The following is a selection of highlights from the minutes recorded by Shanci Dorius, Deputy Clerk of Oneida County.  The full minutes are available from the county by request.

Emergency Preparedness: Active Shooter Exercise Aug. 7th

Community members were advised of a full-scale emergency training exercise scheduled to take place at Malad High School on August 7, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing through the afternoon. The exercise will simulate an active shooter scenario and is intended to provide realistic training for multiple emergency response agencies, including Ambulance, Sheriff, Fire, SWAT, air medical transport, and others. Blank ammunition will be used, and volunteers from Idaho State University’s drama deportment will act as injured victims to enhance realism.

The public is strongly urged to avoid the area during the exercise. This is a planned training event-not a real emergency. Community members should not be alarmed by the activity and are asked not to contact law enforcement about the event. Public cooperation is essential to ensure the success and safety of the exercise.

America 250 Years Celebration

Treasurer Leigh Love informed the Board that she is in the early planning and information-gathering stages for the America 250 Celebration in Oneida County and requested that funds be earmarked for use in FY2026. A potential state donation of up to $2,500 may be available through an application process. Additional information and celebration resources can be found at
www.america250.org.

Treasurer Love will provide updates of future meetings and is seeking volunteers from community members, local businesses, the city, county, and other interested entities to assist with planning and implementation. It was also noted that Oneida County’s founding anniversary will coincide with the America 250 celebration.

New City Playground

Rachael Clark, representing a committee of community members working to raise funds for a new playground, appeared before the Board of Commissioners to request that a donation be considered during budget planning for fiscal year 2026.The donation could be monetary or could go toward the purchase of a specific item for the playground. The committee has raised approximately $100,000 of the $250,000 needed to construct a new playground at the city park. Ms. Clark stated that the existing playground equipment will be relocated and replaced with the new equipment.

Public Swimming Pools

Ken Keller, Environmental Health Director with Southeast Idaho Public Health, informed the Board of recent changes to public pool regulations under House Bill 202, effective July 1, 2025. Previously, pool inspections addressed safety elements such as cleanliness, certified operator age requirements, lifeguard protocols, and water clarity.

H8202 modifies the inspection requirements, reducing the scope of oversight of the state level. Due to concerns about safety, contamination, and waterborne illness, some entities are reportedly drafting ordinances or resolutions to allow continued health district inspections.

The Board acknowledged the update and discussed potential implications for local pool oversight.

Airport Grant

Kathy Ray, Airport Board Secretary, reported that the airport has received the full $675,000 grant for the runway lighting and threshold relocation project. The airport is now ready to begin the bidding process.

Before work can begin, if the project cost is expected to exceed the grant amount, an amendment must be submitted. The project will include replacing 71 runway lights and completely changing out 20 additional lights. The new threshold layout may affect 1 to 2 of those lights. This adjustment is necessary because the current threshold was determined to be too close to a nearby road, creating a risk of aircraft clipping taller vehicles like trucks or semis.  In total, the bid will cover 91 lights and a specific length of runway. Bidders must have experience with airport lighting systems. To help reduce costs, the airport plans to work with Idaho Aeronautics, which may eliminate the need to hire an engineer.

Public Hearing

Commissioners moved into public hearing for the Kendell’s request to vacate a portion of road near 6100 West.

During the hearing there were no opposing statements from the public, and commissioners discussed the main points before making their motion. Two neighboring property owners were present and supported the action as long as the individual parties could set up a deed or perpetual easement to protect their water access.

Commissioner Eliason motioned to accept the request from Bart and Julie Kendell to vacate a section of road that begins at 2500 North and 6100 West, the segment of road located in Section 10, Township 14 South, Range 35 East Boise Meridian; Beginning 80 feet East, more or less, of the Southwest corner of the Northwest Quarter of Section 10; thence going North 15”25’08” West about 433 feet; then continuing North 00”15’40’ ‘ East 70.8 feet to the North west corner of the Bart & Julie Kendell property. Thence East 40 feet; thence South 00”15’39” West 70 feet; thence South 15”25 ‘08” East 435 feet; thence West 40 feet to the point of beginning. Approximately 0.3 acres. See survey 154591. Seconded by Commissioner Jeppsen. All ayes. Motion carried.

Independent Contractor Agreement - All Sparkle Cleaning Service - Christi Murdock

Long time Building Custodian Brooks Thorpe recently retired and the board of commissioners approved a cleaning contract between the county and Christi Murdock with All Sparkle Cleaning Service. Building Maintenance Manager Tory Richardson spoke with Ms. Murdock to review the scope of the contract and to outline cleaning expectations moving forward. The contract is ready for signature at $2500/mo for cleaning services in the courthouse and annex buildings.

Per Diem Rates

Commissioners discussed the per diem rates from other counties and agreed that the rates for Oneida County had been at the same rate for a significant time.

Commissioner Lewis proposed aligning Oneida County’s rates with those of nearby Caribou County, of $50 per day for both in-and-out of state meal expenses. The changes will be effective at the start of the upcoming fiscal year on October l.

Resolution No. 2025-07-03 - Juror Mileage & Per Diem Rate

The Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to increase juror mileage and per diem rates, which were previously set at the lowest level allowed by the state rate scale.  Commissioner Jeppsen motioned to accept the increased per diem rates to $10 for a half day and $20 for a full day under Oneida County Resolution 2025-07-03 Juror Mileage & Per Diem Rates. Seconded by Commissioner Eliason. Approved.

Resolution No.2025-07-04 - Indigent Rates for Cremation

In Idaho, the rules for handling unclaimed or indigent bodies are set by state law. If no one claims the body within 14 days of death, the coroner must ensure the deceased is decently buried or cremated. Oneida County’s current rate for burial or cremation when there is no estate to cover the costs is currently $1,200. The new proposed rate is $1,500 - $1,800.  Commissioner Jeppsen motioned to accept Resolution No. 2025-07-04 to increase the indigent rates for cremation or burial to $1,500. Seconded by Commissioner Eliason. Motion carried.