Bonner County will open applications for county surveyor contracts after criticism of prior informal renewals

Bonner County commissioners on Tuesday voted to deny two proposed contracts for county surveyor services and directed the planning director to open a public application or solicitation period of at least two weeks to attract qualified surveyors.

The planning director described reliance on contracted surveyors after the county was unable to fill an advertised county surveyor position. The director said Glahe and Associates’ contract dated to 2005 and needed updating; a second proposed contract was with Highland Surveying LLC (Grant Dorman).

Several commissioners and members of the public criticized the informal process the department has used to secure survey services, noting concerns about perceived conflicts when the same firm prepares and then reviews plats. One commissioner recommended accepting applications from outside Bonner County to reduce perceived conflicts and ensure competitive options; staff confirmed informal outreach to about a dozen surveyors over the past year but had not run a public posting for the updated contracts.

The board voted to deny both the Glahe and Associates and Highland Surveying LLC contracts and directed the planning director to advertise for applicants for county surveyor services for a two‑week period, accept qualifications and pricing, and return with proposals for board review. Commissioners asked that any solicitation include a draft contract, clear scope, and that respondents provide standard professional materials (experience, resumes, insurance) so the board and public can evaluate qualifications and costs.

A member of the public said he would provide examples of plats prepared by the incumbent firm for review. Commissioners said they expect the planning department to standardize the process and present results, and they discussed whether shortlisted firms may be negotiated with in an executive session on contracts.