***Monday, September 2, 2024, Commissioners did not meet in regular session due the Labor Day Holiday.
***Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Clerk Glenda Poston.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:05 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County Ambulance Service District proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, member of the public Christopher Bryant, the hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed budget information as follows: Boundary County has the ability to levy $509,031, which is the 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does not include forgone of $6,836. The remaining forgone for the county will be $11,354 . The budget was published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 15, 2024 and August 22, 2024. This is a 6.1% increase in property tax budget from the previous year.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-1A. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2024-2025 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024- 1A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-1/A
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, on the 3rd day of September, 2024, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2024-20254 budget hearing for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 8, 2024 and August 15, 2024, and
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as attached for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District.
DATED AND DONE this 3rd day of September, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #297974
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-2A . A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2024-2025 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2024-2/A
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al. FOR THE BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to reserve $11,354.00 of its allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District for the purpose of operations of the District. The amount of $5,092.00 will be recovered in existing forgone as so noted on Line 29 of the L-2 Worksheet.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $11,354.00 of the allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District is reserved and included in the District’s total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 3rd day of September, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument # 297975
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the L2 budget form once it has been approved and received from the State. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The budget hearing for Ambulance concluded at 9:08 a.m.
9:10 a.m. Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners.
9:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, members of the public April Bennett, Eldon Koon, David Koon and Melinda Smithson, the hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed budget information as follows: Boundary County has the ability to levy $6,472,663, which is the 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does include forgone of $253,709. The remaining forgone for the county will be $501,543. The budget was
published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 15, 2024 and August 22, 2024. This is a 9.3 % increase in property tax budget from the previous year.
Commissioner Bertling asked for comments and April Bennett CEO from the Boundary Community Hospital provided a recap of expenses that they have done over the past year, along with additional services provided it does come with an increase in cost. She talked about expanding services and trying to keep services local. During the flood that happened they had to have their Extended Health Care in the hospital side of the facility for 6 months. Melinda talked about the need for staffing and other items that need to be updated within the facility, along with medical rate reimbursements for the hospital. She also spoke about the need for additional funds, Commissioner Robertson spoke about the need to come and present to the commissioners. Commissioner Bertling spoke about the property insurance (ICRMP) increase of 25% affected all. The Extended Care facility currently has 18 residents, they have requested a license for 20 beds vs. the 24 beds several years ago.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-41. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2024-2025 county budget. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-41 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-41
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COUNTY BUDGET
WHEREAS, on the 3rd day of September, 2024, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget hearing for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 15, 2024, and August 22, 2024,
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as attached for Boundary County.
DATED AND DONE this 3rd day of September, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/_______________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #297972
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-42. A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2024-2025 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COUNTY BUDGET
2024-42
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al.
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) to reserve the current year’s increase in the forgone amount; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to use $253,709 of its current allowable forgone amount. The current forgone amount of $501,543 is also reserved.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $253,709 of the current allowable forgone amount is included in the County’s budget and that the forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years is $501,543.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 3rd day of September, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #297973
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the L2 budget form once it has been approved and received from the State. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:00 Squire Fields and Mike Kralik – Courthouse Maintenance provided his department report. DMV maybe moving next week, still working with the state to firm up the date. Looking into a moving company, but still not sure of the date, finishing the trim work. The flooring is completed for DMV. The counter is still a problem, but the contractor just didn’t complete it as projected. Maintenance and Commissioners reviewed the invoices that they received for the construction on the DMV/Assessor building. The group thought that some of the bills could use clarification. City of Bonners Ferry is requesting forms to be completed for lead testing, currently we don’t have the time or the knowledge of some of these lines. Boat launch areas have been busy, additional containers for trash have been beneficial. There was discussion about those that have been camping at the different park areas. Also, spoke about the large quantity of garbage that they have been receiving.
10:28 Burt Wolff stopped by to ask commissioners about the reimbursement for his building at the airport. Commissioner Bertling indicated that this was probably not going to happen. Mr. Wolfe indicated that he would like to talk with Mr. Wilson. He also has told Dave Parker that he would like to obtain a lease on another hanger.
10:30 a.m. Commissioner Robertson motion to sign CAI agreement Commissioner Cossairt 2nd – motion carried. Commissioner Cossairt motioned to sign meeting minutes from 8/26/24. Commissioner Robertson 2nd – motion carried. Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve Brandon Holldand and Kynsie Hinrichs certificates of residency, Commissioner Robertson 2nd – motion carried. Boundary County School District requested an extension in submitting their budgets to the county, Commissioner Robertson moved to approve, Commissioner Cossairt 2nd – motion passed.
11:00 – Richard Jenkins provided the Solid Waste Department report waste stream study was down from the previous month. There was discussion about the removal of the trees from the north-east corner of the landfill. Sending out the metal pile bailing for next fiscal year, bid opening on 9/16/24 at 9:00 a.m. Richard will be gone on 9/16/24 attending training on household waste. They are adding different bins on rural sites for accepting different types of wood products. Richard spoke about the PTC application (Air Burner) the state/DEQ is needing to review it. Shawn Sweetwater will be helping with moving forward on this application. Panhandle Health did an informal inspection (Jason Pippin), and improvements are being made with cover, tires, storm water and where public can’t be on working face.
11:30 a.m. Alisa Walker gave the Probation Department report, she has just recently returned from POST she provided commissioners with an update on the class.
1:30 p.m. Brad Barton and Adam Ryals provided the Road and Bridge Department report. They presented a written report. There was a question on inventory and what the county’s policy is, it was mentioned that it was $500.00. Discussion on Inter-Max and email, the cost was about $14.00 per user, would not be moving all users, there was further discussion on the need then to change email address. The commissioners asked that they talk with Matt Hodges and file sizes. They are moving forward on the road standards amendments and preparing for final review and publications. Commissioners talked about Class A restrictions skill testing and who would pay for this determination, the commissioners are fine with the county paying for this. Ruby Creek #4 bridge work will start 9/3/24 and should last approx. 3 weeks.
1:55 p.m. Daniel Bushnell stopped in commissioners to discuss the idea of creating June as Traditional Family Month for Boundary County, he presented them with his thoughts on a petition. Commissioners will discuss and get back with Mr. Bushnell.
2:00 p.m. David Sims with Economic Development Council updated commissioners on items, he spoke about broadband and low line satellites. Moyie sewer project is moving along good, but the concrete is taking a bit longer. Unemployment increased in numbers for the area. Looked at a block grant for the Senior Center, Dave has spoken with the director of the Senior Center and it needs to go through the city. Dave has spoken with the railroad for the parks across the river, there does need to be a new application presented. Dave has been doing additional work for the Safeway’s building for reports that Steve Gill needs to submit. Spot has received a $5,000 donation. Discussion on a turn lane for approaches along the highway from the 3 Mile to Meadow Creek, also the possibility of lowering the speed limit to 45 MPH in that area.
2:15 p.m. Under Sheriff Rich Stephens stopped in to see if the commissioners were going to write a letter regarding speed limits, turning lanes, and traffic in general.
2:30 p.m. Solid Waste Department supervisor, Richard Jenkins, representatives with the Department of Environmental Quality Kevin Aardahl, Dan McCracken, Dean Kinney, Jason Peppin Panhandle Health District and David Sims joined the meeting. Discussed proceeding with disposal of the wood pile, fill and stormwater plans,
Dan McCracken discussed the conditions within the draft and compliance schedule and looked for feedback. Richard requested that they go through the list and then should a question arise address it at that time. He reviewed the first 5 items and Richard addressed a couple of the items regarding the cover and gas monitoring. Controlled run off is being addressed and taken care of. Set backs are being adhered to. Jason updated all to the conditions and he mentioned that he saw marketable improvement. There are still several areas that need improvement and continue to make them.
Item 6, per Richard indicated that there should be an updated verbiage for this area. this was spoken about on 5/22/24. On 5/31/24 Ben Jarvis noted a change to remove reference “recent issues”. Richard references the CAS with minor language modifications and presented documentation of the language change.
Richard spoke about the wood area and the sorting area for the different types of wood, green, treated, etc. This would be sorted for the wood burner.
They review the time/table for timeframe compliance agreement schedule. All submittals need to be in writing.
Richard discussed the fact that Boundary is over the 20 tons per day and not able to redirect waste into another facility per the CFR rules. Richard questions if we could use another site/facility and stay under the 20 tons per day. Dan indicated that it applies to all waste coming in from within the county. Dean Kinney indicated he thought that everything that came into the facility was county as the county’s waste as a whole.
Dan indicted that the county is growing, therefore the small community exemption is not effective anymore. The intent of the rules is that a county gets to be a certain size (10,000 residents). Jason will supply Richard with this information on population size. Should there be another opinion/legal then they are open to discussion.
Adrianne Norris joined the meeting at 3:20 p.m.
Richard questions if the solid waste department has some waste not going into the facility would that reduce or keep Boundary County under the small community exemption of 20 tons. Dan spoke about it could be possible for an alternative, but that would need to be presented. He still believes that the “writing on the wall” is that the landfill will need to be closed in the future, 10 years or so. A different plan could work for a few years, but it is still indicating that the landfill would fall outside of the community exemptions. Currently there are ARPA dollars that can be used to facility this, instead of having the county financial liable for this.
Adrianne Norris asked if the dump would be closed within 10 years, Dan explained the agreement that is, does have a closure date on it. What is being sought is a long-term plan for the county. She also asked about Chronic Wasting Disease as it relates to the landfill, because the one animal was found close to the landfill. She is requesting that the area be tested for CWD. One final statement, can DEQ test the soil in the landfill to see if CWD is there. Representatives deferred to Idaho Fish and Game, because they don’t have a specific rule that applies to CWD.
The commissioners talked about another sandy pit somewhere else that could help to offset the exemption tonnage. It has never been a disposal cell. If part of that parcel could be used for C and D usage, Dan thinks that could work. The use would be non-municipal site for C and D. Concern of the slope for another site came up, Richard indicted he would have to have an engineer provide that information. Dean Kenney indicated that there still is concerns of staying under the 20 tons of solid waste, they indicate it doesn’t matter from which location. Even if someone else opens up a separate site, it is still driven by the population, it is still be generated. The group from DEQ will explore a couple of these alternative thoughts. Should another alternative happen they would then prepare an amendment to the proposed agreement.
Dan suggests getting a consultant onboard who designs these types of areas. Also, suggested looking at Shoshone’s site.
The meeting ended at 4:10 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
________________________________
Wally Cossairt, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk