Development, EMS Structure, and Public Land Management Forecast for Adams County
To kick off the March 9 meeting, Meredith Fisher, head of Planning and Zoning, discussed potential updates to the county’s sign regulations, particularly language that would limit billboards to industrial or commercial zones with active commercial use and possibly prohibit animated billboards due to concerns about driver distraction and effectiveness. Additionally, Fisher inquired into the commissioner’s interpretation regarding “natural splits” of property. While roads have historically been treated as natural splits when dividing parcels, the group discussed whether rivers should be considered the same. Based on past practice and practical concerns—such as determining what qualifies as a river or creek and the potential for unintended increases in property divisions- there was general agreement that rivers should not be treated as natural splits.
Waste Management official Steve Shelton explained their loader has been repaired and is now back in service. Work has also begun on building a new road within the landfill area to provide access to the new cell. In addition, aluminum recycling was recently taken in and sold for approximately $0.63 per pound, which was considered a good price. Efforts have also been made to significantly reduce the amount of scrap metal being disposed of, which currently brings in around $40 per ton.
Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson informed commissioners of a loader experiencing transmission issues, with repairs estimated at $16,000 for clutch parts or up to $36,000 for a re-manufactured transmission plus labor. Commissioners agreed repairing the machine is likely worthwhile given its value and planned use in the gravel pit. Additional updates included posting bids for the Lower Orchard and Indian Valley chip-seal project, plans to purchase rock for road improvements in Indian Valley, and preparations to hire a replacement for an employee retiring at the end of April. Ongoing road maintenance challenges, particularly potholes and puddles caused by drainage issues and water surfacing from the road base, were also discussed. Balderson’s time concluded with an approval to sign the Idaho Bridge project agreement for work on Ogle Lane over the Weiser River.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman reviewed surplus sales and funding updates. Funds from the marine account will be used to acquire a second marine vehicle, addressing previous limitations with smaller rigs that struggled with certain boat ramps. The new vehicle is expected to improve operations and accessibility. In addition, Zollman discussed inmate placement agreements with the Department of Corrections, confirming that the per-day rate will increase from $75 to $80 starting July 1, and approved the allocation of $7,700 in recreational boating safety funds. Before leaving for the day, Zollman swore in new deputy Sean Sands in front of commissioners.
Council EMS Director Cody Murphy provided commissioners with operational updates. Murphy noted that while recent low activity has slightly reduced payroll costs, increased demand during summer months will require additional resources. Efforts are underway to collect outstanding fees and improve financial accountability. A review of equipment found all radios accounted for, though previous records were incomplete, and patient reporting under the new IPCR system is averaging 14 days per report—far exceeding the required 24 hours—impacting reimbursements, especially for motor vehicle accidents. Discussions also covered a levy override to maintain EMS funding, streamlining payroll through QuickBooks to reduce staff time, and the pursuit of grant funding, including a potential portion of $189 million from Idaho Rural Health for hospitals and EMS. Murphy was optimistic that operations are improving, with better alignment to financial and operational goals, ongoing grant opportunities, and increased staff engagement with the county’s strategic vision.
Heather Eastman from Idaho Business Trivia Outdoors met with commissioners to discuss public lands management. Commissioners noted the need for better forest management, including increased logging and salvage to prevent wildfires, support local timber and mining jobs, and maintain public access. They highlighted the efficiency of state-managed lands compared to federal lands, while citing obstacles like restrictive logging quotas, federal bureaucracy, and high personnel turnover. Eastman’s goal is to gather insights from counties statewide, identify patterns, and work with the Idaho Association of Counties to explore policy strategies that balance economic sustainability, recreation, and responsible land stewardship.
New Meadows Mayor Julie Good expressed concern about approving an MOU without clarity on the ambulance contract, especially with ongoing development and potential impacts on city services. She stressed the need for notice regarding any development-related impacts, fees, or contract changes, even if they originate outside the district, to avoid being blindsided in public hearings or by unanticipated fee structures. While understanding that the ambulance service is contracted out, Good emphasized that the district remains responsible and would like some assurance that any future contract revisions will include notification to the city. Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan explained that the 2015 contract language is broad and “murky” regarding fee collection and delegation, leaving uncertainty about the district’s authority and how fees are implemented.
