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Cassia County Board of Commissioners
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, September 8, 2025
Cdssid County Courthouse . Commission Chombers
7459 Overlond Ave . Room 2O6 . Burley lD 83378
9:00 AM The Cassja County Board of Commissioners met today at the place and time as posted by agenda
pursuant to ldaho Code 5 74-204 for Open Meetings Law.
ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1) 9:00 AM Call to order
2) Pledge of Allegiance and prayer
3) 9:01 AM Roll call
Roll Call.
Present: Leonard M. Beck - Chair, Kent R. Searle - Member, Bob Kunau - Member, Kerry McMurray - Assistant to
Board (Not voting), Ricki Tkachyk - Deputy Clerk (Not voting)
4) 9:02 AM Calendar, meetings, committee reports, and correspondence were reviewed
9:05 AM Assistant to the Board Kerry McMurray joined the meeting
5) 9:48 AM Approval of the payables for 9/8/2025
9:48 AM Motion and Action: Approve payables in the amount of 5664,515.19 as presented on 9/8/2025, Moved
by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
6) 9:10AM Approval of minutes - there were none to be considered.
7) 9:10 AM Approval of Clerk's Office recommendations regardingjunior college Certificates of Residency
9:10 AM Motion and Action: Approve Clerk's Office recommendations to approve 32.junior college Certificates
of Residency as presented, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion
passed una nimously.
8) 9:11 AM Personnel Matters - Change of Status Requests
a) MCCJC - David Wells - Part-time Deputy - Voluntary Resignation
b) Assessor - Ruben Caldera - Appraiser Trainee - New Hire
9:13 AM Motion and Action: Approve Change of Status Requests as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle -
Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
9) 11:36 AM Executive Session
cAssrA couNw coMMrssroN
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
l lPage
l0
11:36 AM Motion and Action: Enter Executive Session pursuant to ldaho Code 574-205 (1) (b) to consider
personnel issues, ldaho Code $ 74-206 (1) (d) to consider records that are exempt from public disclosure, and
ldaho Code 5 74-206 (1) (i) to communicate with risk manager/insurer regarding pend ing/imminently-likely
claims, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).
Yes: Kent R. Searle - Member, Bob Kunau - Member, Leonard M. Beck - Chair.
LZ:27 PM Upon exit of Executive Session, the Board took the matter under advisement
10) 9:55 AM Approve County/Road and Bridge L-2 Certification for Tax Year 2025
a) Deputy Auditor Sharene Ahlin clarified that the previously stated motion referencing FY2026 should be
corrected to reflect the tax year 2025.
b) The supporting document remained unchanged.
9:56 AM Motion and Action: Approve certification for Tax Year 2025 instead of Fiscal Yea( 2026, Moved by Kent
R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member.
c) There was discussion that there should be a motion to rescind the prior approval of the L-2
9:56 AM Motion and Action: Rescind the approval of the L-2 for Road & Bridge as it was misstated to be for
FiscalYear 2026 as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion
passed una nimously.
9:57 AM Motion and Action: Approve the L-2 Certification for Tax Year 2025 for Road and Bridge, Moved by
Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
11) 9:57 AM Review and approve emergency extension of time to file L-2 certification pursuant to ldaho Code
563-803(3) for the Almo Recreation District
a) The Board received a request from the Almo Recreation District for a seven working day extension to file
their L-2 form due to a miscommunication that caused the documents to be sent to the wrong person.
The delay hindered timely preparation,
9:58 AM Motion and Action: Approve the extension of seven days for the filing of an L-2 certification for the
Almo Park & Recreation District, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion
passed una nimously.
10:20 AM Prosecutor Larsen joined the meetinB
12) 10:25 AM Deliberate regarding secondary Manufacturing Opioid Settlement Agreement and authorization
of Prosecuting Attorney to sign the settlement agreement on behalf of Cassia County - Prosecutor Larsen
a) The Board was asked to authorize Prosecutor Mccord Larsen to sign electronic documents related to a
Secondary Manufacturing Opioid Settlement Agreement on behalf of Cassia County.
b) This request is similar to previous settlement requests, and more agreements are likely to be submitted
in the near future.
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
2lPage
10:28 AM Motion and Action: Authorize Mccord Larsen, as our prosecuting attorney, as the signer on behalf of
Cassia County for the Secondary Manufacturing Opioid Settlement Agreement, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member,
Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
13) 9:51 AM Authorize disbursement of funds for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Quick Response Units
(QRU) - Searle
a) The Board reviewed the annual disbursement offunds for EMS units. A total of516,000.00 was
approved, with 58,000.00 allocated from the Ambulance Service Budget and S8,000.00 from the EMS
fund.
b) The funds will be distributed equally among six volunteer units: Albion QRU, City of Rocks/Almo QRU,
Declo QRU, Malta Ambulance, West Cassia QRU, and Oakley QRU.
9:52 AM Motion and Action: Approve the disbursement of S16,000.00 with 58,000.00 coming from the
Ambulance Service Budget and 58,000.00 from the EMS Fund; which would be distributed to the six local Quick
Response Units: Albion QRU, City of Rocks/Almo QRU, Declo QRU, Malta Ambulance, West cassia QRU, and
Oakley QRU as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion
passed una nimously.
'J,4\ L2:32 PM Review & approve the lease agreement for the Public Defender's Office Space - no discussion.
t5\ lO:22 AM Review and approve Exhibit E to the Agreement for Construction Management Services with Gary
Jones Construction
a) McMurray reviewed Exhibit E of the construction mana8ement agreement with Gary Jones
Construction, originally signed in December 2024.
b) The exhibit outlined key project dates and detailed financial terms.
10:24 AM Motion and Action: Approve the presented Exhibit E, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member,Seconded by
Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
L6) 12:27 PM Review and adopt Resolution No. 2025-017 repealing Chapter 11, Title 2, Cassia County Code
regarding lT Committee
a) The Board discussed Resolution 2025-077 which repeals Chapter 11, Title 2 of the Cassia County Code
and dissolves the lnformation Technology Advisory Committee.
b) This action places oversight of lT directly under the Board of Commissioners, aligning it with other
departments like the Fair Board and Museum.
12:28 PM Motion and Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-017 repealing Chapter 11, Title 2, Cassia County Code
regarding the lT Committee, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion
passed una nimously.
17\ 12:29 PM Review and approve the letter of Acknowledgement to Ryan McEuen
a) Mr. McMurray reviewed a proposed letter of acknowledgment to Ryan McEuen regarding his partial
public assembly permit application for an event in Albion Valley scheduled from 7 /3/2026 ro 715/2026.
b) The letter acknowledged receipt of the application and specified the requirement for a complete
submission in accordance with county regulations.
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
3lPage
12:30 PM Motion and Action: Approve the letter of acknowledgment to Ryan McEuen, Moved by Kent R. Searle
- Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
18) 72:34 PM Status discussion regarding Area of lmpact issues in Cassia County
a) City of Declo requested no changes to their current Area of lmpact.
b) The City of Albion will need boundary adjustments to avoid parcel splitting and to include sewer access.
c) The City of Burley submitted a proposal that will require a separate hearing.
19) 12:45 PM Status of Sage Grouse Management Plan & determination regarding Mary Darling information
a) Mr. McMurray discussed correspondence from Mary Darling regarding updates to the Sage Grouse
Resource ManaBement Plan.
b) Darling requested direction on whether to proceed with additional work for the county. The matter will
be placed on the next meeting agenda for further consideration.
20) 10:04 AM Approve the annual transfer of 53,000.00 to the Mini Cassia Search and Rescue
a) Sheriff Thompson requested the allocated yearly amount for Search and Rescue.
b) An invoice letter will be sent to the Auditor's Office for payment processing.
10:05 AM Motion and Action: Approve the expenditure of 53,000.00 to Mini Cassia Search and Rescue, Moved
by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
21) 9:59 AM Approve payment to Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Officers Training Center from the K-9 Trust
account
a) Sheriff Thompson proposed sending a deputy to a canine training course in Alabama, funded by the
department's trust built through donations. The program involves pairing the deputy with a new K-9,
training and certification, as well as acquiring the necessary equipment. The expenditures would also
include lodging while there.
b) The expenses would come out of the K-9 Trust that the department has been building over the years
through fundraisers and public donations for these types of items.
c) A budget amendment will be required since the expenditure hadn't been budgeted for.
d) The department hopes to have three K-gs, including one for patrol, one for school narcotics detection,
and one for vape detection.
10:03 AM Motion and Action: Approve the expenditure of S18,569.00 for the training of the handler and also
the K-9 for Cassia County Sheriffs Office from the funds in the K-9 Trust, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member,
Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
22\ 1076 AM Review and approve ldaho Water Sports lnvoice for labor on new dock install - combjned with
item #23.
23) 10:16 AM Review and approve the ldaho Water Sports lnvoice for ramp repair and labor
a) Deputy Auditor Michelle Wallace received two invoices from the Waterways Department for a new dock
installation and ramp upgrades totaling S13,443.36.
b) These charges were yearly expenses and Wallace confirmed the removal of sales tax from the invoices.
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGUTAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
4lPage
c) Commissioners clarified that the letter did not imply support or opposition to the event, but simply
acknowledged the process and requirements moving forward.
10:18 AM Motion and Action: Approve the expenditure of S13,443.36 from the Waterways Fund for dock
repairs and improvements, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion
passed unanimously.
SCHEDULED ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
24) 9:1.6 AM Reports from Veterans Service Office
a) Veteran's Service Officer Chuck Driscoll met with 55 new veterans at the fair booth and started
paperwork for 31 of them. He noted that most were younger veterans from recent conflicts.
b) He attended a VA training in Boise and completed 35 hours of training this month.
c) The VA hosted a Quilts of Honor event and presented six quilts to honored veterans.
d) Driscoll developed a flag education module for local 5th graders and worked to boost veteran
participation in upcoming events.
25) 9:28 AM Review and approve file server replacement for the Sheriff's Office - lT
a) The Board discussed the Sheriff's Office server replacement. Following discussion with the IGTG, the
original Supermicro bid remained the best option. An updated quote from Supermicro was provided.
b) lT Director Pigford noted that Prosecutor McCord Larsen requested a cost break down on the two server
options so he could provide an opinion on the matter of what was best for the county.
c) 10:20 AM Kevin Horak reported on his meeting with Solutions 2 for hardware installation. He also noted
that the installation was scheduled for 1.011.512025 and 1.0/1.6/2025.
26) 9:31. AM Approve FY2O26 Summit Food Service Contract
a) Lieutenant Taylor submitted the annual Summit Food Services contract for the jail which was noted to
include a 5% increase.
b) Summit was noted to have hired a new on-site director resulting in noticeable improvements and fewer
complaints.
9:33 AM Motion and Action: Approve the amended agreement for the provision of food services at the
detention center as presented, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion
passed unanimously.
271 9:34 AM Review and approve cleaning equipment purchase for county buildings - Hernandez
a) Supervisor Hernandez submitted a proposal to purchase two new floor cleaning machines for the
building. Both come with a three-year warranty.
b) These machines are lighter and easier to operate than current equipment and would be suitable for use
in the new building. Existing machines will be kept as backups.
9:37 AM Motion and Action: Approve the purchase from Gem State Paper and Supply of a Dragon burnisher and
a Venom floor machine for a total of 52,874.52 as presented, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by
Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
28) 9:38 AM 4-H/Future Farmers of America (FFA) Market Animalsale Committee report
a) The 2025 Market Animal Sale raised a record total of S1,360,305.00.
b) Animal numbers varied slightly from previous years.
c) Commissioners praised the community's strong support of local youth.
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGUTAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
5lPage
29) 10:07 AM Review of State lnsurance Fund discount options - Auditor's Office
a) Deputy Auditor Wallace presented an opportunity for the county to receive a 5% discount on the county
insurance called the Drug-Free Workplace Credit. This discount is estimated to be about S13,000.00
annua lly.
b) The County would need to take steps to fulfill the requirements needed to be eligible for this credit.
Necessary steps would include updating the personnel policy handbook to address drug testing and
workers' compensation claims.
c) Mr. McMurray was assigned to research the legal limitations on random drug testing with regards to
public employees. He willwork with the Auditor's Office to gather information and consider creating a
county program policy to satisfy the State lnsurance Fund's requirements.
d) 10:20 AM Sheriff Thompson confirmed that the Sheriff's Office and the jail have a current policy
involving random drug testing, pre-employment, and accident-involved testing in place.
30) 10:29 AM Executive Session
10:29 AM Motion and Action: Enter Executive Session pursuant to ldaho Code 574-206 (1) (b) to consider
personnel issues, ldaho Code S 74-206 (1) (d) to consider records that are exempt from public disclosure, and
ldaho Code 574-206 (1) (i) to communicate with risk manager/insurer regarding pend ing/imm inently-likely
claims, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 3).
Yes: Kent R. Searle - Member, Bob Kunau - Member, Leonard M. Beck - Chair.
11:02 AM Upon exit of Executive Session, the board took the matter under advisement
11:02 AM Motion and A€tion: Approve recommendations of the Social Services Director regarding indigent
matters, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously
31) 11:03 AM Public Hearing for Cottonwood Acres Appeal
11:03 AM Motion and Action: Enter into a public hearing for the Cottonwood Acres appeal, Moved by Kent R
Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
11:35 AM Motion and Action: Exit the hearing on the proposed Cottonwood Acres Subdivision, Moved by Kent
R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
32) 1.2:47 PM Proposed County building discussion
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGUTAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
6lPage
a) The Board discussed the appeal concerning due process. Exhibit 28 was submitted late thereby limiting
the appellant's response time. There was also a concern about the homeowner's acreage and
availability of water.
b) The Board questioned aquifer recharge and infiltration systems, and compliance with code 10.3.3. They
recognized their limited authority over water decisions.
c) Prosecutor Larsen reminded the Board that the appeal was about whether due process was violated.
d) They agreed to take another week and to consider the matter.
The Board confirmed that bid openings for the proposed County building will take place on 9/19/2025 in
the Commission Chambers.
33) 1.2:48 PM Adjourn
t2:48 PM Motion and Action: Adjourn, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member
Motion passed unanimously.
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGUTAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
7lPage
APPROVED
Leonard M. Beck, Chair
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD
Sharene Ahlin
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, September 8, 2025
8lPage
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CASSIA COLJNTY
PAGE I OF I
BOTH UNPAID CLAIMS & DEMANDS GENERALGOVERNMENT FUNDS
* UNAPPROVED DEMANDS APPEAR IN ACTUALS AND ALSO AS AN INVOICE .
Fund
GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE)
ROAD & BRIDGE
AMBULANCE SERVICES
DISTRICT COURT
JUSTICE FUND
K-9 EXPENSE
M-C MISDEMEANOR PROBATION
911 COMI\4UNICATIONS
CONSOLI DATED ELECTIONS
SOC IAL SERVICES-ASSISTANCE
CASSIA COUNTY FAIR
REVALUATION
NOXIOUS WEED & PEST
SNOWMOBILE
PHYSICAL FACILITIES
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FUND
NARCOTICS SEIZED ASSETS FUND
93% OF FISCAL YEAR ELAPSED
Budget
Actual
Demand/Claims
Amt
_ Budget
1o Budget
Remaininq Remaining
0001
0002
0004
0006
0008
0009
0012
001 3
001 5
001 6
001 I
0020
0027
0028
0029
0048
0053
4,674,940.00
712,675.00
278,425.00
370,335.00
14,689,453.00
4,000.00
1,328,670.00
819,250.00
330,875.00
251,870.00
292,280.00
402,310.00
489,730.00
32,475.00
12.423.860.OO
3,894,840.00
30,000.00
3,965,160.40
425,042.35
225,422.20
324,209.70
12,475,821.21
3,455.00
1 ,215,158.95
237,943.74
33,596.51
52,497.26
264,716.60
344,647.00
318,756.71
24,679.48
514,204.82
3,164,802.28
10,137.47
Total Amount Paid
92,280.70
30,683.58
22,309.92
5,O98.22
280,091.91
421.85
56,127.93
75,297.62
12,254.64
500.00
1,475.00
7,998.02
10,182.49
19.95
197.26
69,541.11
34.99
709,779.60
287,632.65
53,002.80
46,125.30
2,213,631.79
545.00
1 1 3,511 .05
581,306.26
297,278.49
199,372.74
27,563.40
57,663.00
170,973.29
7,795.52
11 ,909,655.18
730,037.72
19,862.53
15o/o
4oo/o
19%
12%
15%
14%
9%
710k
90%
79o/o
9%
14%
35%
24%
96%
1go
660/o
664,515.19
STATE OF IDAHO
CASSIA COUNTY
WE, THE CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, BEING DULY SWORN DO HEREBY CERTIFYAND DECLARE THAT
WE HAVE REVIEWED THE DEMANDS ENUMERATED AND REFERRED TO IN THE FOREGOING REGISTER, AND THAT THE SAME ARE
TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE ACCURATE AND ARE JUST CLAIMS AGAINST THE COUNTY, AND THAT THERE ARE FUNDS
lsle6
AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENT THEREOF IN THE COUNTYfREAiURY.
AppRovEDFoRDrsrRrBUroNASoF ?a- 8-: fuCg
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D.pltytlst tr Ctert otrlp Boant
COMMISSIONER
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* WARNING: This fund is over budget
COMMISSIONER
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