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minutes meeting date 2026-02-03 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 8309 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, February 3, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 8:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in special session Tuesday, February 3, 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: Josh Campbell III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Landfill: The Commission discussed sending a letter on official letterhead to the mayor addressing public concerns about the landfill. The Commissioners agreed to use Commissioner’s response to questions they received over the past week as a basis, refined and placed on official letterhead clarifying that no decisions are made without public comment allowing the city council to post the letter to reassure residents emphasizing that discussions regarding changes at the landfill are part of normal Commission operations. Commissioner Povey also states that he appreciates those who have reached out to him and providing solutions to the issue. 2. Building & Grounds: The following items were discussed under Building & Grounds; • Museum Building: Commissioner Fehringer stated that construction of the new museum building is nearing completion, with siding work currently underway. • 4-H/PNZ Building: Commissioner Fehringer updated the Commission regarding an incident at the 4-H building in which a vehicle struck the rear of the building, causing damage. Bids are currently being obtained for repair of the damage, which will be covered by insurance. Additional bids are also being gathered for other POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, February 3, 2026 maintenance items previously discussed, including closing off a door and constructing a hallway within the building. 3. IT Update: The following IT items were discussed; • CivicPlus: Commissioner Povey states that CivicPlus has indicated it is ready to close out the County website project. However, prior to closing the project, Commissioner Povey stated he will request additional staff training to ensure County employees can properly manage and maintain the website. • IT Services: The board discussed the IT budget and Sollus having fewer team members on site throughout the week, as IT systems are now fully functional. The Board determined that further discussions will be needed with the City and Hospital regarding shared IT services. • Copiers: Prosecutor Bischoff inquired whether his office should renew the maintenance agreement for the County-owned copiers and leased equipment, as his contract is up for renewal. Commissioner Povey advised Prosecutor Bischoff to cancel the current agreement due to the cost of services. Commissioner Povey stated he will have Trevor meet with Prosecutor Bischoff to help arrange a more cost-effective agreement. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the special agenda for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Personnel: Sheriff Josh Campbell announced his retirement effective March 1, 2026, after 36 years of service, citing exhaustion and meeting the Rule of 80 retirement eligibility. Sheriff Campbell recommended consideration of the Chief Deputy for the position. Legal Counsel Brock Bischoff advised that, pursuant to Idaho Code § 59-906, the Central Committee of the Sheriff’s political party may submit up to three candidates for Commission consideration. Sheriff Campbell was advised that Todd Christiansen would be the point of contact as the Central Committee Chair. Prosecutor Bischoff advised that if an appointment is not made by the effective date of the resignation, the Commission must appoint a replacement within fifteen (15) days. Prosecutor Bischoff advised that given the retirement letter specified an effective date in the future, the Central Committee could consider candidates prior to March 1st. Clerk Sprague requested time to speak, which was granted by Chairman Fehringer. Clerk Sprague advised that the Board should accept the Sheriff’s retirement by motion. Clerk Sprague advised that the appointment is given until the next general election. Clerk Sprague advised that she met with the Secretary of State to clarify that would be the upcoming general election slated for primary in May, which was confirmed as the appropriate timing. The Commission inquired if there would still be an appointment by the Central Committee. Clerk Sprague advised that the appointment process would be the same, the Central Committee would submit a list of 3 names for consideration of the Commission no later than 15 days following the retirement date of March 1st and that appointee will serve thru the end of the year. Clerk Sprague advised that given we are in a general election year the Office of Sheriff will open to all candidates for a two (2) POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, February 3, 2026 year term with a primary in May and the general election in November, stating that following the two (2) year term, the position will be back on the ballot in 2028 for the regular four (4) year term. Clerk Sprague advised that the candidate filing period for county offices is March 2-13 and the appointed Sheriff must file candidacy paperwork within the filing window if they wish to remain in the position. Commissioner Povey inquired if the process would be different if they changed the effective date of the retirement to after the filing period. Clerk Sprague reported that they could verify the details with the Secretary of State, however, as she understood the requirement that the position would still need to stand for general election and the delayed retirement date may require a special election to determine candidates for the November election and she is unaware of any exemption. Clerk Sprague confirmed that she had discussed her understanding the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office and advised that several other counties have undergone this exact process in last couple of general elections citing specifically Ada, Canyon and Owyhee counties. A motion to accept the resignation of Sheriff Josh Campbell, effective on March 1st 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Sheriff Campbell requested to keep his badge and firearm, consistent with historical practice for retired law enforcement in Power County. The Commissioner’s agreed and will motion this decision during the next Commissioner’s meeting. Sheriff Campbell thanked the board for their friendship and support. The Commissioners also thanked Sheriff Campbell for his years of service and wished him the best. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 8:00 am: Upon clarification and discussion with legal counsel, the Board determined that the item under consideration did not qualify for Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206 1(b); therefore, no executive session was held. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for February 9, 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 8:34 am. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held February 6, 2026. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman
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