Public Documents
Downloadable reports, legal documents, meeting minutes, and public records
Commissioners — Minutes — 2026-01-12 Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
These are the minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting held on January 12, 2026. The meeting covered routine business including commissioner reports on various community meetings, departmental monthly reports, board appointments, facility maintenance issues, and financial approvals. Key items included appointing Lisa Callen to the Snake River Canyon Parks Board, approving IT equipment purchases following a power outage, and discussing parking space rentals.
Executive Session Decisions
- The specific decision made during the executive session regarding personnel matters is not disclosed in the minutes, which is typical for executive sessions
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session was properly conducted under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for personnel matters with proper motion, second, and unanimous roll call vote
- Meeting had proper recess and reconvening procedures
Decisions Made
- Appointed Lisa Callen to the Snake River Canyon Parks Board to fulfill Becky Dean's remaining term
- Approved expenditure of $4,459.18 for IT equipment including battery backup, switch pro, and firewall racks due to Judicial Complex power surge
- Approved Resolution 2026-1 to eliminate and destroy records from the prosecutor's office
- Agreed to schedule a tour of the new National Guard building
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Brent Culbertson - maintenance department monthly report
- Lisa Callen - Snake River Canyon Parks Board interview candidate
- Bill Bridges - Parks Board member discussing overlook project
- Mark Swenson - Parks Board member present for interview
- Steve Irwin - parking space rental discussion for Main Street building
- Cy Lootens - present for multiple agenda items
- Virgil Horner - parking space rental discussion
- Kacie Buhler - Planning and Zoning monthly report
- Matthew McGregor - IT outage report and equipment purchases
- Eli Bair - IT department representative
- Andrea Gonzalez - misdemeanor probation monthly report
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Future date to be scheduled for National Guard building tour
- Leadership classes for Andrea Gonzalez over the next several weeks
- 16-week internship pending approval for misdemeanor probation office
- Future tentative contract creation for parking space rental
Key Points
- Commissioner reports on community meetings and events
- Maintenance department monthly report and security office workstation
- Snake River Canyon Parks Board member interview and appointment
- Parking space rental discussion for Main Street building tenants
- Planning and Zoning monthly report including revenue and code enforcement
- University of Idaho joint projects and potential donations
- National Guard readiness center tour scheduling
- IT equipment purchases following Judicial Complex outage
- Overlook project donations and brick fundraising
- Misdemeanor probation monthly report and credit card reader request
- Resolution 2026-1 for destruction of old prosecutor records
- Legal counsel discussion regarding U of I donations
Planning & Zoning — Minutes — 2025-01-13
Minutes from the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held January 13, 2025, covering two special use permit hearings - one for Ann-Pell Rongen's horticultural services business and one for Jeff Davis/Western Ag Enterprises' agricultural manufacturing facility. Both applications were approved with conditions after public testimony and commission discussion.
Decisions Made
- Motion to accept November 25th, 2024 Minutes as amended - carried unanimously
- Motion to amend meeting agenda and move Legislative Matters to 6:07 PM - carried unanimously
- Motion to APPROVE Ann-Pell Rongen's Special Use Permit for Horticultural Services with conditions including road maintenance agreement - carried unanimously
- Motion to APPROVE Western Ag Enterprises' Special Use Permit for Manufacturing with conditions including indoor storage of tarps/liners and roll-off container for scrap removal - carried with 4 ayes and 1 no (Commissioner Dean opposed)
- Motion to adjourn - carried unanimously
- Decision to schedule future hearing start times at 6:10 pm
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Ann-Pell Rongen - presented application for Special Use Permit for horticultural services
- Evan Jerke - confirmed access easement and accepted maintenance agreement condition
- Jeff Davis with Western Ag Enterprises - presented application for Special Use Permit for agricultural manufacturing
- Teri Stokes - real estate agent, spoke in support of Western Ag application
- Jason Stokes - Regional Manager for Western Ag, spoke in support of application
- Jamie Gaver - owner and developer of subdivision to the west, spoke in support of Western Ag application
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Meeting with the City of Jerome regarding City Areas of Impact - mentioned as taking place soon
- Predevelopment meeting before Western Ag construction may begin - future date not specified
Key Points
- APA Commission volunteer positions and member search
- Planning and Zoning Commissioner volunteer search
- Legislative matters regarding APA ordinance process
- Subdivision development time limits
- Special Use Permit expiration time limits
- Future hearing start times
- Special Use Permit for horticultural services
- Special Use Permit for agricultural manufacturing facility
- Zoning compliance and building permits
- Water system requirements
- Privacy fencing requirements
- Access road maintenance agreements
Commissioners — Minutes — 2025-01-13 Concern Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Jerome County Commissioners meeting minutes from January 13, 2025, documenting the swearing-in of newly elected officials, commissioner reports on various community meetings, appointment of Sam Beus as temporary prosecuting attorney, Fair Board member interviews, discussions about Valley Recreation District bond survey, IT equipment approvals, and construction updates for county facilities.
Executive Session Decisions
- Approved Barracuda subscription licenses for one year in the amount of $7,417.62 for network security
- Approved leasing two bizhub copier machines from Fisher Technologies for $74.40 per month for one year
- Appointed Sam Beus as temporary Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney until February 3rd due to Republican Central Committee not submitting required list of qualified attorneys
- Approved up to $2,500 to Condy, Stoker, Brown & Associates to update and confirm county W-2s
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Multiple executive sessions held for personnel matters and firewall quotes, but specific discussions and outcomes not documented in public portion of minutes
- Fair Board discussion appears to have been truncated in the minutes with 'Continued Discussions' noted at the end without completion
Decisions Made
- Commissioner Crouch elected as Commissioner Chairman unanimously
- Decided to keep committee assignments the same for the upcoming year
- Decided to proceed with Fair Board interviews before making appointment decisions
- Decided to revisit Valley Rec District survey funding at a later time
- Approved temporary access card for Core Construction foreman for holiday work
- Approved storing generator and fuel tank temporarily at airport
- Appointed Sam Beus as temporary Prosecuting Attorney until February 3rd
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Concerns raised about Fair Board professionalism and ability to help new Fair Manager
- Discussion of responsible bidder vs lowest bidders policy at Idaho Association of Counties meeting
- Public defense issues discussed at legislative committee meeting
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Jacob Milner from SHIELD LLC presenting emergency and safety training services
- Judge Lothspeich conducting swearing-in ceremony
- Rob Grant discussing Valley Rec District bond survey
- Lola Fitzpatrick interviewed for Fair Board position
- Jarrod Jackson interviewed for Fair Board position
- Jarrett Mills interviewed for Fair Board position
- Amy Smith interviewed for Fair Board position
- Cliff Jaro interviewed for Fair Board position
- Wes Maines and Scott Reymore from Core Construction providing project update
- Mike Seib providing legal counsel on prosecutor appointment
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- February 3rd - end date for Sam Beus temporary prosecuting attorney appointment
- Republican Central Committee meeting scheduled for the week of January 13th
- Six months needed to set up MERF metal sorting pilot program
- Over a year wait time for two new ambulances for Idaho Paramedics
Key Points
- Swearing-in ceremony for elected officials
- Commissioner reports on community meetings
- Election of Commissioner Chairman
- SHIELD LLC security training services presentation
- Fair Board member appointments and interviews
- Valley Recreation District bond feasibility survey
- Emergency Management position interviews
- IT firewall and printer issues
- Core Construction courthouse project update
- W-2 payroll audit concerns
- Prosecuting Attorney appointment
- Millennial Ag Committee fundraising
- Southern Idaho Solid Waste MERF program
- Idaho Paramedics response times and equipment
Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-01-16
This document contains the minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners regular meeting held on January 16, 2024. The meeting covered routine administrative matters including claims approval, commissioner reports on various boards and committees, staff updates, and presentations from department heads and external organizations. Key discussions included Snake River Canyons Park development planning, airport expansion appraisal needs, and various personnel and operational matters.
Decisions Made
- Approved claims totaling $173,567.66 for January 9-16, 2024 claim cycle
- Approved paying employees for January 12 weather closure
- Approved leave requests for Andrea Gonzalez and Brent Culbertson
- Approved catering permit for El Sombrero for January 20, 2024
- Approved time records for 8 employees for December 31, 2023 through January 13, 2024 payroll period
- Decided to replace stained carpet with brown laminate flooring in front of clerk's office
- Determined to pursue fee appraiser for airport land valuation
- Agreed that Bill Bridges would send letters to landowner grazers about park developments
- Confirmed Cody Westover's work schedule of 8:30-5:00 after Desea Lance's resignation
- Approved waiver of $40 property tax penalty for Cindy Paulos due to health reasons
- Decided to wait for Fair Board response to January 2 letter before further action
- Determined Jerome County should pay Twin Falls for coroner coverage hours
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Mark Swenson (Assessor) - discussed airport land appraisal needs
- Bill Bridges and Brenda Weekes (Snake River Canyons Park Managing Board) - provided park development update and Five-Year Plan presentation
- Desea Lance and Cody Westover (IT Personnel) - provided IT department update
- Denise Helsley (Northside Tri-County Cooperative Weed Management Area Supervisor) - delivered noxious weed quarterly report
- Tanya Stitt (Emergency Management Director) - provided emergency management report
- Linda Montgomery (Jerome County representative to South Central Public Health Board) - cancelled but provided information via email
- Cindy Paulos (Property owner) - requested property tax penalty waiver via speakerphone
- Mike Seib (Legal Counsel) - provided legal advice on various matters
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- January 20, 2024 - El Sombrero catering permit from 5 P.M.-10 P.M.
- January 22 - Continued discussion of broadband grant RFP
- January 22 - Fair board matter to be addressed again
- January 26 - Desea Lance's resignation effective date
- January 29 through February 1 - Idaho Emergency Management Association Conference in Boise
- January 30 - State Homeland Security Program grants reporting due
- February - Twin Falls Fair Board vote for new president to replace Joe Davidson
- February - Pesticide workshop at Shoshone Community Center
- February 23 - Valley School District agriculture program community support deadline
- March - Next Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting
- End of April - Expected BLM paperwork timeline
Key Points
- Commissioner reports from various boards and meetings
- Claims approval and administrative matters
- Employee leave and time records
- Courthouse flooring replacement
- Airport land appraisal for expansion
- Snake River Canyons Park development and Five-Year Plan
- IT department updates and staffing
- Noxious weed management quarterly report
- Emergency management activities and grants
- Property tax penalty waiver request
- Legal counsel matters including broadband grant RFP and fair board issues
- Coroner services discussion
Commissioners — Minutes — 2023-01-17 Concern Energy/Data Center Exec Session
This document contains minutes from a Jerome County Commissioners meeting on January 17, 2023, covering routine administrative matters, departmental reports, and public business. The meeting included commissioner reports on various boards and committees, approval of claims and personnel matters, quarterly reports from emergency services and planning departments, and updates on county projects including the Snake River Canyons Park and Lava Ridge Wind Project.
Executive Session Decisions
- Went into executive session per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for personnel matters at 2 P.M., returned to open session at 2:10 P.M. - no specific decisions from executive session are mentioned in the document
Decisions Made
- Nominated Charlie Howell to serve on the CAT Board until implementation of HB735
- Approved time records for Brent Culbertson, Scott Denning, Deserae Jones, Nancy Marshall, Mark Reyes, Tanya Stitt, and Mario Umana
- Signed Employee Wage Change form to hire Dan Chatterton as coroner effective January 9, 2023
- Signed leave request for Brent Culbertson
- Approved Claims Approval Report dated January 13, 2023 totaling $138,340.28
- Approved claims for January 11-17, 2023 claim cycle
- Approved $3,200 for Rock Creek Quick Response Unit for software licensing and subscription, contingent on County budget
- Determined to make extra donation from current budget if funds available
- Determined to discuss Park Board reappointments at later date
- Determined to consult legal counsel about updating Park Master Plan
- Determined to consult legal counsel about amount owed to Computer Arts
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Lava Ridge Wind Project update presented by BLM representatives covering proposed wind project in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to EPA in January beginning 60-day review period
- Technology department priority to build secure data center mentioned
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Citizen complaints about half-way house violations and neighbor complaints
- Juvenile probation presentations about suicide prevention and gang membership
- Increasing graffiti and gang activity among juveniles
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Aaron Zent, Rock Creek Fire District Assistant Chief - quarterly report
- Nancy Marshall, Planning and Zoning Administrator - department report
- Bill Bridges, Snake River Canyons Park Managing Board Chairman - park update
- Tim Larson - airports report
- Cody Westover, System Administrator - technology update
- Desea Lance, IT Technician - technology update
- Kasey Prestwich, BLM Lava Ridge Project Manager - wind project update
- Lisa Cresswell, BLM Shoshone Office Manager - wind project update
- Mike Courtney, BLM Twin Falls Office Manager - wind project update
- Nathan Murray, Idaho Power - wind project update
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- March 6 Special Use Permit hearing for Moonlight Recovery needs notice by February 14
- Public meetings for proposed Recreation Zone after April 2023
- Fair plans for August 2023
- Spring equipment preparation for weed control
Key Points
- Commissioner reports from various boards and committees
- CAT Board nomination
- Time record approvals
- Personnel matters and wage changes
- Claims approval
- Rock Creek Quick Response Unit quarterly report
- Planning and Zoning report
- Department heads quarterly luncheon
- Snake River Canyons Park update
- Airports report
- Technology update
- Lava Ridge Wind Project update
Commissioners — Minutes — 2026-01-20 Energy/Data Center Open Meeting Violation
This document contains minutes from a Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting held on January 20, 2026. The meeting covered routine commissioner reports, personnel matters including PTO payouts, county infrastructure projects, airport operations, emergency management updates, and various administrative decisions including budget approvals and record destruction.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Legal counsel noted that either minutes or full recordings are required for every public meeting, suggesting there may have been meetings lacking proper documentation
- No mention of public comment periods during the meeting
Decisions Made
- Approved nomination of Brent Reinke to South Central Public Health District Board of Health
- Approved IT expenditures totaling $2,261.32 for passport photo equipment, spare laptop, and office tinting
- Approved putting old snowplow tires up for auction
- Authorized Kent Atkin/JUB to coordinate FAA responses on behalf of the Board
- Approved change orders for Shoshone Falls Overlook Project not to exceed $200,000
- Approved PTO payouts for three employees including Lorin Thompson
- Approved Resolution 2026-2 for destruction of old prosecutor's office documents
- Approved meeting minutes as amended
- Approved claims as presented by staff
- Approved cancellation of penalties and fees totaling $242.28 for parcel RP09S17E120100 for 2023 taxes
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Commissioner Howell declined meeting with developer about BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) to remain unbiased for future applications
- Commissioner Watkins also received call about BESS matter and declined meeting
- Public hearing mentioned regarding energy ordinance coming up
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Matthew McGregor - IT purchases and passport photo setup
- Eli Bair - IT department
- Cy Lootens - multiple topics including America 250 grant
- Marty Luhr - snowplow tires and airport operations
- Kent Atkin - FAA authorization
- Amanda Worthington - America 250 project
- Mark Swenson - America 250 project
- Chris Dunn - America 250 project
- Bill Bridges - Shoshone Falls Overlook Project change orders
- Lorin Thompson - PTO payout discussion
- Troy Tolman - PTO matters
- Chad Kingsland - PTO matters
- George Oppedyk Jr - PTO matters
- Marisella Aguirre - PTO matters
- Kim Drury - PTO matters
- Jesse Vallez - PTO matters
- Kirsten Hartley - Emergency Management monthly report
- Nikki Kober - personal property tax hardship case
- Nina Lagle - tax matters
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- End of January 2026 - deadline for America 250 grant application
- Next week - Matthew and Barry attending IT conference
- Next few weeks - completion of server room equipment move
- March 2026 - meeting regarding ammonia in Magic Valley
Key Points
- Commissioner reports on community meetings and activities
- Board of Health nomination
- IT purchases and passport photo setup
- Snowplow tire replacement and auction procedures
- Airport operations and fuel card procedures
- FAA authorization for runway threshold sitings
- America 250 grant application
- Shoshone Falls Overlook Project change orders
- PTO payout procedures and approvals
- Emergency management monthly report
- Records destruction from prosecutor's office
- Legal counsel regarding meeting documentation requirements
- Claims approval
- Personal property tax hardship case
Commissioners — Minutes — 2025-01-21 Concern Energy/Data Center Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Minutes from the January 21, 2025 Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting covering commissioner reports on various local meetings and activities, personnel matters including detention staff compensation payouts and IT hiring, technology updates including phone system upgrades and email security renewals, financial discussions including Idaho Power tax refunds and quarterly reports, and facility projects including fairground improvements and Martha and Mary's pantry land lease proposal.
Executive Session Decisions
- Approved hiring decision for IT position following executive session interview (specific hire not detailed in minutes)
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session conducted under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for employment interviews appears proper
- Meeting included proper motion procedures and voting records
- No apparent open meeting law violations identified
Decisions Made
- Approved deputy comp payout for approximately $18,000
- Approved IT consultant contract for 20 hours at $150/hour totaling $3,000
- Approved Sendio email security contract renewal for $13,241
- Approved Resolution 2025-1 for destruction of eligible election records
- Declined to pay remaining half of Idaho Association of Counties building fund payment
- Approved joint quarterly report from 10/01/2024 to 12/31/2024
- Amended agenda to add Martha and Mary's pantry at 3 pm
- Approved BroadVoice for new phone system upgrade
- Approved minutes from 1/13/25 and 1/16/25
- Approved claims as presented by staff
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Republican Central Committee approved resolution against the Lava Ridge proposal
- Discussion of kilowatt hour tax and solar tax as legislative priorities
- Idaho Power judgment and tax refund discussion regarding payments by code area
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Youth vape protection mentioned as legislative priority
- Public defense reform discussed as legislative priority
- Property tax relief mentioned as legislative concern
- Fees for uninsured drivers discussed as policy matter
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Sergio Arroyo - present for commissioners reports
- Marisela Aguirre - detention staff comp hours payout
- Cy Lootens - multiple agenda items including election records and Idaho Power discussion
- Matthew McGregor - phone system update proposal and IT interviews
- Mark Swenson - Idaho Power judgment discussion
- Nina Lagle - Idaho Power judgment discussion
- Tracee McKim - joint quarterly report and Idaho Power discussion
- Tevian Kober - Idaho Power judgment discussion
- Jesse Vallez - Sheriff POST reimbursement and IT interviews
- Bill Bridges - Snake River Canyons Park update
- Mark Barnes - present for park update and agriculture discussion
- Brenda Weekes - Snake River Canyons Park monthly presentation
- Kacie Buhler - Agriculture Protection Area Ordinance Commission
- Jeff Schroeder - Martha and Mary's pantry land proposal
- Tracy Perkins - Martha and Mary's pantry discussion
- Mike Seib - Martha and Mary's pantry leasing agreement
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- February 17th - scheduled power down (holiday)
- February - Snake River Canyons Park award presentation meeting
- March - shooting range construction start date
- Yingst grade culvert replacement - soon
- Future date - Fair Board approval needed for Martha and Mary's pantry proposal
- Future date - return discussion on Martha and Mary's pantry leasing price
Key Points
- Commissioner activity reports
- Detention staff compensation hours payout
- IT phone system upgrades
- Email security system renewal
- Election records destruction
- Idaho Association of Counties building fund payment
- Idaho Power tax refund and repayment strategy
- Sheriff POST tuition reimbursement policy
- Joint quarterly financial report
- Snake River Canyons Park monthly update
- Agriculture Protection Area Ordinance Commission appointments
- Martha and Mary's pantry fairgrounds land lease proposal
- IT employment interviews
Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-01-22
These are minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 22, 2024, covering commissioner reports on various activities, departmental reports from Rock Creek QRU, Juvenile Probation, Veterans Services, and other departments, along with routine administrative matters including claims approval and personnel decisions.
Decisions Made
- Approved Catering Permit for South Hills Bar & Grill, LLC for February 4, 2024
- Approved minutes of January 19
- Approved $2 per hour salary increase for Scott Denning (denied his request for $7, then $3)
- Approved claims totaling $136,183.17 plus $3,311.61
- Denied guardianship to two out-of-county applicants based on County residency
- Approved Scott Denning to contact Twin Falls County Commissioner about State guardians legislation
- Forgave interest and penalty fee of $25.74 for Jason Hollingshead
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Aaron Zent - Rock Creek Fire District chief presenting QRU quarterly report
- Mario Umana - Juvenile Probation Administrator presenting statistics
- Scott Denning - Veterans/Guardians/Risk Management report
- Jason Hollingshead - requesting tax penalty forgiveness
- Linda Montgomery - South Central Public Health District representative
- Mark Swenson - Assessor presenting parcel map tutorial
- Mark Reyes - GIS Specialist explaining mapping website
- Desea Lance - IT Specialist discussing broadband grant RFP
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- February 2 - Pesticide Workshop in Shoshone
- February 2 - Presidential caucus
- February 4 - South Hills Bar & Grill catering event
- February 24 - Lincoln Day breakfast
- January 26 - Board meeting continuation for old business
- March 6-8 - Juvenile probation conference in Meridian
- February - ITD State Board meeting for bridge location decision
- 2025 - Potential electric vehicle transition for health district
- Within three years - New Rock Creek Fire station planned in Murtaugh
Key Points
- Commissioner activity reports
- Snake River Canyons Park development priorities
- Third bridge across Snake River Canyon
- Jerome County Fair planning
- Jerome Airport snowplowing authorization
- Republican Central Committee activities
- Catering permit approval
- Employee leave requests
- Scott Denning salary increase for risk management duties
- Claims approval
- Rock Creek QRU quarterly report
- Juvenile probation statistics
- Veterans services report
- Board of Community Guardians matters
- Risk management duties
- Tax penalty and interest forgiveness
- South Central Public Health District report
- County parcel mapping tutorial
- Broadband grant RFP
Commissioners — Minutes — 2023-01-23 Concern Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Minutes from Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 23, 2023, covering commissioner reports on various board meetings and activities, administrative business including claims approval and leave requests, hiring a surveyor for Yingst Road project, reappointment of Snake River Canyons Park board members, veterans services report, public hearing on parcel data fee increase from $207 to $300, and approval of conference attendance costs.
Executive Session Decisions
- Executive session was called at 1:40 P.M. per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f) for litigation, but the document is truncated and does not show what decisions were made during or after the executive session
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- The document appears truncated at the executive session portion, making it impossible to verify if proper executive session procedures were followed or if the meeting properly reconvened in public session
- The executive session topic of 'litigation' under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f) appears to be properly cited
Decisions Made
- Approved Claims Approval Report for Insurance Deductible Trust Fund totaling $3,010.13
- Approved leave requests for Deserae Jones (2) and Mark Reyes
- Approved subordination agreement for Case No. 1112-053
- Reappointed Bill Bridges, Greg Moore, and Jeff Pierson to the Snake River Canyons Park Board
- Approved parcel data fee increase from $207 to $300 via Resolution 2023-3
- Approved funding for Mark Reyes to attend ESRI Conference in San Diego including hotel, airline, and seminar fees
- Approved Mark Reyes' request to use two vacation days after the conference
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Establishment of a veterans court in Jerome County is being pursued but needs state approval
- Discussion of law enforcement jurisdiction in herd districts on Bureau of Land Management property
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Kim Drury - Social Services Director
- Bill Bridges - Chairman of Snake River Canyons Park Managing Board
- Sue Williams - Snake River Canyons Park Managing Board member
- Scott Denning - Veterans service officer/board of community guardians coordinator
- Deputy Sheriff Rick Scruggs
- Mark Reyes - Mapping department
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- February - Construction of third jail pod to begin
- July - Mark Reyes to report on ESRI Conference after returning
Key Points
- Commissioner reports from various meetings and activities
- Claims approval and leave requests
- Social Services subordination agreement
- Hiring surveyor for Yingst Road project
- Snake River Canyons Park board appointments
- Veterans services and guardianship program report
- Law enforcement in herd districts
- East End Medical meeting
- Public hearing on parcel data fee increase
- GIS conference attendance approval
- ESRI licensing fees discussion
- Executive session for litigation
Commissioners — Minutes — 2025-01-23 Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
This document records a Jerome County Commissioners meeting from January 23, 2025, covering IT employment interviews in executive session, a property assessment correction for Magic Valley Quality Milk Transport valued at $48,081,958, emergency management updates, and a prosecuting attorney interview with Sam Beus.
Executive Session Decisions
- IT employment interviews were conducted in executive session per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) with Matthew McGregor and Jesse Vallez present, though no specific hiring decisions are documented in these minutes
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session for IT employment interviews appears properly conducted under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for personnel matters
- No specific decisions from the executive session are documented in the public minutes, which may not provide sufficient transparency about outcomes
Decisions Made
- Motion passed unanimously to enter executive session for IT employment interviews
- Motion passed unanimously to recess as County Commissioners and reconvene as Board of Equalization
- Motion passed unanimously to correct assessment for Milk Specialty Global to current market value of $48,081,958
- Motion passed unanimously to amend agenda to include Sam Beus interview and travel discussion with Kirsten Hartley
- Approved Emergency Management to obtain county phone at $40/month cost
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Matthew McGregor and Jesse Vallez - IT employment interview candidates
- Mark Swenson - Board of Equalization property assessment discussion
- Robert Rios - Board of Equalization property assessment discussion
- Kirsten Hartley - Emergency Management monthly update and travel discussion
- Sam Beus - Prosecuting Attorney interview
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- End of June - Sam Beus expected to move to county if appointed
- Future ICS-300 class to be hosted in Jerome by Emergency Management
- Upcoming public information basics course that Kirsten Hartley wants to attend
Key Points
- IT employment interviews
- Property assessment correction for Magic Valley Quality Milk Transport/Milk Specialty Global
- Board of Equalization proceedings
- Emergency management monthly update
- Prosecuting attorney interview
- Travel discussion with Kirsten Hartley
- School safety and training initiatives
- Emergency equipment purchases
Planning & Zoning — Minutes — 2026-01-26 Concern Energy/Data Center
This document contains minutes from a Jerome County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held January 26, 2026. The meeting covered three main items: a zoning map amendment for recreational development, proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan regarding agricultural land protection and energy projects, and amendments to zoning ordinances for energy facilities and conditional use permits.
Decisions Made
- Brett Thompson and Oscar Carranza nominated to continue as Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2026-2027
- Commission chose to keep residency requirement at five years
- Staff will formally present change to reduce commission members from twelve to nine at next meeting
- Motion passed unanimously to approve zoning map amendment from A2-Rural Residential to REC-1 Recreation Zone
- Motion passed 5-0 to deny proposed amendments to Chapter 10 of Jerome County Comprehensive Plan
- Motion passed unanimously to deny proposed amendments to add Jerome County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 11-Energy Facilities
- Motion passed unanimously to approve amendments to repeal Chapter 7-Special Use and replace with Chapter 7-Conditional Use
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Board of County Commissioners adopted emergency ordinance 2025-01 temporarily prohibiting development of renewable energy plants and BESS over concerns about county's ability to support such facilities
- Proposed amendments would limit large-scale energy facilities to heavy industrial zones via Conditional Use Permits
- Discussion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) safety, locations near substations, and their role in grid stability
- Public testimony from Idaho Power, NextEra Energy Resources, Copia Power, and ENGIE North America regarding energy project restrictions
- Commission denied both energy-related ordinance amendments citing concerns about overly restrictive language and potential impacts on private property rights
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Discussion of Agricultural Protection Act impact on property rights and land use for twenty years with no incentive for property owners
- Concerns raised about overly restrictive language potentially affecting private property owners' rights
- Discussion of 'inherit conflict with' and 'irreversible loss' language in proposed agricultural protection amendments
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- David Thibault with EHM Engineers Inc. presenting zoning amendment application for Danso LLC
- Leon Letson on behalf of Idaho Power commenting on energy project language
- Elisabeth Koeckeritz, attorney specializing in land use law and planning, speaking about agricultural land classifications
- Aaron Menenberg, Idaho Policy Manager for Renewable Northwest, discussing projected energy needs
- Ufuoma Ojumah, development manager with NextEra Energy Resources, recommending BESS be allowed in all zones except rural residential
- Jeffery Collins on behalf of NextEra Energy speaking about BESS market shifts and safety
- Emily Skill on behalf of Copia Power recommending adding agriculture zoning language
- Megan Cranford on behalf of ENGIE North America opposing restrictions on energy projects
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Next Commission meeting where staff will formally present membership change proposal
Key Points
- Officer elections for 2026-2027
- Commission bylaws discussion regarding residency requirements and member count
- Mid-Snake River Commission report on water issues
- Zoning map amendment from A2 Rural Residential to REC-1 Recreation Zone
- Comprehensive Plan amendments for agricultural land protection and energy projects
- Zoning ordinance amendments for energy facilities
- Special Use to Conditional Use permit process changes
Planning & Zoning — Minutes — 2023-01-30
Jerome County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting minutes from January 30, 2023, covering two main agenda items: approval of a preliminary plat for Silver Sky Estates Subdivision (31 lots on 38.39 acres) and approval of a special use permit for a recreational vehicle site. Both applications were unanimously approved with conditions.
Decisions Made
- Approved November 21, 2022 minutes as written
- Recommended approval of Silver Sky Estates Subdivision preliminary plat with conditions: follow street naming suggestions, meet all agency requirements, ensure easements to headgates are recorded after coordinating with affected landowners
- Approved special use permit for recreational vehicle site with staff conditions and timeframe restriction of March 1-November 15 each year for no longer than three years
- Waived JCZO Chapter 6-7-T standard requirement for RV site
- Adjourned meeting
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Matt Ahrens of EHM Engineers Inc. - presented Silver Sky Estates Subdivision preliminary plat
- Jim Archer (549 S 100 E) - commented on irrigation easement concerns
- Randy Steadham (544 S 100 E) - expressed traffic speed and visibility concerns
- Curtis Turner (74 E Victoria St) - raised water delivery and road connection concerns
- David Thibault of EHM Engineers - provided additional technical clarification
- Mark Turner (550 Nicholas Rd) - asked about traffic study accessibility
- Gerald Martens - applicant for recreational vehicle site special use permit
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- First part of April - Recreation Zone Committee public meetings to begin
- 1.5 years - Jerome Impact Area will need to be addressed
- March 1-November 15 of each year for no longer than three years - approved timeframe for RV site occupation
Key Points
- November 2022 minutes approval
- Mid-Snake River Water Resource Commission report
- Recreation Zone Committee update
- Conference room audiovisual equipment upgrade
- Comprehensive Plan status
- Legislative Action List
- Silver Sky Estates Subdivision preliminary plat review
- Traffic study discussion
- Irrigation easement concerns
- Special use permit for recreational vehicle site
- JCZO Chapter 6 requirements
- Timeframe restrictions for RV occupation