[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656644,"mediaKeyId","5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c","parentId",5130894,"title","Votes at a glance: Bannock County actions on events, contracts and procurement","audioSeconds",1737,"startMs",1061000,"endMs",2798000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c&start=1061&end=2798","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c/thumbnail_1061000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656644/Bannock-County/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-Bannock-County-actions-on-events-contracts-and-procurement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656644-43f9f8342716b7e1da5254b475750abc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=K-L17PNtu-A-sEBecj9YRN4BvpylMSI01km0kGG~meWga-auV-1TuCnKeSe32cxPW0VgcuovIT-thLS68LSUHJP4ZX3Z8ySK0sBA9TX7ChKlH0qZUqS3HwF33yZYUW5D56bxdYF-NOT1vEUdq-N0qNPh29MZeJ3u6DRKMUvueAXOuofcom3lDvP-8u52p3GSCdfbtTcFXw8thn96owbn~1XcUDbMoIQreqD7iVgivzbm9knLorliTQPu7FfnHRAUeAzR2sFGNBZl~31i268psXQ~BBq1fuzUMreNH3x6mR5fFvgiGFwG-cOdvARYP9lpXiO1FuOngw-wjYtS0wJ0Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bannock County","date","2025-07-03T15:03:09Z","article","The Bannock County Board of Commissioners took a series of votes on July 3, including approval of event contracts, a healthcare TPA agreement, an architectural services contract and the claims agenda. The board also approved one conditional fee waiver for a nonprofit fundraiser (see separate coverage).

Key outcomes

- Mike Johnson event contract: The board voted to sign the contract to host the Mike Johnson \"biggest toughest qualifier\" event on county grounds. Motion carried by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

- Nason House of Hope fee waiver: The board approved a one-time fee waiver for the Nason House of Hope fundraiser provided the event date is moved to Aug. 23 and a $100 refundable cleaning deposit is posted. The motion included requirements for insurance and vendor compliance; staff will verify compliance before any refund is issued.

- GM Plan / Blue Cross TPA ratification: The board ratified a contract to make Blue Cross the third-party administrator for the county GEM health plan for the 2024 plan year (ratification presented for filing); motion carried by voice vote.

- Booth Architecture contract: The board approved a professional-services contract with Booth Architecture for design services related to reroofing the Road and Bridge shop area, not to exceed $49,000; the motion carried and staff will issue a notice to proceed.

- Claims agenda: The board approved the claims agenda after limited discussion about the appropriate use of Homeland Security grant funds for outreach and training activities.

The transcript records voice votes for most motions without a formal roll-call. Where recorded, the board instructed staff to update contracts and return or record funding and scheduling changes as required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/03/2025 Bannock County Commissioners - Business Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","At the July 3 meeting the Board of Commissioners approved several routine contracts and ratifications and accepted the claims agenda; the board also approved a one-time fee waiver for a nonprofit event with conditions.","taxTitle","Bannock County, Idaho","taxId",5618,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656649,"Bannock County weighs tractor replacement after weekend breakdown; budget options discussed",426,1997000,2423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c&start=1997&end=2423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c/thumbnail_1997000.jpg","/articles/6656649/Bannock-County/Idaho/Bannock-County-weighs-tractor-replacement-after-weekend-breakdown-budget-options-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656649-f6bdc4b3932083b81c59fa829dc561ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=RVJZf0lDsJVgTvjztIbvtpCD1B-n2ll21XTJZs3TNnRvrplrtY-HWbJ3H6OJJ4-HrFAIrl1Ltn0pNNNBrNiiUA3zrVrEOEtcjZSsGpjmnVkvD2AWl4UExchFoz4bQP1XrpiWp7F7w4SQK4HOZdNrvRu7UuP0jciuSWp-utKC8QMYfKFn0bK7K0-5aa0Apbhr~fFumM-syjfr4bS3B1FjtyMudqh-K7i6Rc9XSTcEQSCLcx9evONSuCqcp5kiNplfRj36dkKkp-nyFuBIOPhg5-yy~JCI3dwGFMAIswjH2g59uVtZaGce7KVhT3Lz2Pc9zHK7NTM7OPUZrbZW5e8buQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bannock County staff told commissioners on July 3 that a primary tractor used for grounds and event work suffered an alternator failure and a turbo oil leak ahead of a holiday weekend, creating an urgent equipment gap.

The staff member said an alternator was ordered but expressed concern that if oil is being ingested into the turbo, running the tractor could cause major damage. Attempts to secure a like-sized rental were unsuccessful because of high seasonal demand.

Officials discussed buying a used replacement rather than renting. Staff recommended a 115-horsepower tractor as the appropriate size; they estimated a used 115-horsepower machine could cost $80,000–$100,000, while a new 145-horsepower tractor could approach $250,000. The county noted $250,000 had been budgeted for Bannock County events this year, of which about $63,000 is already obligated; commissioners suggested using that line, general-fund contingency or PILT receipts as funding sources if a purchase is approved.

The board emphasized the need for Road and Bridge mechanics to inspect any used machine before purchase and suggested negotiating a trial period so mechanics could certify the equipment. Commissioners also recommended buying a machine sized to last a decade rather than a near-term stopgap.

No formal purchase vote occurred. Staff were directed to return with firm prices and procurement options at the next board meeting.","County staff reported a county tractor suffered alternator failure and an oil leak that could damage the turbo; officials discussed rental scarcity, staffing constraints and possible purchase options using event funds, contingency or PILT money, and asked staff to return with quotes on Tuesday.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656652,"Commissioners approve one-time fee waiver for Nason House of Hope fundraiser with date change and $100 refundable deposit",962,1087000,2049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c&start=1087&end=2049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c/thumbnail_1087000.jpg","/articles/6656652/Bannock-County/Idaho/Commissioners-approve-one-time-fee-waiver-for-Nason-House-of-Hope-fundraiser-with-date-change-and-100-refundable-deposit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656652-0f0fbf0e2de850f026ddd59fae4422a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=VyX427IAeFMCqGT~fELWqlryUn53OXOEWqZI-BCOdwy2SyO9W3Fhfk8ioSyWu4SWPO~HxuCumM9Hcz2iKsVt17xdCvXKHFhtlbgKPEfX2fhm1EOyRyBOc6cdQ2xZIMT9caiZlEEN2HFU9eyVwJt6c4cvjTXAX6b~0MGj-sEYXudEcO7yyR53mJXUkB3QpwqhQ8XXuxfq2kePPXWNEHkGGQXl~FaB8cNV73SCSXP4J6~bU-vDMzHOgZRvskmzeTVItJXVMazw7FIpWIDo5YqC5U3wTKzvl-CqHzfA8XdQnbutNJyM8E0WAk5pY-PW5Kt4SrPzQvyAfM4xeISrz5McjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Guy Nason, founder of Nason House of Hope, asked the Bannock County Board of Commissioners on July 3 for a fee waiver to hold a fundraising event that would support plans for a future 50-bed youth mental-health and substance-abuse facility in Pocatello.

Nason said the event would include bounce houses, food vendors and a silent auction and that the organization would obtain insurance and provide cleanup. \"We're gonna do a silent auction, open fundraising...the goal is to get what we're doing out there into the public,\" Nason said.

Commissioners and staff pressed for details about logistics and potential impacts. County staff noted the requested Aug. 16 date conflicted with multiple large events, creating staffing shortages and increased demands on facilities. The board discussed power, porta‑potty and cleanup requirements; staff confirmed vendors must bring their own generators and that organizers must arrange insurance as part of any contract.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the request on condition the event be rescheduled to Aug. 23 and that the organizer post a $100 refundable cleaning deposit; that motion carried. County records show the contract will be updated with the corrected date and the refundable-deposit requirement.

Board members said the approval was a one-time accommodation and emphasized the county’s limited staffing on the originally requested date. Commissioners also suggested organizers meet county rules for vendor power, sanitation and site restoration; staff said they would verify insurance and cleanup compliance before returning the deposit.

Nason described the longer-term project behind the fundraiser: the nonprofit is developing a 50-bed facility with nursing and counseling staff, trade education, crisis services and transitional housing for youth, and is seeking property and funding to begin construction.

Speakers did not identify additional funding from the county; the board’s approval was limited to the event fee waiver, the date change to Aug. 23 and the $100 refundable deposit.","The board approved a one-time waiver for a fee to use county grounds for a nonprofit fundraiser after discussion about staff impact, insurance and cleanup; the date was moved from Aug. 16 to Aug. 23 and a $100 refundable cleaning deposit was required.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656656,"Rocky Mountain Power details wildfire mitigation steps, warns of possible outages in Idaho",485,99000,584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c&start=99&end=584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5130894-5a6395752a3d677eb92fdace3eb3b79c/thumbnail_99000.jpg","/articles/6656656/Bannock-County/Idaho/Rocky-Mountain-Power-details-wildfire-mitigation-steps-warns-of-possible-outages-in-Idaho","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656656-c4f74ddfec785dfb56b39ff7df72b5a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190396&Signature=V~McQpVL1lNAoIFj-cZ9lfKT9itlDnIwsaMatcTaSNt4wj4WHvBMN8fqfVMBIIXPA6WLxZW6Z-4pOsXYMF5JO5VFR6wMkEjWRNNK82bvzsdVMs8ZuC1~gft0GQP6g0GHn3EgCFujQp9rme9lG8XQT4oynjXteSSok3roz-KwIoIY-Y~LQ8D3o5U16CNVPSgMpOpHN76f2SDophTNBCvMn8SzAZelw71bvm6VTQQm0t~1yFZKf7d5CAHNvmoUEjY4RaLkexq253gioDCuLaXqyy6KOUL6WnScAIgYGCSsq8I7WYHqGtKkogMfna87Sm1oDASAc0pXCFPDe2MsjjLZ7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Rocky Mountain Power representative told Bannock County officials on July 3 that the utility is expanding wildfire mitigation efforts in Idaho, including daily AI-driven forecasting, more weather stations and changes to substation safety settings that can lead to extended outages when conditions require de-energization.

The presentation outlined why county residents could see reduced reliability during wildfire season. \"We're basically put that to one shot,\" the Rocky Mountain Power representative said of the company’s changes to substation breaker settings, meaning a breaker that trips will stay open until crews can patrol the line. The company also described using spotters to decide when to de-energize lines near active fires.

Officials said the measures matter because they may cause longer or more frequent power outages during extreme fire conditions. Rocky Mountain Power highlighted a recent local event in which the utility de-energized a transmission line because a fire moved near the corridor, and noted other industry-wide steps such as public safety power shutoffs in higher-risk conditions.

Rocky Mountain Power said it uses historical weather and vegetation data with modeling tools to forecast wildfire risk across its six-state service territory. The utility said it currently maintains about 10,000 line miles in Idaho and employs roughly 165 people in the state. The presenter said the company has installed many weather stations and plans to add another 38 in Idaho this coming year; the company provides a public weather dashboard at rockmountainpoweredweather.com.

The company characterized some mitigation choices as tradeoffs between safety and day-to-day reliability. \"Our reliability is not as good,\" the representative said, adding that the company prioritized preventing ignitions. The representative also said Rocky Mountain Power has spent more than $200 million in the past two years on system hardening—replacing poles and crossarms, installing insulated or covered wire in select locations, and increasing vegetation clearance.

The utility warned of litigation and financial risk tied to wildfire events in other states. The presenter cited multimillion‑dollar lawsuits in Oregon alleging liability for lines that remained energized and said the company is adjusting operations to avoid ignition risks.

During questions, county staff asked whether Bannock County has enough infrastructure to serve a large industrial load. The company said that near the Downey corridor the transmission capacity is better, but that generation—Idaho’s ability to produce power locally—is the larger constraint. The presenter noted that in Idaho, requests above 30 megawatts generally require system studies and special contracts.

Brett Myers, an emergency manager employed by Rocky Mountain Power, was named as the company’s local point of contact for coordinating with county emergency management. The presenter encouraged local nonprofit groups to apply for corporate foundation grants; he said corporate sponsorships in Idaho totaled about $100,000 last year and the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation has distributed roughly $800,000 in Idaho over the last decade.

County staff and commissioners did not take formal action after the briefing, but the conversation highlighted the potential for planned outages, the company’s expanded monitoring footprint and options for local groups to seek grant funding from the utility.","A Rocky Mountain Power representative briefed Bannock County officials on AI-driven wildfire forecasting, expanded weather monitoring and equipment upgrades the utility is installing across Idaho; the company said some measures can reduce reliability, including planned de-energization during fires.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Bannock County actions on events, contracts and procurement

Bannock County weighs tractor replacement after weekend breakdown; budget options discussed

Commissioners approve one-time fee waiver for Nason House of Hope fundraiser with date change and $100 refundable deposit

Rocky Mountain Power details wildfire mitigation steps, warns of possible outages in Idaho