This report is adapted from the minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius.  It is not the official record of the meeting, as it has been edited for length, order, and context.  The complete minutes for meetings are available at the clerk’s office upon request.  

Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Department recently held a retirement celebration for long-term law enforcement officer Detective Justin Schwartz, who served Oneida County for 33 years. Separately, representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense visited the Sheriff’s Office and presented the department with a Patriotic Employer Award.

Sheriff Williams reported that the department has been operating with reduced staffing for the past 2½ years, which has limited its ability to operate proactively. Recruitment efforts have been challenging, with only a few applicants meeting department requirements. One patrol applicant failed the physical fitness test, another did not qualify under IDAPA rules, and one application submitted on February 12, 2026, is currently being processed. The department has received two applications for the open dispatch position, which remains under review. Deputy Moyer is progressing well at POST and is expected to graduate on April 10. Following graduation, he will complete the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Field Training Program before patrolling independently. Deputy Moyer has ties to Malad and several years of prior corrections experience in another state.

Sheriff Williams emphasized the need for experienced staff due to the complexity of departmental processes and protocols. He noted that ongoing training has shown positive results, which are reflected in departmental operations.

Sheriff Williams also provided activity numbers for the period from November through February. During this time, there were 396 total incidents for the county and city combined, 172 for the city, and 18 for the schools. Citations included 86 in the city and 44 in the county, with a total of 74 warnings issued. He clarified that incident reports are generated for all calls requiring action, including VIN checks, noise complaints, and slide-off calls transferred to other agencies.

A recent incident involving illegal activity near a school crosswalk highlighted the importance of proactive policing. During the debrief, Sheriff Williams emphasized that protecting youth is a core focus of the department. Pending charges for this incident include both misdemeanor and felony counts, with enhancements due to proximity to children, the school zone, and the offender’s status as a persistent violator.

Juvenile Detention Usage 

A juvenile detention usage report was presented to the Board for review. Commissioner Lewis noted that over the past ten years, nights of detention increased from 23 to over 200. Oneida County had previously determined it needed half a bed, but actual usage has recently been closer to a quarter, returning to historical levels in the last few months. The new payment plan is based on a rolling ten-year average, which reflects this usage trend. The Clerk reported that the Board had budgeted approximately $25,000 for detention costs, but under the updated plan the estimated cost is slightly over $36,000, which may cause the county to exceed the current budget. Further discussion was requested. 

Prosecuting Attorney 

Attorney Lyle Fuller referenced a report provided to the Board stating that there were 746 total adult cases in 2025, including 19 felonies, 106 misdemeanors, and 621 infractions. Of these cases, 23 were dismissed, 32 remain pending, and 691 resulted in guilty dispositions. Total juvenile cases for the year were 22, including 4 felonies and 13 misdemeanors; of these, 14 were resolved as guilty, 5 are pending, and 3 were dismissed. Attorney Fuller noted that the office works closely with the Sheriff’s Department to review cases, manage large or complex cases efficiently, and ensure that dismissals are handled appropriately.

The office is finalizing a collection services agreement to be presented to the Board at a future meeting. The agreement will allow a contracted agency to assist in collecting delinquent court costs and will work with court clerks to bring in payments. There is no cost to the County, which will receive 100% of any debt collected. The debtor will be assessed a 33% fee, which will go to the agency.

District 6 Behavioral Health - 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Awareness 

Recent trainings attended by members of the Board have highlighted awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, an alternative to 911, which connects individuals with help, including therapy. Sheriff Doug Williams noted that the 988 line is promoted during the annual Suicide Walk and is frequently used by individuals needing someone to talk to.

The Board discussed ways to increase awareness, including posting notices in county facilities, public buildings, and local businesses, as well as distributing flyers at the March 14 Emergency Preparedness Fair. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is also available.

Planning & Zoning
Department

The department is working on several initiatives to streamline the county’s development code. Proposed amendments include adjustments to setbacks, with current discussion focusing on 30-foot side setbacks versus 15 feet. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were also discussed; concerns were raised regarding cases where a smaller home is built before the primary home.  The department is in the middle of a water study. A report is expected by the end of March or early April.

The Comprehensive Plan update is ongoing. Budgeting for the plan has been set, and the plan’s completion depends on the results of the water and traffic studies. Completion is anticipated in April.

The department continues to identify ways to streamline processes, though some proposals have met with pushback. Last year, more than 180 building permits were issued, including over 40 residential permits. Agency letters were sent for minor subdivisions, and guidance was provided regarding current and future building permits, with staffing and funding levels noted as potential limitations. The County may need a strategic public safety model to address increasing demands.

Other department initiatives include clarifying definitions and standards for RV living and campgrounds, as well as ongoing remodeling projects.

The department expects a new administrator to start within the next few months.  Rhonda Neal is retiring soon, and a replacement for the vital position will be sought through the county’s hiring process.

P & Z Development Code Amendments

The Board revisited proposed amendments to the Planning & Zoning Development Code that were discussed at the previous meeting. The amendments included defining “Butcher Shop” and “Slaughterhouse,” allowing Butcher Shops as a Conditional Use in the Agricultural Zone and as permitted uses in Commercial and Industrial zones, adding standards for slaughterhouses (5-3-71), deleting section 4A-8 to conform with the definition of “Contiguous Parcel,” adjusting numeric order of standards, and standardizing penalties (7-8) with clearly identified fees. 

Following the last meeting, Planning & Zoning Committeeman Steve Daniels and Administrator Rhonda Neal met with Chairman Bill Lewis to clarify questions regarding “stockyard” and “meatpacking” uses in rural residential zones; the clarifications were reported to the Board during this meeting.

Discussion also included the need for public hearings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-6509, the Board may refer suggested changes back to the Planning & Zoning Board without requiring another public hearing.

Commissioner Jeppsen moved to adopt the proposed amendments to the Development Code, Ordinance 2022-08-01, removing the references to stockyard, slaughterhouse, and meatpacking uses from the Agricultural Zone section, as these uses are addressed elsewhere in the ordinance. Seconded by Commissioner Eliason. All ayes. Motion carried.

County Fair Board Report 

Fair Board member Ken Moss Jr. reported ongoing efforts to organize fair activities and noted that a Monday night event has not yet been finalized. The GEM grant application was not approved, so the Fair Board is exploring alternative options to move forward with power upgrades at the fairgrounds to accommodate additional vendors.

The Board requested that the Fair Board develop a 10- to 20-year long-range plan for the Fair, and suggested the possibility of hiring a consultant to assist with plan development. The Fair Board indicated an indoor arena is a priority, as it would expand event opportunities and provide greater flexibility.

The livestock barn extension was viewed positively by the Board, as it looked good and proved useful during last year’s fair. Gates are still needed at one end, and panels will be installed with assistance coordinated through the Extension Office.

Election Tabulator Bid 

County Clerk Lon Colton outlined fund availability while requesting permission to purchase updated DS300 Poll Place Scanners and Tabulators from Election Systems & Software (ES&S). A portion of two Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grants, which have been placed in the county’s Consolidated Election Fund and must be used by the end of the year, will fund the purchase of the ballot on demand printers previously approved at the last Board meeting and the upgraded tabulators presented today. Total costs are estimated at $43,530, with an additional $1,890 for licensing.

Commissioner Eliason moved to authorize the purchase of DS300 Poll Place Scanners and Tabulators from Election Systems & Software (ES&S) in the amount of $43,530, plus the annual post-warranty license, maintenance, and support fee of $1,890; and further to approve disposal of the existing election tabulators by sale to Boundary County or Minidoka County, or by trade-in return to ES&S.

Thank You Note from the
Senior Center 

The Board received a thank-you note from the Senior Center expressing appreciation for the county’s continued support. 

Weeds: 5-Year Plan
(Including Drone Trailer
Purchase Request)

An enclosed trailer for the drone would allow Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde to store all related equipment in one location, eliminating the need to load and unload items for each use and providing added security. The Weed Department’s capital budget has not been utilized. The Board requested that Mr. Clyde present his five-year plan and agreed he may begin obtaining pricing for enclosed trailers. Estimates will be brought to a future meeting for Board consideration and potential action.

National Day of Prayer –
May 7, 2026

Commissioner Jeppsen reported that Amber Langsten with the Interfaith Council is coordinating participation information for the National Day of Prayer scheduled for May 7, 2026. Additional information will be provided at a later date

Senior Center Vehicle (Insurance/Replacement of) 

Senior Center representative Dave Colton previously addressed the Board regarding the Geo Tracker used by the Center and the donation of a Jeep. Upon further review, he determined the Geo Tracker is titled to the Senior Center, not Oneida County, and has applied for a duplicate title, as the original could not be located.

The County has paid insurance on the Geo Tracker since 2009, which may have been allowed under prior policy provisions. Attorney Lyle Fuller advised that while the Geo Tracker is currently insured, ICRMP may not insure the newly donated Jeep unless it is titled in the County’s name. The estimated insurance cost is approximately $600 per year for a single driver.  Options discussed included transferring ownership of the vehicle to the County or the possibility of considering insurance costs for the Senior Center vehicle during a future County budget cycle. Mr. Colton stated the Center will insure the new vehicle. 

Since the last Board meeting, it was determined that the county does not own the Geo Tracker, so no Board permission is required for the Senior Center to sell the vehicle. Senior Center representative Dave Colton shared that proceeds from the sale will be applied toward the purchase of a new steam table to keep food hot for meals served at the center.

Greater Yellowstone Coalition – Public Lands & PILT/SRS Funds - Matt Lucia 

Matt Lucia, Idaho Conservation Manager with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC), met with the Board to discuss public lands in Oneida County. Mr. Lucia’s counterpart, Rob Mason, Idaho State Director for The Wilderness Society, was not present.

Mr. Lucia explained that GYC is a statewide coalition representing hunters, anglers, outfitters, outdoor business leaders, and conservation organizations, and that their meetings with county commissions are primarily listening sessions to understand local perspectives on public lands.

Commissioners noted that the majority of local ranchers rely on BLM and Forest Service lands for grazing. Hunting, fishing, and recreation activities are popular and contribute to the community. Collaboration on local projects with federal land agencies has generally been positive. PILT and SRS funding are critical to the County’s budget, but uncertainty regarding these funds creates challenges for planning. Loss of road access to public lands due to private property purchases is a concern. Although the County has limited harvestable forest land, recent logging sales have contributed to forest health.

Mr. Lucia noted the information gathered during these meetings will be combined with data from other counties, and GYC expects to provide a statewide report later this summer.