Fire, Fees & Family Support

The July 13th meeting began with commissioners receiving an update from Emergency Management Coordinator Carol Walsh about delays in state and federal reimbursements caused by agency restructuring, which have also affected funding for the senior firewood assistance program. To avoid delaying services, Walsh proposed using available Title III funds until RAC funding is released. Commissioners also heard progress reports on multiple wildfire fuel mitigation projects, with more than 425 acres expected to be completed this season, while addressing contractor performance, property repairs, and plans for additional grant funding to expand future mitigation efforts. Discussion also focused on the National Forest Foundation’s limited involvement in Adams County projects and ongoing efforts to secure a $10 million Community Wildfire Defense Grant through the Idaho Department of Lands. Finally, commissioners approved the 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant agreement, reviewed a contract for the senior firewood program, and discussed plans for distributing firewood and improving the application process for eligible seniors.

A local citizen raised concerns about unmanaged noxious weeds on private properties, wanting to confirm that Idaho law allows the county to address violations and recover the associated costs from property owners when necessary. Commissioners agreed and encouraged the individual to coordinate efforts with the county’s weed superintendent to ensure proper notification and compliance. The discussion also included a request to install two stop signs near the 45th Parallel and Hot Springs Road due to ongoing traffic safety concerns. Commissioners expressed support for the proposal and agreed to verify the locations with the road and bridge department before the signs are installed.

Waste Management Official Steve Shelton updated commissioners on preparations for the landfill expansion, noting that the Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) documentation was being finalized for submission to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to keep the project on schedule. They also discussed road improvements to the new disposal area, including the placement of base rock and the planned use of asphalt millings at approximately $15 per ton. Staff estimated that 500 to 600 yards of material would be needed to complete the road base before construction proceeds.

In relation to landfill affairs, commissioners reviewed proposed revisions to the county’s solid waste ordinance, discussing policy updates and the process for adopting the changes through a public hearing. The board considered creating a more flexible approach to future tipping fee and property assessment increases, allowing smaller annual adjustments when permitted by law rather than infrequent large increases. Also considered was an update for commercial solid waste rates and whether businesses that self-haul large volumes of waste should be treated differently than individual households. Staff will prepare revised fee schedules and additional ordinance language for further review at a future meeting.

Additional evaluations included updating the county’s solid waste hauling agreement and an adjustment of tipping fee policies, such as charges for uncovered loads and assisting customers with disabled dump trailers. Commissioners noted that helping with trailers can interrupt landfill operations and discussed whether to establish service fees or adopt a policy limiting employee assistance.

Road and Bridge supervisor Adam Balderson discussed a request from the Silver King Mine above Cuprum to improve portions of a county road to support renewed mining operations. The room agreed that any road work should be governed by a formal agreement outlining maintenance standards, responsibilities, and protections for county infrastructure before work begins. Balderson also reviewed plans to obtain pricing for a new road grader and loader as part of the upcoming budget, approved the installation of stop signs near Hot Springs Road to address traffic safety concerns, received a positive update on the Fruitvale-Glendale dust abatement project, and approved state bridge agreements for Airport Road.

Commissioners heard from a local rancher regarding concerns brought forth from members of the public in relation to a cattle guard and gate up South Grays Creek that had become controversial due to the signage and placement. The rancher clarified that temporary gates had been used seasonally to prevent cattle from escaping while still allowing public access, but recent misunderstandings led to concerns that the road was being closed. The rancher reiterated that his intention was never to control access to the road; he only meant to efficiently regulate cattle. Commissioners recognized the issue centered on livestock management rather than restricting public access and supported exploring the installation of an unlocked gate set back from the existing cattle guard with appropriate signage and safety measures. County staff will coordinate with the landowner to develop a solution that maintains public access while reducing livestock escapes and improving safety for both motorists and cattle.

Sheriff Ryan Zollman shared his department’s ongoing contract negotiations to increase the county’s prisoner housing reimbursement rate, noting that current compensation no longer reflects the actual cost of services provided. Reports reflect that historical data supports a substantially higher reimbursement based on the number of state inmate patrols. He also updated the board on jail operations, reporting a population of 28 inmates, including 24 state and four county inmates, and noted that recent hospital transports for county inmates have generated significant overtime and security costs for the sheriff’s office.

Commissioners heard a request to install a three-yard dumpster at the Legion Hall to reduce the burden of manually hauling trash and improve waste disposal for renters, the church, and other users. In exchange, organizers proposed assuming the dumpster costs while asking the county to continue covering a portion of the utility expenses. The group also discussed the possibility of modestly increasing rental fees to offset the new service. Additionally, concerns were raised about installing electronic keypad locks at the Legion Hall, with discussion focusing on the potential for shared access codes to create security risks and increase the likelihood of unauthorized entry or vandalism.

EMS Director Cody Murphy reported a successful holiday weekend, strong community participation during local events, and the addition of two newly certified EMTs. He also announced that an EMT training course beginning August 3 has already enrolled nine participants, reflecting continued growth within the department.

Tracy Jamison from the Idaho Family Resource Center (Ignite Idaho) presented commissioners with the outline of their mission to provide family support services, including mental health counseling, crisis response, child care, parenting programs, youth services, and resource coordination. The organization expressed interest in leasing a county-owned building in Council to establish a community resource center, contingent on grant funding and the county relocating current occupants. Commissioners voiced general support for the concept while discussing potential lease arrangements, funding sources, and the organization’s long-term sustainability. Board members also asked questions about grant requirements and emphasized that county tax dollars should not be used to subsidize the program. The presentation concluded with discussion of how expanded local services could reduce demands on law enforcement and other public agencies while addressing community needs.