Kootenai County commissioners approve grants, vehicle purchases, MOUs, FAA closeouts and FY2025 levy rates

Kootenai County commissioners on Sept. 30 approved a series of routine contracts, grant actions and budget items, including a $2,500 community enhancement grant from the Idaho State Historical Society with a $5,100 match, a $218,691 dump truck purchase for the landfill, multiple sheriff’s office vehicle purchases, renewal MOUs to preserve radio/dispatch connectivity, acceptance of opioid‑settlement funds and three FAA airport grant closeouts.

Court and finance officials said the items were largely procedural and supported by documentation. Courtney Beebe, on the telephone for the historical society grant, said the grant is funded by donations to the Historical Society and state legislative appropriations and would allow improved photographic prints for an exhibit in the new Justice Building: “This extra $2,500 would allow us to improve the quality of the photographs that we could purchase and have printed.” The board approved the grant agreement and signed the required documents.

Solid Waste Director John Phillips told the board the department solicited quotes from Kenworth Sales, Dobbs Peterbilt and Bruckner and recommended a 2025 Mack from Bruckner as the lowest‑cost option. Commissioners approved the purchase at a total price of $218,691, including warranty options.

The sheriff’s office requested vehicles approved in the FY26 budget: a 2026 Chevrolet 1500 crew cab for animal control (to be purchased through Knutson Chevrolet) and replacement vehicles for detectives and patrol, including upfits for nine patrol units and one K‑9 unit. Lieutenant Klinkoffus presented those requests and the board approved them.

Central Dispatch’s Alan Mallory sought renewal of an MOU with the Idaho Military Division to continue transporting the county’s data network between Kootenai and Ada…