Commissioners Discuss Infrastructure, Safety, and Youth Services
The commissioner meeting held on September 22 began with a review of the agenda. Commissioner Daren Ward proposed adding a discussion about a firewood donation from Brundage for the senior firewood program. The group discussed the logistics of hauling and processing the wood, noting the need for equipment and timely removal before mid-October.
Building Inspector Kody Williams addressed ongoing remediation efforts for the mold-contaminated building that the county is intending to purchase from Council. Williams confirmed that all swab tests, including those taken from walls, carpets, ducts, and ceiling tiles, grew mold of various types. As a result, disaster response contractors recommended removing carpet, ceiling tiles, and possibly cleaning or replacing the HVAC ducting as part of the abatement process. The commissioners reviewed the current quote, totaling $89,359 for all work listed previously. It was agreed that additional bids would be provided for comparison before final decisions are made.
Dan Huter, Council Valley Ambulance Director, opened with the introduction of Joe Gams, who will be taking over Huter’s position as director at an unspecified future date. Huter reported on staffing, noting several volunteers had recently been certified or were awaiting their national EMT tests.
Huter inquired on the possibility of offering county health insurance and reinstating PERSI retirement benefits for qualifying staff, arguing that “benefits would go a long way toward retaining people.” Commissioners clarified that this would require budget adjustments and likely a levy increase, which would need to be approved by voters. Huter estimated that four to five employees could qualify based on hours worked. The board discussed timing, noting that a levy could not take effect until the following fiscal year, even if approved.
Planning and Zoning Director Meredith Fisher raised concerns regarding the upcoming auction of 200 acres south of town. Auction listings inaccurately stated that certain parcels had “no building rights,” conflicting with county policy. Fisher noted that the landowner had previously been informed that additional splits were unavailable and that existing developments needed to be brought into compliance. The board agreed to send a follow-up letter by certified mail to both the realtor and landowner to ensure proper legal notice and avoid confusion for potential buyers.
Steve Shelton, head of Waste Management, reported on ongoing landfill projects: well testing begins next week, fencing is scheduled for October, and metal hauling starts immediately. The board reviewed landfill expenses and tipping fees, noting Adams County charges $23.50 per ton, significantly lower than nearby Clay Peak’s $60. Commissioners agreed that rates should be updated to reflect true costs.
Valley County has requested to send additional waste to Adams County. Commissioners expressed willingness to consider a contract, emphasizing long-term cooperation, cost-sharing, and proper waste practices.
Adam Balderson, department head for Road and Bridge, brought attention to a funding request for the Oxbow Bridge in the next fiscal year. Idaho Power has been unresponsive to prior communications, so the board agreed to follow up to confirm their awareness and potential contribution. A separate issue with the Old Hornet Bridge was addressed, where the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) reimbursed the county for relocation of power lines, though costs increased due to underground boring instead of overhead lines.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman introduced Tracy Jamison of Ignite Idaho Family Resource Center, highlighting the organization’s evolution into behavioral health, crisis response, parenting support, and youth assessment services. Ignite Idaho responded to 115 crisis calls between May and January and aims to expand into Cascade and other towns, increasing accessibility for families in need. Zollman acknowledged the county’s economic challenges and gaps in youth services, noting that many children require support rather than criminal charges. Commissioners are interested in the program but must review existing funding allocations before committing resources.
Zollman went on to discuss potential contracting of jail beds with the Idaho Department of Corrections to reduce out-of-state housing costs and generate revenue. He proposed reserving 24–25 beds for county inmates while weighing current operational costs versus state reimbursement rates.
County Coroner Sue Warner stepped in to review a new ordinance (2025-03) under adoption aimed at providing clear rules for home burials. The ordinance was passed with amendments, setting a minimum burial depth of 6–7 feet and establishing landowner responsibility for site maintenance, burial location, and property rights. These specifications are meant to prevent disputes over graves on private property. While the ordinance encourages documenting burial locations on property deeds, it does not impose cemetery-level regulations.
Practical challenges were noted, including reburials, cremation placement, and situations where graves are discovered during property sales. Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan clarified that the ordinance is designed to guide homeowners while limiting potential legal and financial liabilities for the county. With the ordinance now enacted, residents planning home burials have clear guidelines to follow, and the county has established a framework to ensure safety, respect, and clarity for both current and future property owners.
U.S. Forest Service’s Dana Harris provided the commissioners with operational updates. Intermittent road closures are planned on Little Weiser Road 206 and Fall Creek Road due to logging and maintenance operations. The Lava Fire road maintenance, tree removal, and Freeze Exploration Drilling Project are underway, covering hundreds of acres. Active timber sales (Grouse and Lost Timber units) and nearly completed weed treatments continue. Highway 55 construction is finished, and the Goose Creek footbridge has been repaired.
Prescribed burns are prioritized at Fort Hall Hill, with operations delayed until weather conditions are suitable. Fire maps use red for broadcast burns and yellow for planned ignition subunits. The recent Rock Fire required extensive aerial and ground suppression, with decked timber now available for salvage and firewood. Containment remains at 97%, with final control expected after snowfall. The district is trialing GPS ear tags for cattle, helping track livestock during fires and burns, reducing stress, and improving management. The room also discussed lop-and-scatter practices to maintain soil, wildlife habitat, and grazing access.
