District to close on 861 West Twelfth for True North; annexation, utilities planned

The Emmett Independent District told trustees it will close on the purchase of 861 West Twelfth Street and pursue annexation before preparing the site to host the district’s True North program.

Mister Woods briefed the board that the district has an agreed closing for the property on Aug. 15 and will submit an initial annexation application to the city after closing; staff estimated the annexation process could take about four months. Woods said the parcel is just over 2 acres and that the district’s plan calls for using the existing house as an office and placing portables behind it to serve the True North program. He said water and sewer hookups are nearby and that the location was chosen in part because a main sewer line runs adjacent to the parcel.

Trustees were told the Public School Foundation donated $300,000 toward the purchase. Woods described the house as a three‑bedroom residence and said he believed it to be one bath, but he noted that room count and bath count will be verified at closing. Staff said Tree North (True North) and portables would relocate to the site with a goal of an August 2026 operating date.

Woods said the house could remain on site and the well may remain active; the city advised that if a private well later fails the district would be required to hook to city water. Board members asked about sewer and well requirements and about whether the house would become the program office; Woods said the house is intended for office use for the True North program and that details remain subject to closing and subsequent planning. The board reviewed aerial imagery and a district map of the parcel during the report.

No formal action was taken during the report; staff said they will follow the annexation process and return with planning details and timelines to the board.