This report is an adaptation of the minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius of the April 27 meeting, but is not the complete recorded minutes.  Content has been edited for length, order, and context.

IDWR State Declaration of Drought Emergency –
All Idaho Counties

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) issued an order, signed by the Director of IDWR and the Governor of Idaho, declaring a drought emergency in nearly all basins in Idaho, citing abnormally low snow water equivalent (SWE) levels during the second warmest snow accumulation season (October through March) recorded in Idaho since 1896, with only the winter of 1933–1934 being warmer. 

The order further explained that extreme temperature conditions resulted in accelerated snowmelt, including at higher elevations where snow accumulation typically persists for at least an additional month. This resulted in record-low snowpack levels. Calculations obtained using the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) indicate a high likelihood of irrigation shortages in many areas of the state.

With the declaration of the drought emergency, the order outlined several procedures and requirements that applied to the filing, processing, and approval of any application for a temporary change to an existing water right during the pendency of the declared drought emergency.

A declaration from Oneida County was discussed and will be considered at a future meeting after additional information is gathered. No decision was made.

Stone Generator Update 

County Inspector and Building Maintenance Manager Tory Richardson reported on the Stone Generator Project. The electrical estimate from Preston Electric was received and is more expensive than the work completed for the Event Center generator. The Stone Generator project differs in scope and will require a manual transfer switch and approximately 100 feet of additional wire. Generator fuel lines will also be installed, and the generator will be brought online.

Mr. Richardson is coordinating bids for electrical work, fencing, concrete, and the generator structure. The Board plans to use State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds once released, as federal funding is delayed due to the federal government shutdown. These funds would cover the electrical portion but not the structure. No decisions were made pending additional information.

Discussion with District Judge Cody Brower 

As the District Court Judge presiding over this area, District Judge Cody Brower is attempting to meet annually with commissioners in the district. Judge Brower has recently taken on a larger docket and presides in multiple counties, including Oneida County, and stated it is a privilege to serve as the District Court Judge. He referenced his prior service in Oneida County as County Attorney and noted that experience has been helpful in his position as district judge. Judge Brower answered questions from the Board regarding his role, and the visit was strictly
informational.

EDPRO Grant – Request for Oneida County to Serve as the Submitting Entity

In a letter addressed to the Oneida County Board of Commissioners, Molly Beseris with the Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho (4CASI) formally requested that Oneida County continue to serve as the sponsoring entity for the Economic Development Professional (EDPRO) Grant for Fiscal Year 2027, acting as the financial managing county for the grant.

Her letter explained that the application process is managed through the Idaho Commerce portal, with a submission deadline at the end of May, and requested permission to write and submit the grant on behalf of the County. She noted that, should the grant be awarded, the final contract would be brought before the Board for review and signature.  The letter concluded with 4CASI’s appreciation for Oneida County’s continued partnership and sponsorship of the grant over the past two decades.

Request to Waive Event Center Fees for National Day of Prayer - Interfaith Council 

The Oneida County Interfaith Council is sponsoring the County’s participation in the National Day of Prayer at 6:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026. The Council has planned to use the Event Center as the gathering place that day and requested the rental fee be waived. They will ensure the building is left clean. The Board stipulated that a contract was required even though the rental fee was waived.  Motion was approved.

Hospital Board Member 

Hospital Board Member Sharee Blaisdell has stepped down, and Jerry Thomas has agreed to serve in her place. The board signed a card of appreciation for Mrs. Blaisdell’s service.

P&Z Administrator 

Position Hire

During a recent special meeting in executive session, with a quorum present, interviews for the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Administrator position were conducted. The Board also received and reviewed rankings from other members who participated in the interviews. Based on the interview process and rankings, Darla Tombaugh was selected for the position and will assume her new role on May 4, 2026 at $19.50 per hour.

P&Z - Hadley Subdivision Plat for Board Signature 

Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Administrator Rhonda Neal sent a letter of recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for approval of the Hadley Subdivision Plat. Planning and Zoning Assistant Darla Tombaugh presented the plat for Board signature.

Planning Services Agreement – Strategic Communities
Alliance

Rodney Birch with Strategic Communities Alliance (SCA), a nonprofit that assists small counties with planning services including land use review, zoning code analysis, development and zoning application processing, staff report summaries and recommendations, and staff training, submitted an agreement for the Board’s review regarding planning and zoning (P&Z) support services.

The agreement is intended to provide support to the P&Z Administrator and Committee by assisting with application review to ensure forms and processes are consistent with applicable laws, policies, and professional standards prior to distribution. 

The Board reviewed the agreement, supported its intent, and identified minor editorial amendments to be made prior to signing. The Board discussed the possibility of being able to utilize services immediately, with the agreement to be finalized and signed at a subsequent Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting following those revisions. Legal counsel was present and did not object. 

Services from SCA will be billed on an hourly basis depending on the type of assistance, with rates ranging from $55 to $95 per hour. 

Law Clerk Expenses 

for District Judges

Law Clerk expenses for district judges were discussed. Historically, smaller counties, including Oneida and Power Counties, have not contributed to these costs, which have been covered by surrounding counties.  Discussion included smaller counties participating more equally in these costs in the future; however, specific cost allocations and participation details have not yet been determined.

A request will be included in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for an estimated $25,000 for law clerk expenses. For the current fiscal year, Franklin County agreed to split the cost with Oneida County, with Oneida County contributing $15,000 from contingency funds to assist with Law Clerk expenses for Judge Brower.

R&B - Changes to the Roadway Development Procedures for Oneida County Road & Bridge

Road & Bridge Department Supervisor Dianna Dredge approached the Board to discuss issues with the current county road standards that may need to be updated or amended for clarification and enforceability. The Board determined a broader discussion with Planning & Zoning, Road & Bridge, the County Inspector, and relevant parties would be appropriate before any changes are made.  No action was taken.

Method of Fairboard
Operation

The Fair Board’s current operating structure was discussed regarding whether it is operating as an autonomous board aside from a commissioner-approved budget or under the purview of the Board of County Commissioners. The Board will gather additional information on how other county fair boards operate, and the discussion will continue at a future meeting. No action was taken.

Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) - FY27 Public Health Budget

Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) Director Maggie Mann attended with Spring Cobabe with the Malad Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and SIPH Board of Health member Bob Christophersen. Director Mann presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Public Health budget request and county contribution calculations based on adjusted current-year and proposed budget figures. The SIPH fiscal year begins July 1, 2026, and Oneida County’s annual contribution will be $64,402.

Commissioner Chairman Bill Lewis, or a designated proxy with a signed authorization form, will attend the budget hearing as part of the Board of Health meeting in Pocatello on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Comp Time / Overtime Pay

In recent discussions regarding Oneida County’s Compensatory and Overtime Pay policy, Sharon Jutila with SMJ Consulting was tasked with developing an election form for county employees. The form allows employees to elect (choose) between accruing compensatory (comp) time with payout if department limits are exceeded, or receiving payout for comp time as it is earned.  Quarterly elections must be made prior to the upcoming quarter if any changes are desired by the employee. 

Commissioner Jeppsen moved that regarding compensatory (comp) time, all currently accrued comp time be frozen and must be used as comp time; that a finalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Compensatory Time and Overtime Pay Policy be implemented, allowing employees to elect either comp time or overtime through a quarterly election process, effective immediately; and that any paid out time that results in a budget overage may be adjusted at year-end. Motion carried.