Commissioners Review Audits, Historical Subdivisions, and Advocate Services
A large portion of Planning and Zoning discussion with Official Meredith Fisher focused on signage regulations, prompted by strong public opposition to a pending sign application along Highway 95. Fisher noted that the county’s sign ordinance is minimal, observing that it effectively allows “a 4-by-8 piece of plywood” without much restriction, while anything more substantial requires a conditional use permit. This sparked discussion about whether the ordinance adequately addresses modern concerns such as light emission and glare. Fisher suggested that it may be time to consider strengthening the sign regulations to better protect the public interest.
With Building Inspector Kody Williams present, the discussion shifted to historic subdivisions, particularly the Starkey area, and the challenges posed by narrow lots, floodplain constraints, and access limitations. Fisher shared historical research indicating that tent camping had been a historic use in Starkey, supported by archival photographs and documentation. While this context was offered for background, it was stressed that current applications must still comply with modern ordinances.
Commissioners debated whether creating a setback overlay for historic subdivisions would be appropriate, and Fisher considered whether such changes could lead to unintended consequences, including increased density, strain on emergency services, and water resource concerns. One concern raised was that a broad ordinance change could allow hundreds of small lots to be developed simultaneously, potentially resulting in “250 little cabins or bungalows overnight.” Fisher made the point, “It’s just setbacks, but everything is connected to everything, and it has a roll-down effect.”
Enforcement practicality was also discussed, particularly regarding the definition of “dwelling.” While ordinances technically prohibit overnight occupancy in non-residential structures, commissioners expressed discomfort with over-policing such situations. Commissioner Joe Iveson remarked that he would “never, ever want to police that,” while acknowledging that complaints would still require enforcement action to ensure fairness.
Fisher encouraged addressing such issues on a case-by-case basis, potentially through special use permits, rather than adopting a blanket ordinance that could apply countywide. This approach was presented as a way to preserve property rights while avoiding precedential impacts on other historic subdivisions such as Fruitvale, whose plots alone number nearly 500, Old Meadows, and Council Orchards.
Next, Waste Management Official, Steve Shelton, reported continued issues with disposing of a roadside rig after receiving another call from Lake Shore. The company was informed that disposal would cost $60 per ton, prompting Lake Shore to indicate it would likely return the material. Shelton noted that the county has already paid for removal three times, explaining that although the material itself is of minimal value, “every time they ship it, it’s almost $300 to haul it down,” making the arrangement financially impractical. Participants agreed that hauling or burying the material locally would likely cost the county about the same.
Road and Bridge Official, Adam Balderson reported that two county dump trucks remain out of service due to injector-related issues requiring specialized MAC tools. Estimated repairs are approximately $2,700 per truck, and getting the trucks operational was considered a priority to complete road work before winter.
Road conditions were reviewed, with Balderson noting that most roads have performed better than expected despite heavy rain. Fruitvale–Glendale Road and Upper Glendale Road were reported to be in generally good condition, while a section of South Indian Valley Road was marked as a priority for rebuilding.
The board discussed a potential road stabilization product (Permazine), described as a natural binding agent with an estimated cost of $9,000 per mile. While the product claims long-term durability, the need for testing and site observation before use was deemed important.
Additional updates included ongoing drainage work beneath the new “blue building” due to unexpected groundwater and a brief discussion of bridge-related costs.
With Sheriff Ryan Zollman, the board reviewed proposed revisions to Ordinance 2026-02, a commercial vehicle snow chain ordinance, noting that staff had worked collaboratively to clarify county references and avoid jurisdictional confusion. Commissioner Viki Purdy described the revised ordinance as “customer-friendly for this type of ordinance.” It was clarified that legal notice must be published after board approval, not before, and that a public hearing could be held without extensive publication requirements.
A public hearing was opened and, after no public comment, the board voted unanimously to approve and sign Ordinance 2026-02, repealing Ordinance 2010-05.
Zollman provided a detailed update on jail operations and state inmate contracts. The county is currently housing 24 state inmates and five county inmates, operating under a proposed flat-rate contract that would simplify billing and eliminate a two-tier daily rate system described as “ridiculous” and administratively burdensome. Commissioner Ward remarked that while inmates generate revenue, jail expansion is not advisable due to staffing limitations, stating, “It never is a good money-making opportunity in the long run.”
Overall, it was agreed that the current approach effectively offsets fixed jail costs without creating undue financial or staffing risk.
Rose Advocate Teree Seward provided an update on victim services activity, noting a continued rise in reported cases. Over the 2025 reporting year, Adams County served 77 civilians, including 26 domestic violence cases, 17 sexual assault cases, 13 child abuse cases, 15 teen dating violence cases, and 22 bullying-related cases. It was acknowledged that increased reporting is likely tied to greater awareness and the presence of school resource officer, Chris Carlisle.
Seward described ongoing counseling services offered weekly and highlighted close coordination with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, including after-hours response and emergency lodging support. One recent domestic violence case involving a fleeing parent and infant was described as “total chaos,” underscoring the importance of rapid response and local resources.
The group discussed collaborative efforts through Coordinated Community Response and MDT meetings to avoid service duplication. Cross-county support continues in limited cases, including assistance for Spanish-speaking clients. Commissioner Ward proposed the use of translation technology to better serve non-English-speaking individuals. Seward’s time with commissioners concluded with general appreciation for efforts and community partnerships.
The county’s CPA presented the annual audit results, thanking the clerk’s and treasurer’s offices for strong record keeping. No findings were reported for county accounts or sheriff’s funds, and the auditor confirmed the financial statements are reliable. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, the General Fund posted a positive net change of $710,027, largely due to strong investment returns, resulting in approximately 15 months of operating reserves, described as “very good.” Most other major funds were stable, though the Justice Fund remains below the recommended six-month reserve level, noting that levy adjustments and state inmate revenue should help. Ambulance district audits also showed no findings, with one district reporting higher-than-normal reserves due to one-time reimbursements. Commissioners shared that the audit made them feel better about the county’s financial position.
Pam Bond, the county’s ArcGIS contractor, identified an out-of-sequence address in Meadow Creek. The homeowners have lived at this address for 23 years, and changing it now would cause personal disruption, though the address is technically incorrect. Sheriff Zollman noted that GPS and mapping systems could misdirect them, creating safety concerns. With no protocol for these instances, Building Inspector Kody Williams brought it to the board for resolution. Commissioners agreed not to force an immediate change but suggested flagging the property so that if it is sold in the future, the address can revert to its correct sequence. The discussion highlighted the need to create a process for handling similar cases, potentially involving title companies, HOAs, or recorded documents, to prevent future confusion while respecting current homeowners’ needs.
To end the day, commissioners approved the Allied Lease for copiers and plotters for the Assessor, Courthouse, and Sheriff’s offices. They discussed a proposed MOU regarding coordination in New Meadows but agreed to defer a decision while researching proper procedures, noting the county cannot change past issues.
Preparations continue for a petition and resolution to dissolve the ambulance district and call a special election, with commissioners agreeing not to rush a decision and raising questions about EMS equipment and district separation.
