Council, New Meadows Impact Areas; EMS Levy Discussion
Editor’s Note: The following is the report of the Commissioner meetings held on November 17 and 24.
Planning and Zoning official Meredith Fisher introduced representatives of Mountain Origins, developers of Brundage Mountain Resort, who updated commissioners on proposed adjustments to the Phase 1B West final plat, explaining that the area reduction better matches the developer’s construction schedule and avoids premature bonding for infrastructure on roads not yet slated for development. Mountain Origins reported that utilities and a road base are essentially complete, with remaining work and bond amounts to be finalized after winter conditions halt construction.
Fisher and the board again reviewed proposed revisions to county setback standards, exploring two options. The first, Option D, would require property owners bordering a state highway to obtain written permission from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for a custom setback, offering simplicity, fairness, and direct protection for property owners. The second option would create multiple setback zones based on parcel location and traffic patterns, requiring detailed mapping and more administrative work. Commissioners favored Option D, as they feel it is easier to administer and ensures ITD oversight while minimizing complexity for both the county and property owners. A plan to continue refining the ordinance remains in the works.
A homeowner, Sean Malloy, residing on Pine Ridge, met with county officials to address problems at the end of a county-maintained road that allegedly sits on what Malloy claims is his private property, explaining that he believes he is liable for potential injuries, and that winter plowing repeatedly pushes large volumes of snow into his driveway instead of to the lower end of the hill, making access difficult. Malloy said he would allow snow storage on what he believes to be his land if it were placed out of his way and suggested resolving the issue by adjusting the lot line or offering the county an easement, in exchange for a form of compensation, such as tax relief, so the turnaround area could formally become a county road. Fisher explained that a lot-line adjustment would require a subdivision replat and that the county already holds a 60-foot road right-of-way. Commissioners brought attention to complications involving neighbors’ parking, existing access easements, and a separate civil dispute that does not affect county authority. After reviewing photos and discussing plow mechanics, equipment limitations, and possible impacts on nearby residents, commissioners closed testimony and agreed to consider whether an easement, a hearing with all affected neighbors, or taking no action would be most appropriate.
The commissioners reviewed landfill operations with Waste Management head Steve Shelton, noting Valley County is no longer bringing waste due to repeated delivery of unsorted loads. They plan to reevaluate tipping fees and consult a landfill advisor after identifying inconsistencies in charges.
Local resident, Jacob Shumway, presented his idea of possibly starting his own household-waste hauling business and questioned why commercial haulers must pay tipping fees. Commissioners explained that county taxes cover only self-hauled residential waste and that commercial haulers—local or not—must pay standard fees and comply with county ordinances. The board also discussed capacity limits, regulatory requirements, and financial pressures on landfill operations.
The commissioners reviewed financing options for acquiring a new grader with Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson, comparing lease structures, buyout amounts, interest rates, and trade-in values. After discussing cash-flow impacts, future equipment needs, and remaining loader replacements, the board approved the grader purchase through Western States using the recommended amortization schedule of approximately $27,000 per year over five years. Additional discussion covered rock hauling plans to improve road access during muddy seasons.
The purchase of the Council’s industrial buildings is slowly moving forward. The city attorney is finalizing the real estate agreement, and the county should be receiving the invoice soon. The public hearing went smoothly, with no objections. General sentiment is that while the industrial park could have been better maintained and marketed, the buildings are still a great asset for the county. The city has already sold one building in a trade, and City Hall will relocate to the current Council Guns location. Once City Hall moves, that building will be auctioned.
The city of New Meadows and city of Council area of impact comment periods are scheduled for December 29th, with proper public notice to follow. Discussion clarified that areas of impact do not equal annexation, and residents’ concerns are mostly about perception rather than legal effect. Areas already receiving city services, like the golf course, may be exempted, while the city can provide input on zoning only within its area of impact before annexation. Development inquiries, such as Meadow Creek, were noted, highlighting city service provisions for outlying areas. Notices have already been sent to 99 residents.
Commissioners, along with Sheriff Ryan Zollman, discussed growing public safety concerns on Highway 95, particularly around Fort Hall Hill, citing blind corners, dead trees left unremoved by the state, and near-miss incidents. Commissioner Daren Ward mentioned frequent complaints and requested crash data to support a formal appeal to ITD. The board agreed to draft an official county letter urging ITD to address hazardous trees, visibility issues, dangerous pullouts, and to consider inviting ITD representatives to a future meeting.
The room shared examples of past accidents, unaddressed vegetation hazards, and difficulties getting a state response despite repeated outreach. They expressed frustration that similar issues on Highway 55 prompted state action, while longstanding risks on Highway 95 remain unresolved. The room agreed that rising traffic volumes make safety improvements increasingly urgent.
Zollman reported housing 25 state inmates and 3 county. A detention deputy graduated Friday, with another certification expected on December 12, and a patrol recruit is set to finish academy training soon, adding one more certified patrol deputy. However, staffing remains short: despite temporary help, the department is still down two deputies, with several applications sent out but none returned yet.
The Council Ambulance Advisory Board presented updated budget projections and wage proposals for EMS operations, explaining that the figures were built to match state statute requirements. Discussion focused on levy impacts, with the proposed increase estimated to raise taxes by about $27.60 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
Interim EMS Director Joe Gams explained that current funding is insufficient to retain staff, operate ambulances, and meet rising call volumes—now exceeding 365 calls annually. The proposed budget includes a director’s salary of approximately $67,000 and anticipates additional revenue from fee adjustments, billing improvements, and increased service demand. However, a levy alone would not cover long-term needs, prompting the board to consider a future potential permanent override levy requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
The group also discussed volunteer shortages, equipment costs, Medicare billing limits, and plans to expand training programs to maintain staffing. Members agreed that public education—not advocacy—would be essential when presenting the levy proposal, and acknowledged the difficulty of securing community support despite clear operational needs.
Emergency Management Coordinator Carol Walsh presented commissioners with a review of several grants, including the $500,000 Private Landowner Protection, Resilience, and Restoration assistance (PRRA) grant and $240,000 Western States Fire Management Grant, discussing signing, start dates (spring), and project completion (by year-end). Maps were referenced to locate specific properties and project areas. They also addressed bidding and scoring processes for fuel mitigation work, stressing fairness and local participation while avoiding favoritism. Emergency management funding, payroll, and grant reimbursements were reviewed, highlighting reduced state contributions and the importance of covering salaries. Finally, RS-2477 road access and property easements were discussed, including legal exposure, county claims from the 1990s, and coordinating any road work safely.
