Commissioners’ – Week of July 20, 2026

Meeting Date: July 20, 2026 9:00 am

Minutes

Meeting Minutes

***Monday, July 20, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Assessor Olivia Drake entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m. and provided information regarding the various options for an upgraded postage machine and service contract. We currently pay $172/month and the various options ranged from $248 to $508 per month for the first year. There was an additional increase for the second year and she was unsure what would happen on the third year. Commissioner Bertling asked what would happen if we didn’t do this. Ms. Drake replied that she was unsure. The salesperson was very concerned that we don’t have a service contract.

Chairman Robertson asked what do we need. Ms. Drake replied at some point we will need to upgrade the machine. It was older and can’t take the software upgrade. They keep telling us that it can’t handle what we are putting through it.

Grant Dorman entered the meeting at 9:10 a.m.

It was decided to stay with the current machine for now and budget for a new one in the next fiscal year. She will also check with other companies for comparisons.

The meeting with Ms. Drake ended at 9:20 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m. and said that they have had the ordinary influx of public records requests. The notice of bid protest for the airport runway project has been withdrawn which validates the changes that were made. The other pending issue at the airport has been prepared and will move forward at the end of the month.

Commissioners updated Mr. Wilson on the Emergency Declaration for the Turner Fire. No structures were lost and some of that cost will fall to the county. The amount was unknown at this time. One family still needed to pick-up their animals at the fairgrounds.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:49 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Emma Standley-Wallen and Kendra Verzier. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the weeks of June 29th and July 6th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the property tax extension for Parcel #MHB006000W004UA in the amount of $169.24 including late fee and interest. Will have paid by July 31, 2026. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Scope of Work for FSR 402 Snow Creek Washout with NTE amount of $95,537.54. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Barton Subdivision Plat. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Dorman stated that there was quite a bit of back and forth concerning language that was acceptable for PHD on the plat. They finally came to an agreement.

Mr. Dorman left the meeting at 9:56 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Decision Letter for File #26-0101, The Gary Doyle & Dorine Doyle Family Trust D.P. & Estates Short Plat, Rural Subdivision. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Jeff Lindsey entered the meeting at 9:58 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the meeting minutes from June 15, 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey said that July has been an extremely long month. He wanted to recognize the staff involved in the rescue efforts when the truck rolled down into the canyon. It was an amazing collaboration. On July 3rd they had 20 calls within 24 hours. The team did a great job taking care of people. They had 103 calls during the month of June with a chute time of 1 minute 36 seconds.

The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:08 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners discussed the letter that was prepared and if they wanted any changes. Commissioner Bertling requested that the percentage of federal land be corrected.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve and sign the letter with corrections to the Secretary of Interior, Doug Burgum. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 10:31 a.m. to provide her Quarterly Report. She said that interest rates were holding and the State Pool Fund went up a small amount last month. We have quite a bit in the checking account and she was considering moving some to another account that gets more interest. She was also considering a CD at Verizon Credit Union.

Commissioner Bertling asked where the interest goes. Ms. Economu replied that it goes into the General Fund unless it was interest from a trust fund then it goes back into the trust.

It was also noted that some CD’s are coming due next month and she will roll those over to get a better rate.

The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 10:36 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Denny Wedel with BF Builders entered the meeting at 10:53 a.m.

Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid entered the meeting at 10:58 a.m.

Cory Trapp with Longwell Trapp called in at 11:01 a.m. and he reviewed the items in the change order.

  1. They did not have good information about the main entry. The parking lot was 2-3 inches higher than floor level. They need to change the grade in the front of the building so water flows away from the building.
  2. Necessary changes to the roof drainage so they had warranty on the roofing.
  3. Originally quoted with overhead power, city came back after the bid and wanted to go underground.
  4. Piping was added so that roof drain in NW corner drains into the storm system instead of the alley.
  5. Emergency exit on north side needed two handrails that were missed originally.
  6. Conduit and junction box to light poles in parking lot was damaged and replaced.
  7. Replaced sheeting from previous roof leak.
  8. Water valve that was broken was replaced.

The total for change order #4 was $29,667.00

Mr. Trapp also mentioned that a mini-split was no longer needed for the data room since that was relocated. That room will be used for evidence storage and an exhaust fan will be needed instead, which should allow a credit. Another was for the parking lot. BF Builders has an estimate to fix the cracks, reseal and restripe. That was weather dependent however, so this might have to wait until 2027 to complete. Mr. Wedel said we could credit back the asphalt portion if that was the case.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve items 1-8 in Change Order #4. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The call with Mr. Trapp ended at 11:17 a.m., Mr. Wedel also left the meeting.

Commissioners discussed the Turner Fire and stated that no structures were lost. On advice of Emergency Management, they felt the boat launches could be re-opened.

Commissioner Bertling moved to re-open the Porthill and Copeland boat launches. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:52 a.m.

The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:31 p.m. and shared images of the scrap pile. Sutton was now on site to begin baling. They had a meeting with the fencing company today and there was more work to do.

Mr. Barton said they have two positions open at the landfill. They had one interview on Thursday and another was schedule for tomorrow.

Mr. Barton said they should be crushing by this afternoon. Trees were picked up in ROW after the storm and they are spreading asphalt on Moon Shadow and Aspen. The tree was down at the fairgrounds but there was some cleanup still to be done. This week they will be crushing rock, dura patching, and paving.

Chairman Robertson said they re-opened the boat launches, so the barricades could be picked up. Commissioner Bertling asked if they could send someone down Westside Rd to pickup branches from the storm. Commissioner Pinkerton asked how the detour route was holding up around Riverside. Mr. Barton said he thought there were some areas that needed touched up, otherwise it was good.

Commissioners passed along complements they had received regarding delineators on Deep Creek Loop and roads on the north end of the county.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:45 p.m. and they left the meeting. Ms. Poston also left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to go into Executive Session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:44 p.m. No action was taken.

Ms. Barton entered the meeting at 3:00 p.m. and discussed the job postings with Indeed and LinkedIn and what the costs have been. She was considering starting a County Facebook page to post job information.

The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 3:15 p.m. and she left the meeting.

The 2:45 p.m. meeting with KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat and Bonners Ferry Ranger Heather Fuller was cancelled.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an elected officials/department head meeting. Those present were:  Weeds Superintendent Kyle Watts, IT Director Matt Hodges, Coroner Chad Workman, U of I Educator Amy Robertson, Assessor Olivia Drake, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Treasurer Jenny Economu, Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Superintendent Brad Barton, Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith, and Jeff Hood.

Commissioners went around the room for updates from the departments in attendance. Particular items of interest were that DMV will be moving to the Annex and combining with Drivers Licensing on August 3rd. Ms. Economu said that during the weeks June 18 to July 9th, sixty-three fraudulent checks totaling $118,136.28 were caught by the system. Some of them looked like county checks, others did not. They also included various elected official’s signatures.

The meeting with department heads and elected officials ended at 9:29 a.m. and everyone but Jeff Hood left the meeting.

At 10:00 a.m. Commissioners held a meeting with the hospital. Those present were: BOT Members Jeff Hood, and Theresa Rae, CEO April Benett and Chief Medical Officer Mark Pruitt.

Chairman Robertson stated that the purpose of this meeting was to make sure the ballot language was legal, not whether we agree with it or not.

Ms. Rae reviewed the items stating that they were requesting $1.5 million per year for two years for the purpose of paying all lawful expenses of maintaining and operating the hospital for fiscal years January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028.

The hospital provides approximately $1 million in uncompensated care, $100,000 in charity care and has $750,000 in critical infrastructure needs. The proposed tax levy was $58 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on the current conditions. A majority of the levy amount will be going toward salaries for the people who provide the care.

There have been significant changes including a 50% turnover with the BOT including the chair. The CFO recently retired and the CEO’s last day will be October 23rd. A CFO has been hired and he will be a big part of the change as they move forward. They are currently interviewing for the CEO position. Funding through Idaho Rural Healthcare will open soon where they hope to capitalize on one of the five categories. A facilities inspection was completed in June and they are still waiting for the results.

Ms. Rae said that she has been on the board for six months and noted that they have been operating at a loss for the last several years – 2024 was over $700,000 and 2025 was $1.5 million. They are projecting a loss of over $1 million for 2026. They are working to address the issues with denials, coding and back pay. Eighty percent of their patients are government paid, and with all of the unforeseen changes to Medicare and Medicaid this will allow the hospital time to adjust to the changes to become solvent.

She added that the good news was that they have added services in recent years that help with the downstream revenue and help fund the hospital. They expanded services for imaging, PET, MRI, cardiogram, and surgeries.

There are twenty-seven rural hospitals in Idaho. Thirteen are looking at losses in service. Ten are at risk of closing and one was at immediate risk of closing.

Ms. Bennett added that they recently received the results of the Rural Emergency Hospital analysis and found that they would still be operating at a loss. The recommendation was that they do not change.

Chairman Robertson again stated that our purpose was to make sure the ballot language was legal, not to decide if we agree or not. That was up to the voters to decide.

Ms. Poston said that if approved, we will provide it to our attorney when you have your final ballot language. Ms. Rae replied that there might be some minor changes.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept and present the language to legal when the final version was received. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting ended at 9:50 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

s/________________________________

BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk

All times are tentative unless identified as a specific appointment or public hearing & the Board will address items on the agenda as they are completed, which may either shorten or lengthen the times for which items are addressed on the agenda. Claims Review & Approval, Indigent Matters and Junior College Tuition Forms will be discussed & approved and Resolutions will be adopted as time allows. Commissioners’ meetings are held in their chambers, Room 28, in the Boundary County Courthouse, unless otherwise stated. For Commissioners’ meetings that are held at the County Annex Conference Room, that address is 6566 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  

 

Monday, July 20, 2026

9:00 a.m.: Olivia Drake – Discussion/possible motion regarding postage machine and contract. ACTION ITEM.

9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson – Update on various matters. Motion to sign Certificates of Residency for Emma Standley-Wallen and Kendra Verzier. Motion to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of June 29th July 6th. Cancel/extend various taxes. Motion to sign Scope of Work for FSR 402 Snow Creek Washout with NTE amount of $95,537.54. Motion to sign Barton Subdivision Plat. Motion to sign Decision Letter for File #26-0101, The Gary Doyle & Dorine Doyle Family Trust D.P. & Estates Short Plat, Rural Subdivision. ACTION ITEMS.

10:00 a.m.: Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting. ACTION ITEM.

10:10 a.m.: Discussion/Action item regarding Burgum letter. ACTION ITEM.

10:30 a.m.: Treasurer’s Quarterly Report.

11:00 a.m.: Cory Trapp LTA – Discussion/Possible Action item regarding Change Order(s) for Justice Center. ACTION ITEM.

11:30 a.m.: Discussion/Motion regarding Emergency Declaration for Turner Fire. ACTION ITEM.

1:30 p.m.: Road and Bridge Department report. Solid Waste Department Report. Discussion/Motion to sign Riverside 1A Concurrence Letter. Discussion/Motion to sign Riverside 1A Easement Extensions. ACTION ITEMS.

2:15 p.m.: Human Resources Report. Executive Session 74-206(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general. Executive Session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. ACTION ITEM.

2:45 p.m.: Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Theresa Wheat and Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger (USFS) Heather Fuller – Update on KVRI and Forest Service projects.

 

KVRI meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Annex.

 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (Today’s meetings located at the County Annex)

9:00 a.m.: Elected officials/department heads meeting.

9:30 a.m.: Boundary Community Hospital – Discussion/possible Motion regarding levy for hospital. Possible ACTION ITEM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION MAY INCLUDE ANY OTHER TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED IN THE PAST. Anyone requiring special accommodation due to disability should contact Boundary County Commissioners’ office at (208) 267-7723 at least two working days prior to the meetings.