimate to repair the existing system, commissioners requested a comparative quote for a tankless water heater before moving forward. Finally, commissioners discussed potential part-time staffing opportunities involving two individuals with law enforcement experience. Questions were raised regarding liability, classification, compensation, and overall fit within the department. Commissioners encouraged further evaluation through the county's HR process. 10:48 am AFLAC/AmeriFlex FSA Discussion: Representatives from AmeriFlex provided an overview of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) services and administration. AmeriFlex has been in business for 30 years and partners with AFLAC. Because Idaho is a non-rebate state, the program's pricing is lower than in many other states. The FSA debit card costs $1.50 per participant per month with no setup or base fees. Approximately 99% of transactions are automatically substantiated at the point of sale, eliminating the need for receipt submission in most cases. Participants may choose either an IRS-allowed rollover option, currently projected at $680 for 2026, or a grace period for using remaining funds. AmeriFlex also provides deficit protection, reimbursing employers for aggregate losses when employees spend their full FSA balance and then leave employment. Participants and administrators can access account information through a mobile app or web portal with multi-factor authentication. Due to HIPAA requirements, administrators can view transaction amounts but not medical details. Reporting tools include remittance and account balance reports. Additional benefits include a complimentary first year of HealthLock services, which reviews medical claims for errors and provides fraud protection coverage of up to $1 million. Replacement debit cards are provided at no charge, and eligible dependents may obtain their own cards. AmeriFlex also explained the distinction between FSAs and HSAs, noting that HSAs require enrollment in a high-deductible health plan and that funds remain the employee's property indefinitely. The company can accommodate a mid-year transition with a two-week blackout period to verify balances, issue cards, and enroll new participants. 11:28 am Senior Project Presentation: American Falls High School students Kade Skaar and Alise Dahlke appeared before the Commission to present their senior project, which highlights the need for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Head Start school. They explained the critical reasons for having one on-site and noted that they are reaching out to local businesses and agencies to secure funding. The Commissioners commended Kade and Alise for their efforts and presentation and suggested setting up a fundraiser during the local Music in the Park summer events. Kade noted that their goal is to have the AED installed by the beginning of the school POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 year. The Commission encouraged both students to return as the school year approaches, at which point they will consider how much the county can contribute. 11:34 am IT Update: Brad Rogers and Jacob Reiss provided an update on several ongoing IT projects. The commission room upgrade is moving forward, with installation of the new computer system scheduled for Wednesday and assistance from both the recording software vendor and court staff. Device deployment is nearly complete, with the remaining FY 2024-25 computers expected to be distributed within the next two weeks. All county devices have been upgraded to Windows 11 and standardized with current security and software configurations. Additional checkout laptops are also available for emergency and training purposes. Server migration to the new file server is approximately halfway complete, with larger departments still pending. The IT team has also freed significant storage space and is updating file access permissions. Staff are reviewing vendor contracts and services to identify potential cost savings, while continuing work to improve the county's camera and access control systems. Efforts are also underway to acquire and integrate a metal detector with the existing security system, update the phone system, automated scale system at the landfill and conducting training with County employees regarding IT security trainings. 12:04 pm Landfill Fee Discussion & Update: Landfill Director Jeff Rankin reported that current revenue is insufficient to cover hauling and operating costs, with an estimated annual shortfall exceeding $1.2 million. The group highlighted the significant expense of transporting waste to Milner and discussed potential fee increases, additional landfill charges, and a property tax levy adjustment to help address the deficit. Landfill employee Elizabeth Tischendorf secured a $2.2 million hazard mitigation grant to fund landfill improvements, including lining the C&D pit, covering the old landfill, and automating the scale system. Commissioners expressed interest in beginning engineering work before grant funds are received. Staff also reported that the scale was recently repaired and requires recertification. Mr. Rankin and Clerk Sprague will meet to finalize fee and rate projections ahead of upcoming public hearings, and an engineering bid of $589,000 was received for the proposed landfill improvements. 1:15 pm Planning & Zoning Discussion: No action was taken on this item. 1:18 pm Travel Policy: Commissioners discussed revisions to the County's travel policy following questions regarding travel reimbursement rates. The discussion identified inconsistencies between Idaho State and federal GSA rates, as well as conflicting language among existing county travel and vehicle-use policies. Proposed changes include adopting Idaho State standards for in-state travel and federal GSA rates for out-of-state travel. The revised policy will be reviewed by commissioners and placed on a future agenda for consideration. Prosecutor Bischoff also identified policy cleanup and consolidation as a priority moving forward. 1:34 pm Budget Workshop: During the budget workshop, payroll and human resources matters were reviewed. Discussions were held regarding additional payroll costs associated with the 11-year payroll cycle, during which bi-weekly payroll results in 27 pay periods rather than the typical 26. The next occurrence is expected in 2033. To improve budget transparency, it was recommended that the funds reserved for this expense be divided into two separate budget lines. An additional $500 per full-time position was also POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 included in this budget line. Health insurance projections were reviewed, with preliminary estimates indicating a rate increase of approximately 14 percent, although current trends suggest the increase may ultimately be closer to 12 to 13 percent. Formula errors in departmental budget spreadsheets reported that corrections are being made. Commissioners reaffirmed that all new hires, salary adjustments, and personnel changes must receive commission approval before being added to payroll. 1:51 pm Mosquito Abatement Discussion: Discussions were held regarding multiple parties who were interested in bidding for the Vector Disease Control contract for the County. It was decided that each interested party needs to submit a request for proposal (RFP). B. MOTIONS: 9:00 am Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda for Monday, June 8, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 11:55 am Personnel: The following items were discussed; • Treasurer Office (11:55 am): The Treasurer’s approved a step increase and requests Brittni Jones receive $48,300 annually as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. Following discussion, a motion to approve the salary rate approval form for Brittni Jones as submitted was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. • (1:56 pm) Payroll Clerk Lissette Aguirre reports that Stephen Herzog has resigned from the Prosecutor's Office. Ms. Aguirre advises that the employee is eligible for separation benefits as follows; ▪ 0 hours of Compensation pay for a total of $0 ▪ 0 hours of Vacation pay for a total of $0 ▪ 80 hours worked during the last payroll for a total of $3,430.77 ▪ Employee is not eligible for COBRA Insurance Coverage through the County Following discussion, a motion to accept personnel updates as submitted and issue a payout to Stephen Herzog in the total amount of $3,430.77 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 12:03 pm Cancellation of Taxes: Power County Treasurer Deanna Curry submitted a cancellation of taxes on a parcel. A motion to cancel taxes the total amount of $262.20 as reported by Treasurer Curry was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, motion unanimously carried cancelling taxes on the following parcel; Parcel No. Reason for Cancellation Cancelled Amount RPD133-00 As Per Treasurer $262.20 TOTAL TAXES CANCELLED $262.20 1:16 pm Property Condemnation – Annex: Discussion was held regarding the formal condemnation of the Annex Building located at 500 Pocatello Avenue. At the outset, POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 county staff reported that research revealed that on August 28, 2023, the Commission, in open meeting, by motion declared the building unsafe and directed staff to move forward with its closure. The Commission subsequently published notice of and held a public hearing regarding the building closure at the American Falls Library on April 18, 2024, to provide community members an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the future of the building. Staff further reported that while several discussions and actions have occurred regarding the condemnation of the building, a formal motion specifically condemning the building could not be located within the Commission records. Upon conclusion of the discussion, Commissioner Povey moved to ratify the Commission's intent, as cited on August 28, 2023, to condemn the Power County Annex following the public hearing held on April 18, 2024, and to formally reflect that the Power County Annex, located at 500 Pocatello Avenue, is condemned due to structural integrity and safety concerns. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible roll call of the Board, the motion unanimously carried. 1:22 pm Consenting Agenda: The Commissioner’s reviewed items under consenting agenda and noted that there was a typo in the May 29, 2026, meeting minutes that needed to be corrected. Following discussion, a motion to approve the consenting agenda, with noted changes to the minutes, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. The following items were approved under the consenting agenda; Approval of Past Meeting Minutes - Minutes for meetings held on 5/26/26 and 5/29/26 were approved after corrections were made. Claims - The following claims report was approved; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 28,648.08 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 6,892.56 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 1,828.91 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 16,407.69 0009 DRUG COURT $ 1,674.70 0010 ENHANCED 911 SERVICES $ 942.13 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 264.25 0015 ELECTIONS $ 2,617.69 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 2,035.09 0027 WEEDS $ 137.50 0038 WATERWAYS $ 26,529.22 0039 MUSEUM $ 171.41 0041 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT $ 11,908.98 Total Amount Paid $ 81,326.27 1:33 pm Building & Grounds: The following items were discussed; • Sheriff’s Office Water Heater - Sheriff Kendall reported that the Sheriff's Office POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 8 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 water heater is failing, with venting issues, a gas odor, and signs of deterioration. An estimate of $4,679.65 was received to install a replacement power-vent water heater. Commissioners also considered a tankless system; however, the additional cost of approximately $2,500 to $3,000 and increased maintenance requirements led the technician to recommend the power-vent replacement option. Following discussion, a motion to approve the quote from Harmison Heating and Cooling to fix the water heater and venting at the Sheriff’s office, and for the quote to be paid out of the jail repairs line, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. • The Commissioner’s agreed to consolidate their offices into one shared office. • Clerk Sprague reports that the Public Defender’s Office is almost ready to move to their new office at 70 Fort Hall Ave. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 9:08 am Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 9:08 am: A motion to enter into executive session to consider personnel actions pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. 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 9:47 am. 11:55 am Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 11:55 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 12:02 pm. 12:46 pm Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 12:46 pm: 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 1:14 pm. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 9 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for June 22, 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 2:12 pm. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held June 22, 2026. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman Mariano Villa Jr.
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