Bonner County approves MOU with Idaho Department of Agriculture to fund three watercraft invasive-species inspection stations

The Bonner County Board of County Commissioners voted July 3, 2025, to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture that funds and supports three watercraft invasive-species inspection stations staffed by the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

Under the agreement, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture will pay the sheriff’s office up to $153,900, payable in four equal installments; a $19,093.59 carryforward from 2024 will be deducted from the first disbursement. Law enforcement will provide patrols for up to 35 hours per week at a flat $50 per hour rate, plus mileage and supplies, for up to 21 weeks and six days beginning June 1, 2025, and ending Oct. 31, 2025. The Idaho department reserves the right to terminate the agreement if the Idaho Legislature does not appropriate sufficient funds required by the department.

The vote followed a short discussion about timing. Commissioner Korn said, “I am curious though because, evidently, we’ve been doing this for 30 days already without a MOU.” A presiding official and staff clarified that the contract’s payment period begins June 1 and that the memorandum limits payment to services performed within the specified dates; the board did not provide additional direction beyond approving the memorandum.

Commissioner Korn moved to approve the memorandum of understanding. Following a roll call, Commissioners Hopkins and Korn recorded “yes” votes and the motion carried.

The memorandum assigns the sheriff’s office responsibility for personnel, equipment, supplies and supervision necessary to provide services under the Idaho invasive species inspection protocol at three watercraft inspection stations. The agreement ties payment to the department’s appropriation and specifies termination if the Legislature fails to provide funds, a clause that makes ongoing payments contingent on state budget action.

The board did not set additional local funding or policy changes in this meeting. The memorandum’s effective service window and the department’s termination clause mean continued operations under the agreement depend on work occurring within the June 1–Oct. 31 window and on the state appropriation schedule.