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Commissioners Meeting

minutes meeting date 2025-08-18 · fetched 2026-09-13 · 22860 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text

Monday, August 18, 2025
Page 1 of 11
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, August 18, 2025
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:00 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins stated that he attended the Eden city council
meeting. He attended the rotary meeting. There was a presentation on fundraising. Then he
attended the Hazelton city council meeting. He attended the Snake River Canyon Parks meeting.
They discussed the overlook project, donation bricks for the overlook project, and the shooting
range project.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell stated that he attended the Magic Valley
Planning Organization. They discussed the budget and the by-laws. He attended the chamber
luncheon. Then he attended the Business Plus meeting. There was a presentation on the
agriculture industry in the area.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch stated that he helped all day Friday and Saturday
with the Jo Mama’s car show.
Contractor Contract for Jerome Airport Taxi Lane Construction/Reconstruction
Thomas Leija, Christine Roemeling, Marty Luhr, and Cy Lootens were present.
Thomas stated that they came to bring the contractor contract to sign for the taxi lane
construction and reconstruction. He is also here to help with the signing of the grant agreements
from last week, since there were issues with the e-signature software.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the two grant agreements for the taxi lane
construction and reconstruction at the Jerome airport. Seconded by
Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the notice of award, with Summitt
Construction, for the Jerome airport taxi lane construction and reconstruction.
Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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Signs for Fences at Jerome Airport
Marty Luhr was present.
The Board asked Marty about an unpaid bill that they had someone reach out about. Marty stated
that he has not received a copy of the bill. He stated he would reach out about the bill to make
sure it gets paid.
He stated that the airport board wants to buy all new signs for the airport. They would be placed
on the fence to remove the older one. He stated it would be around 36 signs all together.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the expenditure of $1,400 for the
replacement of the signs at the Jerome airport. Seconded by Commissioner
Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report
Kacie Buhler was present.
Kacie gave a presentation on the planning and zoning department. She stated that they received a
total of $15,479.87 during the last month. There were a total of 58 inspections done last month.
They received a total of 32 records requests. She stated that they received 24 permits during the
previous month. She has continued to work on creating the energy ordinance and the city of
impact ordinances. She asked the Board about a process to regulate who is able to have meetings
at the Jerome Administration Offices Building, and to be able to clarify which meetings are
supported by the county and which are not. The Board stated that they would like to see some
more regulations on this so they can prevent confusion going forward.
Overlook Project, Shooting Range, Park Operations
Bill Bridges was present.
Bill stated that he received the paperwork from Idaho Power. It states that they will be giving the
Snake River Canyon Parks $250,000 to put towards the overlook project. He has brought this for
the Board to approve.
He stated that they purchased the tractor that he had presented on previously. He stated that he
would like to purchase a shipping container to store the tractor in as well as other supplies. This
would help to alleviate time from transporting the tractor from the airport to the area it needs to
be used.
The donation bricks are up and going on their website and on Facebook. Bill stated that they had
several news articles created regarding the opportunity of donating to the bricks and those will
run soon.
One of the board members resigned. He is needing to have a new member appointed to the
board. He stated that there was a nomination of Jim Williams. There will be two projects started

Monday, August 18, 2025
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soon and they will be able to actually start construction on the projects. One is the rock crawling
course and the other is regarding the horse stalls and racing area.
Meeting recessed at 12:00 pm.
Meeting reconvened at 1:30 pm.
Emergency Management Monthly Report
Kirsten Hartley was present.
Kirsten gave a presentation on the emergency management department. She stated that they
received the new Notice of Funding Opportunity guidelines. She gave an update regarding
several funding issues related to the emergency management department. This included the
funding in general that would be received from the federal government, and how much the state
would potentially be funding for payroll for her department. During the last month she revamped
her section of the county website to make resources more readily available. She also attend
several meetings over the last month, and hosted one meeting. She also received several
certificates for classes she passed regarding different parts of emergency management.
L&S Land Holdings LLC LCO Expansion Public Hearing
Matt Thompson, Kacie Buhler, and Ryan Christensen were present.
Chairman Crouch welcomed everyone in attendance to the hearing. He stated that they have
convened this meeting to go over the LCO expansion of the L&S Holdings LLC dairies. The
Board went over the agenda and how the meeting will go.
Those who planned to testify during the meeting were sworn in.
Applicant Testimony:
Matt Thompson stated that he is an engineer that has worked with the Bettencourt Dairy
regarding the application. He stated that the applicants have purchased another dairy as of a few
years ago. The dairies being considered are older and need some repairs to be made to them. The
applicants considered combining all three of the dairies into one location. They have considered
to change that with the application. One location would have the 6,000 cows on it, and the other
dairy that is part of the application would be solely for heifers.
The applicant went over the drainage plans for the new dairies. He went over the locations of the
ponds that would be included. There was a presentation on wastewater and its runoff. There
would be no issues of wastewater reaching an irrigation ditch. He also went into the current
animal units allowed for each portion of the operation.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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Staff: Kacie stated that there were some things that were brought forward with the outline of the
dairy properties. She confirmed that the improvements to the dairy would be well outside the
range needed to the nearby subdivisions. She also went over some of the well locations on the
property. She stated that most of the wells would not create issues for the dairy, but that there
were two wells that they recommend the dairy abandon the use of due to the distance to the dairy
barn itself.
Commissioner Watkins asked if the dairy is listed as a moderate risk. Kacie stated that the dairies
are listed as a moderate risk.
None testified who were in favor, against, or neutral regarding the expansion
Applicant Rebuttal: He stated that there would be no rebuttal at this time, but that he wanted to
come up in case there were any further questions from the Board.
Commissioner Crouch asked where the manure from this dairy goes. The applicant stated that
the manure from this location is used in the barn and other materials that the company offers on
the market. The manure is also taken to the nearby digestor.
Commissioner Crouch asked if the wind would be an issue for the neighbors nearby. The
applicant stated that wind is always an issue for any dairy operation. He stated that there are
procedures in place to help regulate run off and to not have this be part of the issue of smell. He
further stated that with the majority of the larger pen being majority enclosed in a barn that it
also helps to regulate the smell.
Discussion:
Commissioner Howell stated that he has gone through the paperwork provided by planning and
zoning. He went over a section included from legal counsel about the location of the berms. With
the statement from legal counsel and planning and zoning he sees no reason to deny the
expansion application. He stated that he would be in favor of approving the application.
Commissioner Crouch stated that he agreed with Commissioner Howell. He further stated that he
would agree to have some of the wells abandoned as suggested and that the applicant has done
their work to make sure they follow the rules with the expansion. He stated he would be in favor
of approving the expansion.
Commissioner Watkins stated that he agrees with the other comments made and that he would
like to approve the expansion request.
Commissioner Crouch stated that they will work together with their legal counsel to get
something drafted to approve the expansion of the LCO.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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Extension Office Update
Steve Hines, Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, and Josh Mani were present.
Commissioner Howell stated that he received a call regarding an incident that took place at the
fairgrounds. He was told to reach out to several individuals who were aware of the situation. He
wanted to see what had happened regarding this incident that had included a fair board member.
Steve stated that he can’t fully detail the incident on Saturday night as he was not there. He can
speak about the incident that took place on Friday in the extensions office. He stated that the
individual from the fair board came into the extension office. The individual came back into
Steve’s office without being invited back. In Steve’s opinion the individual was very rude and
demanding during their interaction. The individual came in and requested a large amount of
information regarding the financials of the extension office and their procedures for keeping
records on 4H information. Steve stated that this individual never introduced himself. The
individual in question was wearing a shirt and credentials that identified them as a fair board
member. At the end of the conversation Steve said that this individual stated that “we will be
looking further into this.” Steve stated that from this comment he would take this to mean the fair
board but has heard nothing else further after this incident.
4H Sale Committee
Burke Higley, Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, Mariann Schiewe, Janet
Prescott, Jason Wethern, Melonie Swenson, and Josh Mani were present.
Burke stated that the issues were nothing that bad that can’t be worked through. He stated that
what happened could be created due to the turnaround with the fair board. He received a call that
his truck would be towed if he didn’t move his truck that was parked at the fairgrounds. He
stated the other problem was the conduct of the fair board member that led to a volunteer parent
being involved in the confrontation. He stated that he can’t discuss the conversation that took
place during the confrontation, since he was out moving his truck. He felt that the issue could
have been resolved through some better communication between the fair board and the 4H sale
leader. He said that this was no big thing and can be rectified in the future as the 4H sale
committee and fair board increase their communication.
4H Sale Committee
Dean Lusk, Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, Mariann Schiewe, Janet Prescott,
Jason Wethern, Melonie Swenson, Amy Smith, Jesse Human, and Josh Mani were present.
Dean stated that he was not there at the beginning of the incident. He stated that he came in when
the situation started to get heated. He stated that the issue was regarding the parking situation at
the fairgrounds. He felt that some of the what happened was because this was the largest sale that

Monday, August 18, 2025
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they have ever had at the fair. He felt that the stress of a long week likely fed into the situation
and only made it worse. He stated that there needs to be some more communication between 4H
and the fair board to make sure that processes are updated, especially with the increase in
animals being brought to the fair. He stated that there are some complaints from the butchers and
that they need to have these processes changed to prevent the butchers from pulling out of doing
business with the animals brought in to the Jerome fair.
Commissioner Howell moved to amend the agenda to allow Jesse Human to
speak. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Citizen Commentary
Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, Mariann Schiewe, Janet Prescott, Jason
Wethern, Melonie Swenson, Amy Smith, Jesse Human, and Josh Mani were present.
Jesse stated that he has been involved with 4H for seven years or so. He has kids who bring
animals to the fair each year. He also helps with Don Scarrow to load the animals that they
purchase from the fair. He stated that they had already helped load the True West Beef cattle.
Then they were getting ready to help load the next load of cattle after returning to the
fairgrounds. He noticed as they were working on the next load that there was a fair board
member that was taking pictures of them as they were loading. He felt that the member of the
fair board was trying to prevent the animals from being removed “on their watch.” He stepped
away from the area for a while. He then came back to the loading area and watched the fair board
member tell a little girl that she could not take her cow out to get water. He then intervened to
tell the fair board member that she was just going to get water for her cow. After this the fair
board member allowed the girl to get water for her cow. He felt that this was very wrong and that
no member of the fair board should be hindering the children from caring for their animals. He
felt that there could be a greater issue if it was the whole fair board who felt this way or if it was
just the one individual.
Commissioner Howell moved to amend the agenda to allow the fair board head
to present. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Fair Board Commentary
Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, Mariann Schiewe, Janet Prescott, Jason
Wethern, Melonie Swenson, Amy Smith, and Josh Mani were present.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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Janet Prescott is the head of the fair board. Janet stated that she has not chatted with the
individuals involved in this situation. She stated that Josh was just trying to do what was right.
She feels like there does need to be greater communication between the fair board and the 4H
group. She wants to be able to meet with them and find ways to improve things and figure a way
to help out more with the loading of the sold animals. She feels that it was unfortunate the way
that things turned out with the police becoming involved in the situation and people feeling like
they were scrutinized against. She wants to see change take place on this and to find ways to
improve the fair and only make things better for everyone involved.
Commissioner Howell moved to amend the agenda to allow Josh Mani to
present. Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Fair Board Commentary
Amanda Worthington, Sam Verret, Steve Ricketts, Mariann Schiewe, Janet Prescott, Jason
Wethern, Melonie Swenson, Amy Smith, and Josh Mani were present.
Josh Mani is a member of the fair board. Josh stated that he is new to the fair board. He stated
that in his interview with the Commissioners that it shows that he is a team player just like the
rest of the fair board is. He felt that it was not appropriate that there were curse words used in
front of the 4H youth during the incident on Saturday. He stated that he was trying to prevent the
animals from being removed before 10 pm, as the 4H sale schedule showed. He was just trying
to follow what the schedule said and ensure animals were not loaded before the time the 4H
group had decided. He also stated that none of the 4H sale committee were helping the kids who
were distraught with the sale of their animals. He stated that he was there helping to console
those kids, and that he had multiple parents who were thanking him for what he did to help with
his kids. He stated that he would like to see the changes be made to the procedures regarding the
loading of the sold animals and not try to have them be made at the last minute. He wants to see
the changes be made and to have the county be leading the way in fairs.
IT Purchases
Matthew McGregor, Eli Bair, Cy Lootens, and Tracee McKim were present.
Matthew stated that he has several items that he is looking to purchase. He stated that there are
some issues at the Sherriff’s office in their training room. The issue was resolved by using a
desktop, and so he is looking to purchase a desktop to be used their and alleviate their issues.
The next purchase is regarding the Synology backup. The current one at the Sherriff’s office is
owned by ETS, and he would like to replace it to have ownership of the equipment. He also
received quotes for new firewalls.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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The final quote that he brought was from ETS. It is regarding several purchases for the county,
and what ETS is looking to add. He is looking for some guidance on what to do with the quote as
some of the items are already purchased previously by the county.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve the expenditures of $595.40 for the Dell
desktop, $7,011.22 for the Synology backup, and $34,000 for the purchase of
four firewalls. Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Matthew stated that they would also like to increase the limit of credit on their credit card. He
stated that they are continually reaching the limit and having issues of hitting that limit and
getting it cleared for more purchases.
Western Waste Services Presentation
Jasmin Mata was present.
The Board wanted to discuss with Western Waste Services about the services they provide the
county as they have received a bid proposal from another company. The Board stated that they
don’t want to do everything just on price and wanted to hear what Western Waste Services had
to say about the services they provide. Jasmin stated that the company did not get rid of any
Jerome county employees when the company was purchased. They are working to train some
new employees as they have lost a couple of drivers recently. They have received approval for
their donation to the overlook project and a donation to a student in the area for her college
scholarship.
Read and Approve Minutes
Commissioner Howell moved to approve the minutes from 8/11. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the claims. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
*To see an image of the report please see page 11 of the minutes.

Monday, August 18, 2025
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Legal Counsel/Review of NeoGov Payroll & HR Program Contract
Mike Seib, Cy Lootens, and Tracee McKim were present.
The Board wanted to discuss with Mike if there is any sort of ordinance regarding illegal
dumping. They brought up an issue of an area that consistently has large garbage dumped there.
Mike stated that he will have to look and fully confirm this, but he feels like there is an ordinance
that would qualify for that.
The Board wanted to discuss the energy ordinance. They want to be prepared to start working on
the official ordinance. Mike stated that he feels like they can get something created to go over
this process.
The Board wanted to discuss the NeoGov contract. Mike stated that he received it and that he
will go over it and have it ready to go over next week.
The Board asked about the contract for Martha and Marys Pantry. Mike wanted to see what
updates they had if any on that. The Board stated that they spoke to him recently and Jeff
Schroeder stated that he was interested in doing a survey regarding the new pantry’s location.
The Board wanted to discuss the ambulance lease request that they received. They wanted to
know if they would be able to increase the lease length to five years instead of the year to year.
Mike stated that they would be able to do that and just create a new lease that would be updated
to five years instead.
Commissioner Crouch moved to go into executive session per Idaho code 74-206 (1)(b).
Seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
Executive session began at 5:34 pm and ended at 5:50 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.

Monday, August 18, 2025
Page 10 of 11
________________________
______________________________
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner

BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT

PAYROLL ACCT PAY GRAND TOTAL
$ 8,369.87 $ 8,369.87
$ 7,241.94 7,241.94

HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMISSIONERS

CORONER
BUILDING & GROUNDS MAI

$
$ 7,500.00 $ 7,500.00
$ 961.53 $ 961.53

EMERGENCY MANAGEMEN
EXTENSION AGENT

$ 2,000.00 2,000.00
$ 4,626.00 4,626.00

IS|ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS

LAGICHARITY
|48|GENERAL

| 21|PLANNING & ZONING
j22|Gis
| 29|GENERAL FUND RESERVE

| 30/ VETERANS

eneral Fund

| 9|JUVENILE PROBATION
GENERAL JUSTICE

$ 19,878.05 19,878.05
$13,669.66 13,669.66

|$ 13,669.66] Ss $13,669.66 |
$ 2,078.30 $2,078.30
ee ee ee

$ 7
a ee | eee

$94,316.45 $94,316.45
$
$

9,727.35
30,400.82

$ 9,727.35
$ 30,400.82

$11,906.21
$ 47,835.20

11,906.24

$
$ 47,835.20

| [Sub Total (Justice Fund) $ 279,490.03 | $ $ 279,490.03

| 6|DISTRICT COURT

8,058.44
12,621.90

8,058.44

$ 12,621.90

FAIR
CAPITAL FAIR

HEALTH DISTRICT
ELECTION CONSOLIDATIO

$17,543.98 17,543.98

REVALUATION
SOLID WASTE

24|TORT
27|WEED

$
$
$ 2,213.98 $ 2,213.98
$
$
$
$

36 WATERWAYS BOARD
WATERWAYS BOARD

| 38|WATERWAYS SHERIFF _
|41|BOND REDEMPTION

| 48|AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
| [Sub Total

$
$

$ 45,062.91 | $ (91,802.45)|$ (46,739.54)

| [GRAND TOTAL

$ 450,998.63 |$ (91,802.45))$ 359,196.18

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