90-Day EMS Update, County Projects and Safety Initiatives

Building Inspector Kody Williams kicked off the March 16 meeting with a brief review of progress on repairs to the blue building, the former Starkey offices, saying inspections and electrical work are expected to be completed soon. Drainage improvements are planned for the east side to address ongoing water issues. Moisture concerns will be mitigated through sump pumps, an enclosed crawl space, and improved HVAC airflow. Commissioner Daren Ward gave a cost breakdown, explaining that after accounting for the roof repair, contractor bids, and painting, the remaining balance from the initial allocated funds is $21,030. Flooring has not yet been installed, and estimates to complete the building, including flooring and other materials, are projected at $40,000–$50,000.

Additional costs may include materials for a French drain on the east side of the building, which will be installed using in-house labor. It was proposed to allocate an additional $50,000 from capital projects when opening the budget to ensure the building can be finished and made fully usable.

Commissioners confirmed no additional costs are expected for IT integration, as the new server upgrade will connect both buildings, and most furnishings will be sourced from Canyon county. Any unspent funds will remain in the budget for future use.

Williams, along with Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher, discussed a proposed project involving the Adams County Health Center and county-owned property. It was noted that the health center has submitted a conditional use permit application to the city for the land it leases from the county. Williams and Fisher shared that the city may look to the county for involvement, particularly regarding water mitigation due to known drainage and spring-related issues on the site.

Concerns were raised about potential responsibilities tied to the project, including drainage solutions and the construction of a gravel parking area. While the lease does not appear to restrict the property’s use to healthcare, there was discussion about honoring the original intent of the land donation, which may influence how the property is developed.

Fisher went on to present operational updates within her department. She noted upcoming ordinance changes, noting that a public hearing before Planning and Zoning is required. A special meeting has been scheduled for April 8 to move the process forward and gather public input.

Lastly, updates were provided on the Mountain Origins development (Brundage builds), which is nearing final plat recording. Additional phases, including new plats, are expected to be submitted soon as the project progresses.

Commissioners addressed a compliance issue with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding an unfiled water monitoring report with Waste Management Head Steve Shelton. It was determined that required documentation and well certification steps were not completed, leading DEQ to reject the submitted test results. The responsible parties acknowledged the oversight and plan to resolve the issue, with further clarification expected during an upcoming on-site meeting.

Discussion then shifted to broader solid waste management concerns, including a potential business arrangement with a new local provider. Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan noted that the county’s current ordinance requires an exclusive contract, limiting competition. The room agreed that updates to the ordinance are needed to allow multiple providers and better support small businesses while maintaining fairness.

Additional ordinance improvements were entertained, including implementing a fee for unsecured waste loads rather than pursuing enforcement actions. Commissioners expressed support for simplifying regulations and improving clarity.

Sheriff Ryan Zollman gave an update on jail capacity, noting that the county facility is currently near full, with additional inmates held at the state level. An update on the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) contract is pending, with minor revisions expected, including a proposed rate increase to $80 beginning July 1.

Zollman then addressed safety concerns related to off-highway vehicles (OHVs), citing an average of at least one fatality per year and several serious injuries. In response, the Sheriff’s Office is exploring participation in a state-supported safety and inspection program through Parks and Recreation. The program would provide initial funding and ongoing support based on inspection activity.

The initiative is intended to focus on education rather than tickets, promoting safer riding practices, especially in high-traffic recreational areas. Requirements for participation include forming a small advisory board and holding periodic meetings.

Next, Commissioners considered the proposed purchase of a new server system for the county annex and Sheriff’s office. The total cost of the project is $118,070.22, with approximately $30,000 covered by an approved grant, leaving the remaining balance to be funded by the county.

Discussion centered on funding options, including the limited availability within the current IT budget and the potential need to reallocate funds through a budget amendment process. The group acknowledged that using the full IT budget may not be ideal and considered supplementing costs with other funding sources.

Timing and logistics were also addressed, including the need for updated quotes, grant approval requirements, and project scheduling. Despite these considerations, the group agreed to move forward with the purchase process.

EMS Director Cody Murphy provided commissioners with an comprehensive 90 day operational update. Between days 1–30, 12 of 18 staff members were interviewed. Six were unavailable or apprehensive due to past administrative affiliations or personal constraints. Four staff members have not been active since January, and the policy requiring 4–12 hours of work per month for affiliation and active status was reinforced. Staff not in good standing may be asked to step away to set proper operational precedent.

An operational audit and finance review highlighted significant shortfalls. Policies require urgent updating to align with current best practices, including benchmarks from rural counties and larger entities for reference.

Significant gaps were identified in fleet and equipment records. A full fleet maintenance log has been implemented, covering equipment and ambulance vehicles. Mileage alerts for preventive maintenance are now active. Radios and other equipment have been inventoried, and the upcoming new rescue rig will allow decisions regarding old equipment.

Supply chains have been streamlined through the creation of a Medline account. Only minimal purchases were necessary ($160 for expired OV kits), significantly reducing costs compared to prior expenditures ($20,000).

Meetings were held with Weiser Memorial ER, St. Luke’s ER, and Adams County Health Clinic. Historical tension between the ambulance department and healthcare providers is being addressed. Collaboration with Mendy Stanford, CEO of Adams County Health Clinic, a key resource for Idaho State grants, has been established, supporting both operational and grant-related guidance.

All staff are up to date on EMT and CPR certifications. A training file tracks certification expirations and ensures timely follow-up. Optional State Bureau of EMS modules (IVs, cardiac monitors, supraglottic airways) have expired due to historical documentation gaps. Retraining is being coordinated with a practicing doctor to ensure staff certification compliance.

Communication with stakeholders has been maintained consistently to ensure transparency and progress.