09/08/2025 BOCC minutes
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Idaho, does hereby meet this 8th day of September, 2025.
IN THE MATTER OF ROLL CALL)
Donna White, Clerk, called roll call: Gordon Wilkerson, present; Jim Harberd, present; and Nate Marvin, present.
Jim Harberd opened the meeting and Gordon Wilkerson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nate Marvin gave the invocation.
IN THE MATTER OF CORRESPONDENCE/MEETINGS AND REPORTS)
Correspondence received by the Board was reviewed and disseminated as required.
Gordon Wilkerson reported he discussed the potential public hearing regarding the City of Cambridge Impact Area with Sandra McKee, City of Cambridge Clerk.
Nate Marvin reported that he attended the Fair Board meeting last week and provided an update to the Board.
Debbie Moxley-Potter presented letters to be sent to Representative Russ Fulcher, Senator Mike Crapo, Senator Jim Risch, and Representative Mike Simpson in support of the FEMA Act.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Jim Harberd, to have the Commissioners sign the Letter of Support of the FEMA (Fixing Emergency Management for Americans) Act (HR4669). Motion carried.
Sabrina Young, Treasurer, reported that she had been in contact with Sandra McKee, City of Cambridge Clerk, regarding the America 250 Celebration. Young also contacted the City of Weiser regarding the event.
Young informed the Board of the amount of the Idaho Power Judgement that would have been paid by county taxpayers. Young reported that had the County moved forward with a judgement levy the taxpayer would pay $57.96 per $100,000 of taxable value or a total amount of $681,391.27 due from the county taxpayers. The total that Idaho Power would have been responsible for was $147,857.40.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to approve an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit Application for Sunnyside Farm and Events LLC., doing business as Sunnyside Sips to be used on October 5, 2025. Motion carried.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson to approve an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit Application for Sunnyside Farm and Events LLC., doing business as Sunnyside Sips to be used on October 4, 2025. Motion carried.
IN THE MATTER OF MINUTES)
The minutes of the Board not heretofore approved of September 2, 2025, were approved as written.
IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS)
The Auditor was authorized to issue warrants totaling $158,603.31 for general expenses by a motion of Jim Harberd, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson. Motion carried unanimous.
IN THE MATTER OF ROAD & BRIDGE/SOLID WASTE)
Jerod Odoms, Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor, met with the Board.
Marvin discussed right-of-way or easements regarding Unity Bridge. Odoms stated that matter had already been addressed. Marvin further discussed the Cove Road Bridge Professional Services Agreement.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to have the Chairman sign the Unity Bridge Preliminary Design documents (Key No. 28976). Motion carried.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to approve the Chairman signing the Local Professional Services Agreement No. 97333 on Cove Road Bridge (Key No. 19129). Motion carried.
Odoms provided a department update to the Board.
IN THE MATTER OF CANYON COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY)
Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor Aaron Bazzoli met with the Board.
Nat Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to go into executive session at 9:19
a.m. in accordance with I.C. 74-206(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Motion carried unanimous. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Aye; Nate Marvin, Aye.
Jim Harberd stated they were out of executive session at 9:44 a.m. “No final actions or decisions were made in executive session. We will now return to our regular agenda.”
Wilkerson stated in executive session it was discussed to follow the guidance of the attorneys from Canyon County. Wilkerson stated that he felt the guidance was solid and secure. Wilkerson further stated that he felt the Board should move forward with signing the Settlement Agreement and Release.
Marvin stated that he agreed with Wilkerson.
Wilkerson stated he would like to thank Prosecuting Attorney True Pearce for his prompt legal advice that limited the damages against the county and for securing the assistance of Canyon County when he was conflicted out of the direct representation. Wilkerson stated he would also like to thank Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney, Chris Boyd and his team Aaron Bazzoli and crew for their assistance in negotiating and reducing the damages to Washington County.
Marvin stated he agreed.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to sign the Settlement Agreement and Release, Dickerson and Burnett vs. Washington County Case No. 1:25-cv-00349- DCN and authorize the payment to the Plaintiffs of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00). Marvin stated he also wanted to go on the record saying that the County was found not to have done anything wrong and going forward. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Nay; Nate Marvin, Aye. Motion carried.
IN THE MATTER OF SPY GLASS)
Chandler Gabby met with the Board. Gabby discussed the technology services provided by Spy Glass. Gabby stated Spy Glass was not looking to change any providers or hardware. Gabby further stated there would be no upfront cost. Gabby informed the Board that Spy Glass would look for savings for the County through reviewing billing of the County. Gabby stated they have found an average of 20% cost savings for entities. Spy Glass would do an inventory of billing over two months and then provide recommendations for savings. Fee structure is success based and fees only kick in if the County elects Spy Glass to implement a suggested recommendation. Gabby stated he would provide the presentation for the Board for review.
Marvin asked if there were any local entities using the services. Gabby stated there are local entities using their services.
IN THE MATTER OF PUBLIC DEFENSE)
Isaiah L Govia met with the Board. Govia is the District Public Defender for the Third District in charge of running public defense for the district. Govia stated many attorneys stayed on as contracted public defenders through the State. Govia informed the Board he assigns public defenders to county cases. Govia reported things are going well and caseloads are leveling out. Govia stated he is required to meet with the Board. Govia
discussed contact with Judges and the processes followed. Govia also discussed the Tri County Drug Court, the Mental Health Court and funding through the legislature for an Institutional Office.
Wilkerson asked if there was oversite of how the public defender functions? Wilkerson stated he knew of time when the public defender did not contact the defendant prior to the court date.
Govia stated the Public Defenders are independent contractors and Govia is not their “boss.” Govia stated that if there were an Institutional Office in place, more oversight could be given.
Harberd asked how many attorneys there are for this area?
Govia reported there are two primary, three felony, and two attorneys that share misdemeanors cases. Govia further stated that there is one primary attorney assigned to Adams County. Govia stated the Legislature has determined how many assistants available per attorney and that is currently one assistant for every three attorneys.
IN THE MATTER OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEY)
True Pearce, Prosecuting Attorney, met with the Board. Pearce stated he had been requested to draft a memorandum regarding the steps for the Board to follow regarding adopting an Area of City Impact. Pearce presented the Memorandum to the Board. Pearce stated they had already worked with the City of Cambridge to determine the proposed Area of City Impact. Pearce informed the Board the next step would be to draft the proposed ordinance. Pearce stated the Board would need to choose a date for the public hearing fifteen days in advance. Pearce stated that the information was included in the memorandum. Pearce stated he had included a draft letter that he recommended the Board send to the City of Weiser and Midvale regarding Legislative changes to the Area of Impact boundaries.
Wilkerson inquired if an ordinance would need to be drafted.
Pearce stated the Board of their staff would be responsible for drafting the ordinance that he would review. Pearce further stated that if the Board did not have someone capable of drafting the ordinance they could discuss the matter with Pearce. Pearce told the Board he could reach out to Canyon County and request a copy of their ordinance.
Marvin stated that if a Planning and Zoning Administrator were hired, they could draft the proposed ordinance.
Pearce stated he would reach out to Canyon County.
Jim Harberd moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to go into executive session at 10:38 a.m. in accordance with I.C. 74-206(1) (f) to communicate with legal counsel for
the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Motion carried unanimous. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Aye; Nate Marvin, Aye.
Jim Harberd stated they were out of executive session at 11:53 a.m. “No final actions or decisions were made in executive session. We will now return to our regular agenda.”
There was discussion regarding the Special Use Application for the Pumpkin Patch. Pearce stated this is an administrative matter that the Board could discuss with Charlie Downey, Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant.
The Board discussed approval of Ambulance District payables and payroll for September 15, 2025, due to Idaho Association of Counties Annual Conference.
IN THE MATTER OF PLANNING AND ZONING INTERVIEWS)
Jim Harberd moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to go into executive session at 11:25 a.m. in accordance with I.C. 74-206(1) (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office, Motion carried unanimous. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Aye; Nate Marvin, Aye.
Jim Harberd stated they were out of executive session at 12:24 p.m. “No final actions or decisions were made in executive session. We will now return to our regular agenda.”
The Board recessed until 1:45
Jim Harberd moved, seconded by Nate Marvin, to go into executive session at 1:45 p.m. in accordance with I.C. 74-206(1) (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office, Motion carried unanimous. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Aye; Nate Marvin, Aye.
Jim Harberd stated they were out of executive session at 2:15 p.m. “No final actions or decisions were made in executive session. We will now return to our regular agenda.”
Wilkerson stated that the Planning and Zoning Administrator position was discussed in executive session. Wilkerson stated one applicant has limited experience as an administrator and some background in the field. Wilkerson further stated that the second applicant has seven years’ experience and credentials from education. Wilkerson said the applicant with credentials who has been doing the job for seven years feels she can do the job well enough that two part-time employees are not needed. Wilkerson stated that the applicant feels she can handle the job with one part-time employee which cuts payroll
expenses. Wilkerson stated the applicant is requesting a considerable amount more money than the Board had thought the county could afford.
Marvin stated he agreed with Wilkerson. Marvin said that he did not want to repeat what has happened in the last seven of eight months. Marvin stated, : Institutional “I think we owe it to the County to get back on track, get somebody in the Administrator’s office, get a P & Z Commission and start operating as the County should.” Marvin stated he agreed with Wilkerson comments regarding the two applicants. Marvin further stated, “If I had somebody in here that was retiring in the next six months, and I had the opportunity to train somebody the I would definitely look at Bridget but I don’t have the opportunity to train them.” Marvin stated he was leaning toward hiring Merideth.
Harberd stated there was no one who could train the applicants. Merideth with her credentials, background and experience sounds very positive. Harberd expressed concerns of “the money part of it.”
Wilkerson stated it sounds like a lot of money until you put all the numbers on paper. Wilkerson stated that if they don’t have to hire a second part-time assistant, they will save money. Wilkerson stated, “If we offer her the job, she still has to say yes.”
Marvin and Harberd agreed.
Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson to offer the Planning and Zoning Administrator position to Merideth Fisher for $74,000 per year, 5 days a week, and encourage her to move closer when she can.
Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Nay; Nate Marvin, Aye. Motion carried.
The Board discussed the agenda and decided to hold a special meeting on September 11, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. to address Ambulance business.
Motion by Nate Marvin, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson and unanimously carried to recess at 2:30 p.m. until September 11, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. for a Special Meeting
Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST:
Clerk
A full audio recording of the Commissioner Meeting is available at the Clerk’s Office upon request.