Bannock County commissioners deny AverHealth request to remain in Lander Building

Bannock County commissioners on an administrative motion declined AverHealth’s request to remain in the county'owned Lander Building past a previously agreed-upon move-out date.

Lacey Parker, deputy trial court administrator for the Sixth Judicial District, told the commission AverHealth asked Jason Dye for an extension until April 1 because construction of its new location was running over budget and the provider could not pay additional compensation sought by the county. "They were not able to provide that compensation," Parker said.

Commission discussion referenced supervision and court testing needs for the treatment court. One commissioner said he had earlier been prepared to grant a one-month extension but reported the judges confirmed they could adjust operations if necessary. Another commissioner moved that the county "do not grant the request and have them vacate as previously discussed." The motion carried on an affirmative voice vote.

Parker told the commission the court system and county staff would support the judges as they adjust testing protocols and participant supervision, but she noted practical differences in drug-testing methods if the program moved off-site (for example, oral swabs detect marijuana for a much shorter window than urine tests).

The commissioners' decision will require AverHealth to complete its relocation by the previously established date; the commission did not adopt additional compensation or an extended occupancy period.

The county indicated staff will continue coordinating with the courts to minimize interruptions to participants' testing and treatment where feasible.