Commissioner Roundup

On February 17, Adams County Commissioners began the meeting approving minutes and discussing small business, including a furniture donation from Canyon County for the new county buildings, and breaking down the cost of surplus items submitted by the sheriff’s office.

Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher discussed proposed updates to setback requirements with the goal of moving the ordinance forward for public review before spring. The changes are particularly important for pending applicants who are waiting for clearer rules before submitting for a building permit.

Commissioners were in agreement with setback standards for state highways, county roads, private roads, and side and rear property lines. Setbacks along state highways would continue to be determined by the Idaho Transportation Department, while county roads would require a 40-foot setback, private roads 30 feet, and side and rear property lines 20 feet for dwellings and 10 feet for outbuildings.

New language was introduced to clarify that setbacks apply only to structures “permanently affixed to the property or those with utilities such as septic or electrical.” Fisher said this would prevent temporary or movable structures—such as RVs or small storage units—from being unintentionally regulated.

Commissioners agreed the revised language was a reasonable starting point and are set to review the language once more before advancing the proposal to public comment.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about chronic roadside litter along the highway leading to the landfill. Rob Fitch described recent volunteer cleanup efforts, noting that neighbors collected “four massive pickup loads” of trash from a short stretch of highway.

Fitch and others encouraged the county to consider requiring secured or covered loads for landfill-bound trash. Similar approaches have been used successfully in Canyon County and Payette County. Commissioner Daren Ward recalled, “When they required that all loads going in be covered, it worked. The word got out.” Commissioners expressed general support for the concept but discussed practical challenges, including enforcement authority, fairness, and unintended consequences such as illegal dumping if loads are turned away.

Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan explained that the existing solid waste ordinance already prohibits self-hauled waste from littering public or private property, but acknowledged that enforcement language is vague. Commissioners agreed that clarifying the ordinance—potentially through fines assessed at the landfill rather than criminal penalties—would be preferable.

The discussion also touched on broader cleanup efforts, as some wondered if these ordinances applied to waste buildup on private property, and the difficulty of defining “trash” versus organized materials. Despite these challenges, commissioners voiced support for strengthening enforcement.

Adam Balderson, head of Road and Bridge, reported routine winter maintenance continued as weather allowed, with crews adding gravel, grading, and planning blade work on Council Cuprum. Gravel samples are being tested to guide spring road treatments.

Updates were also provided on pending right-of-way estimates from LHTAC. The commission approved two easement settlements tied to bridge projects: a $67,000 warranty fee and temporary easement for the Jackson Creek Road bridge over the Weiser River, and a $7,314.56 payment for the Cemetery Lane bridge over Hornet Creek.

Commissioners discussed a proposed Memorandum of Agreement between Adams County and the Idaho Department of Lands as part of the Shared Stewardship Collaboration. The agreement was described as a broad, preliminary document intended to “get a foot in the door to work with us,” particularly for coordination during wildfires and potential equipment sharing.

While commissioners generally viewed the agreement as beneficial, they agreed to delay signing to allow further review. Emergency Management Coordinator, Carol Walsh, committed to consulting with shared stewardship coordinators and ensuring the agreement would not conflict with existing grants or programs. As summarized by Walsh during the discussion, “It sounds like a good MOU, but there’s just some questions… and I’d kind of like to tie it down a little tighter.”

Sheriff Ryan Zollman discussed surplus property sales. With only a few items—including two pickups and a snowmobile—they agreed that allowing several weeks for bids usually yields better results.

The sheriff reported 29 inmates total (24 state, 5 county) and updated the board on House Bill 621, which would allow concealed carry in courthouses but not courtrooms. Commissioner Ward warned of local costs, noting that courthouse security could cost “$25,000 to $30,000” for Adams County. While generally supportive of responsible carriers, Zollman emphasized training and mindset: “Having the weapon is only half of it… you have to be willing and able to use it.”

Deputy Clerk Teressa Schuyler, discussed the need for an election contingency plan to address emergencies such as power outages, road closures, or misinformation. The plan would include backup polling locations, generator coverage for precincts, and guidance for judges with key contacts and protocols. To reduce misinformation, an official Adams County Facebook page, pre-election coordination with local media, and a county-wide AlertSense notification system were recommended. Additionally, an app-friendly website and a “ghost website” for live election results would improve access and resiliency. Any new website would need to comply with upcoming Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The February 23 meeting began with similar small business items. Approval of payroll, Disaster Response mitigation at the new “blue building,” and approval of meeting minutes.

Meredith Fisher, the Planning and Zoning Official, began by announcing that the application for a light-up billboard on Highway 95 was withdrawn after it was clarified that state law, rather than federal regulation, governs billboard placement. According to their code, billboards are restricted to commercial or industrial zones with an active enterprise, making approval in the proposed agricultural area unlikely. Public opposition was strong, with Fisher receiving 60 written comments, the most her office has ever collected. In response, it was suggested that county ordinances be strengthened to reflect state restrictions and prevent unnecessary applications. Discussion also addressed the pending setback ordinance, which has undergone months of revision and is now ready for a public hearing. The need for clear, practical zoning language to balance property rights, agricultural preservation, and development was emphasized, recognizing that complete satisfaction for all residents is unlikely. Future considerations included periodic workshops to efficiently address ordinance updates and ensure consistency in the permitting process.

Discussion with Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson focused on dust mitigation and water management strategies for county roads and facilities. Balderson considered applying a dust-control mixture on a three-mile section of high-traffic roads to test effectiveness before wider application, observing costs and potential coverage areas. They discussed using different chemical treatments, adjusting application rates, and monitoring long-term durability. Additionally, the group addressed drainage issues around the new “blue building”, evaluating options such as French drains to manage water infiltration.

Sheriff Ryan Zollman provided updates on county facility management, jail compliance, and equipment procurement. He discussed with commissioners a 24-year state and four-county jail housing contract, noting potential adjustments to reflect changing inmate housing rates and to avoid signing a contract that might later under-compensate the county. With Emergency Management Coordinator, Carol Walsh, talk then turned to a server upgrade to ensure compliance with legal requirements in the new “blue building” for data retention and video storage, including cost considerations, repurposing existing equipment, and funding sources. Finally, the conversation addressed the dispatch center and jail remodels to meet state safety standards, including double-door entries, secure access to weapons, and enhanced video visitation. Budget constraints, potential grant funding, and phased project implementation were entertained to ensure that upgrades and remodels were completed efficiently.

Newly appointed EMS director, Cody Murphy, addressed the department’s financial standing, funding challenges, and potential supplemental levies. Murphy noted that the longest unpaid county bill dates to 2021, totaling approximately $100,000, with additional smaller unpaid amounts from the previous year. Possible strategies for recouping funds, including levies or insurance reimbursement, were discussed. The reviewed current account balances across checking and savings, and considered temporary versus permanent levies to address shortfalls, particularly in light of school board levy activity and upcoming elections.

Funding strategies were also discussed, including reducing supply costs by consolidating vendors and optimizing existing ambulance resources. Training and staffing concerns were highlighted, with plans to host an advanced-level EMS course supported by workforce grants, aiming to improve ALS coverage in the region. Coordination with neighboring counties was considered essential to enhance service.

Additional updates included broadcasting policy implementation and ongoing efforts to improve billing processes. Meetings with regional ER directors and clinical staff were planned to assess telemedicine options, enhance emergency service delivery, and provide staff training.

Emergency Management Coordinator Carol Walsh provided commissioners with a breakdown of the senior firewood program, with $15,000 available through the rep fund. A local processing plant may handle cutting and delivery, and local vendors could bid on portions of the program to distribute across areas like New Meadows. Eligibility is being considered for seniors 65+ or those with disabilities, with sign-ups planned in-person at WICAP or the county office. A local contractor will manage distribution.

Updates were given on the shared stewardship program, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and forest management projects. Presentations on cross-boundary collaboration and funding are planned for Valley and Washington counties. Timber sales, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed fire projects aim to improve forest health, reduce beetle infestations, and convert susceptible species to fire-adapted trees. Prescribed burns are expected March–May, coordinated with private land mitigation.

Talk of infrastructure and recreation was also exchanged. Bridge construction, trail stabilization, and fire salvage projects are underway, with free-use firewood available. Timber operations take precedence over winter grooming, which will resume afterward. Spring open houses will showcase stewardship, recreation, timber, and fire management, with specialist presentations planned on insects, disease, and forest health.