Adams County Commissioners
Commissioners opened the June 15 meeting by discussing a request for information regarding the senior firewood assistance program. It was noted that challenges related to program staffing, making for limited availability through WICAP. Ongoing efforts continue as they try to fill a full-time administrative position for that office. Additionally, the availability of wood processing and hauling resources would be available if additional firewood distribution is needed. Prior to approving the consent agenda, commissioners briefly reviewed questions regarding voter registration and reporting discrepancies identified during the recent election canvass. It was clarified that vote totals were accurate and that the discrepancy appeared to be related to reporting sheets rather than the election count itself.
Commissioners administered the official oath of office to County Assessor Kala Nichols. Commissioners and staff offered their congratulations to Nichols as she officially assumed the duties of the office since being appointed following Stacy Swift’s resignation.
Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher reviewed the interpretation of county land division regulations and the treatment of contiguous parcels under Idaho law. Commissioners considered several examples involving separately acquired parcels that later came under common ownership, clarifying that individual parcels retain their separate legal status and may be sold independently, even when contiguous. The group distinguished between the sale of existing parcels and the creation of new parcels through administrative splits or subdivisions, noting that access requirements and road standards differ depending on the type of development proposed. Commissioners also discussed past interpretations of county ordinances, the importance of applying regulations consistently, and concerns regarding future development density, access, and infrastructure responsibilities.
Fisher provided commissioners with an update on research related to data center regulations, including a review of a recently adopted ordinance in Kootenai County. Commissioners discussed potential approaches for managing future data center development in Adams County, including zoning restrictions, conditional use permits, and the possibility of future state guidance. The group agreed to revisit the topic in approximately six months while monitoring legislative and industry developments.
In addition, Fisher reported on discussions with legal counsel regarding impact fees and impact studies. While impact fees were found to have significant statutory limitations, development agreements were identified as a potential tool for addressing infrastructure and service impacts associated with larger developments. Commissioners reviewed the advantages and drawbacks of negotiated development agreements and discussed how such agreements may be used to address project-specific impacts while maintaining consistency in the county’s development review process.
Waste Management Official Steve Shelton discussed potential improvements to landfill operations, including the use of recycled asphalt millings to create a more durable, pavement-like driving surface around disposal areas.
Shelton then initiated a discussion of purchasing a trailer and bin system for waste transport. Commissioners considered the long-term cost savings of owning equipment rather than continuing to contract hauling services, noting that current hauling expenses may exceed the cost of purchasing equipment over time, especially after a cost increase in third-party services. Shelton indicated the county has the personnel and equipment necessary to manage hauling operations internally and agreed to obtain updated pricing information for consideration at a future meeting.
Commissioners approved the annual funding request from the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District, authorizing a $4,000 local match contribution along with $3,600 in in-kind office support.
Also approved was an agreement between Adams County Weed Control and the Idaho Transportation Department for noxious weed control activities. Following confirmation of legal review, the agreement was unanimously approved.
Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson reported that a scheduling issue delayed the application of dust suppressant on Goodrich, but the contractor acknowledged the oversight and confirmed the county remains on the schedule.
Balderson further discussed upcoming work involving Perma-Zyme road treatment, with contractor representatives scheduled to provide on-site training and assist with the initial application process. The project will begin with a short test section to ensure proper application techniques before county crews assume responsibility for future treatments.
Commissioners opened a public hearing on Resolution 2026-13 establishing a C-PACE program proposal through Mountain Origins for Brundage properties. The program is a financing tool that allows building owners to cover the upfront costs of energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, and resilience upgrades through a voluntary property tax assessment. Commissioners discussed the county’s administrative role in processing applications. Representatives explained that the county’s responsibilities would be limited to receiving and reviewing applications for completeness, while all underwriting, financing, billing, and collection activities would be handled by the private capital provider. After consulting Prosecutor Donovan, commissioners agreed to move forward with the resolution, and the motion passed unanimously.
Channel Sanderson from Council Computers met with commissioners to discuss the county’s information technology services contract. Due to a significant reduction in monthly support hours, Council Computers requested a shift from the current discounted hourly rate to a flat monthly fee of $4,500 to ensure continued service and financial sustainability. Sanderson noted that county technology systems have become more stable and require less maintenance than when services first began.
Commissioners discussed the benefits of a flat-fee arrangement, including simplified billing, predictable costs, and continued after-hours support. The board expressed support for the proposal and are preparing a revised contract for review.
Representatives from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) briefed commissioners on a proposed land exchange involving approximately 15,700 acres of state endowment land surrounding Payette Lake. The proposal would exchange those lands for larger blocks of productive federal timberland, including acreage in Adams County, with the goal of increasing long-term revenue generation for Idaho’s endowment beneficiaries while improving management opportunities.
Commissioners discussed potential impacts on grazing leases and public access, while emphasizing their goal to increase timber production and local industry. IDL officials explained that the exchange remains in the due diligence phase, with appraisals, public outreach, and federal legislation still required before any final action can occur. Commissioners expressed support for continued evaluation of the proposal and indicated a willingness to assist as the process moves forward.
