County Commission Report – May 26
This report has been adapted from the minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius. The content has been edited for length and context.
Billing for Election Day Internet Outage Resolution
Clerk Lon Colton explained a bill for temporary internet service provided during an election outage on May 19, 2026. The outage occurred early on voting day, and TJ Burbank of IT Specialists restored connectivity with Starlink within approximately 20 minutes of polls opening. The cost will be split equally between the Courthouse and Elections budgets. No decisions were made.
Mike Asay Subdivision (Manson Canyon Road Subdivision)
The Board discussed the public right-of-way and utility placement requirements for the subdivision. The Board discussed the Manson Canyon Road Subdivision public right-of-way.
Discussion included clarification on the required width and placement of public utilities
within the right-of-way. Assessor Atkinson suggested the Board proceed with a 3O-foot
public right-of-way. The surveyor/engineer indicated the applicable requirements allow
on "either/or" interpretation.
Commissioner Jeppsen moved to allow public utilities, namely electrical power,
for the Manson Canyon Road Subdivision to be located within the County's public
right-of-way, which was dedicated to the County when the Asay plat was signed
and recorded. The utilities should be placed of the outer edge of the public right-of-
way, as far away from the road as possible, and installed to of a depth of 48 inches.
The motion included the building inspector's involvement and communication of
these requirements to Rocky Mountain Power. Motion carried.
Canvas of the May 19, 2026 Primary Election Results
County Clerk Lon Colton presented the canvass results from the May 19 Primary
Election for board approval. Mike Asay and Randy Willie were elected to the two
commissioner seats. Precinct committeemen elected were Bob Crowther (Precinct l),
Sarah Robbins (Precinct 2), no qualified write-in candidate met the required vote
threshold for Precinct 3, Randy Willie (Precinct 4), Ben Campbell (Precinct 5), and Paul
Smith (Precinct 6). All other county offices were uncontested. Of 2,812 registered voters,
1 ,094 bollots were cast, representing a 38.37% turnout. For statewide or county results,
visit www.voteidaho.org.
Back-up internet Options
During the recent election, internet service was interrupted. Two temporary Starlink units
were used to restore connectivity for the courthouse, including critical services in the
Sheriff's office, and of the Event Center, allowing election activities to continue running
smoothly.
County Clerk Lon Colton presented the board with a request to invest in two Starlink units. This would allow the county an inexpensive backup internet alternative that would ensure uninterrupted services. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) funds may be available for one of the units, with the understanding that IOEM would have priority use during on emergency. Quotes for installation and costs will be obtained for future consideration. No action was taken.
Courthouse & Summit Generators - Sheriff's Department
During the recent power outage, the Courthouse generator did not automatically start
and required a manual start. The Holbrook Summit generator experienced a similar issue
due to a foiled battery. It was determined that both generators had been configured
for natural gas rather than propane. The issue has since been corrected.
Discussion was held regarding changing the generator's self-test schedule from monthly
to weekly. It was also noted that the current generator service provider plans to retire
next month. Precision Power was identified as a potential service provider and offers
contracts that include six-month and annual inspections. No action was taken.
Vehicle Use / Travel Policy
The recently updated Vehicle Use/Travel Policy was reviewed to clarify several items
that caused confusion. The Board discussed adding the Vehicle Assignment page as an
appendix and including language in the policy directing employees with assigned
vehicles to that appendix. It was noted that the policy applies to all county employees
operating or riding in county vehicles, including expectations for passengers, reporting
accidents promptly, and driving responsibly.
Proposed revisions to paragraph 12 will clarify that the checklist/clipboard requirement
applies only to the three vehicles mointoined by the Assessor's Office. Additional
clarifying language was also recommended.
Development Code -Amendment Approval
The board approved the final draft of the development code that incorporated the
amendments to allow Welding Shop, Storage (enclosed building) and Storage (fenced
area) in an agricultural zone with the issuance of a conditional use permit. Additionally,
welding shop was added to the Ordinance to establish standards for the issuance of
conditional use permits for welding shops.
Commissioner Eliason moved to approve the amendments to the Oneida County
Development Code, Ordinance No. 2022-08-01. Seconded by Commissioner
Jeppsen. Motion carried.
Quotes for Projected R&B Purchases for FY2027
Road and bridge Supervisor Dianna Dredge reported that a new wing is needed for the
Holbrook grader, as the current wing has been repaired multiple times and is no longer
serviceable. It was also reported that the truck currently used for magnesium chloride
application hos experienced significant corrosion, resulting in frame damage and a
crooked tank. A replacement water truck is needed, and Supervisor Dredge advised
that a county truck could be outfitted with a tank and requested an authorization
request to place on order and use fiscal year 2027 funds for payment due to the limited-
time pricing.
Budget estimates were also presented for a replacement truck and snow removal
including a truck chassis and related equipment consisting of a sander, plow, hydraulics, and bed. She stated that the pricing was obtained through the Sourcewell purchasing program and that supporting documentation would be provided. ln addition, a wing ripper was identified as a needed purchase.
Commissioner Eliason moved to approve Road & Bridge Department purchases
for fiscal year (FY) 2027 beginning October l, 2026, with orders to be placed in
advance due to lead times, including an estimated $27,153.32 for a Wing Ripper,
$143,147.00 for a new Mack truck, $162,232.95 for the accompanying sander,
plow, and hydraulics, and $44,850.00 for a water truck and tank installation, which
includes approximately $15,000.00 for installation costs. Motion carried.
Changes to the Oneida County Road Ordinance No.2009-02-01
Road & Bridge Supervisor Dianna Dredge was present to discuss the proposed updates
to the current ordinance, which will add a section addressing commercial gravel
hauling. It was noted that, in the post, aggregate materials have been hauled and
deposited on county roads without coordination with the Road and Bridge Deportment,
creating concerns for county road infrastructure.
Changes to the Highway Standards & Road Development(HSRDP)
The Board discussed the County Road Standards, which have been in place for nearly
five years and need to be reviewed. The Board would like Legal Counsel, Road and
Bridge, and Planning and Zoning to meet and go through the standards and bring back
recommended updates. It was also discussed that an engineering firm may review the
updates before finalization.
Pool SIPH Inspections
Pool Manager Kami Willie reported that discussions regarding updates to the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Le Grand Aqua Plunge (county
swimming pool) and Southeast Idaho Public Health (SIPH) have been completed, and a
final version is expected to be presented for approval of a future meeting.
Helicopter Spraying Project with the Forest Service - Weed Department
Dyer's Woad was discovered, and mitigation will be included as part of the Helicopter
Spraying Project with the Forest Service. Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde will use a portion
of grant spraying funds to help address the noxious weed. The Forest Service has funding
available for this project, with anticipated full reimbursement to the County, although
the exact dollar amount is currently unknown.
Water Study Report
Information from a recent water study meeting was discussed during the Board of
Commissioners meeting. The water study meeting included representatives from MSBT
Law and Great West Engineering.
Discussion centered on the information presented of that meeting regarding a complex
water study report that has cost approximately $74,000. Based on long-term water level
data and the study findings, updates to development and comprehensive plans may
be needed to help address potential aquifer depletion.
The final portion of Phase One of the water study includes informing the public.
Estimoted costs for outreach were discussed, including approximately $1,500 for mailing
postcords or letters, depending on the level of detail provided. A public meeting was
also discussed, with an estimated cost of up to $19,000, including mailing expenses.
Commissioner Lewis moved to authorize up to $19,000.00 from contingency funds
to move forward with an outreach program and additional updates to the
county comprehensive plan related to mitigation of impacts from the decreasing
aquifer. Seconded by Commissioner Jeppsen. All ayes. Motion carried.
Petty Cash Funds in Extension 4-H and Fairboard
Discussion was held regarding checks and balances for certain county-associated funds
and accounts. Searle Hart & Associates recommended the discussion to ensure appropriate financial controls are in place.
The Fair Board was discussed, including raffle fundraising activities and the use of a self-
funded checking account for fair-related expenses. It was noted that two signatures are
required on checks. Clarification was requested regarding approved processes, as the
Fair Board operates differently than other county departments. The County Clerk noted
a desire to seek guidance from the state on interpretation of applicable state code to
ensure proper procedures ore followed.
The Extension Office 4-H program was also discussed. It was noted that the program
maintains a separate checking account for 4-H funds, including registration fees and
donations, and operates under a University of Idaho charter with established state
protocols and annual audit procedures.
The Board expressed appreciation for the Fair Board and 4-H program.
Oneida County Annual Juvenile Justice Report (2025) - Stace Gearhart
Juvenile Corrections District 6 Liaison Stace Gearhart and County Chief Probation
Officer Gobe Jimenez presented the 2025 Oneida County Annual Juvenile Justice
Report to the Board.
Youth arrests were reported as 26in 2023, 24in 2024, and 25 in 2025. Detention
admissions into Idaho detention facilities (excluding IDJC holds and out-of-state
placements) were 4 in 2023, 4 in 2024, and 1 in 2025. Youth petitions were 11 in 2023, 19
in 2024, and 6 in 2025.
Felony charges were reported as l5 in 2023, 2 in 2024, and 6 in 2025. Misdemeanor
charges were 1 in 2023, 24 in 2024, and 7 in 2025. Status offenses were 2 in 2023, 1 in
2024, and 0 in 2025.
ln 2025, probation intakes were 9 and releases were 3. Diversion intakes were 2 and
releases were 0.
The overage profile of youth offenders in Oneida County was reported as l4-16-year-
old white males.
Court House Flagpole
The flagpole in front of the Courthouse will need to be moved several feet to
accommodate the updated sidewalk layout. Quotes are being sought for an upgraded
pole with internal cords and a crank system. Assistance for the project, including
potential crone and excavation support, is being explored.
Commissioner Jeppsen moved to use up to $10,000 of contingency funds for a 45-
foot flagpole of the Courthouse
