Kootenai County commissioners approve Hayden law-enforcement pact, equipment purchase and budget adjustment

KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners approved a string of routine contracts, purchases and personnel recognitions during its Nov. 18 meeting, actions county officials said are intended to maintain public safety operations and finalize year-end budget matters.

The board voted to approve a law-enforcement services agreement with the City of Hayden and authorized the county to sign the contract so the city could execute its side if it approves the agreement at a special meeting. The board discussed timing constraints tied to the holiday week and agreed having a signed county copy would allow the contract to be completed before the end of the month if the city concurs.

Alan Mallory, who appeared by phone for Kootenai County 911, asked the board to approve a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Panhandle Health District to renew an existing agreement used by county emergency services; commissioners approved the renewal.

The board also approved entering an overtime agreement with the Idaho Transportation Department to support targeted traffic-enforcement projects. "It's not required. We don't have to do this," Lieutenant Zack Sifford of the sheriff's office said, adding participation allows the county to join ITD emphasis windows that pay for overtime and equipment for the traffic unit.

In a separate action the board approved a planned purchase for the sheriff's office: Lieutenant Nate Norris said the county budgeted for a RaySecure mail-scanning system for 2026. "The first year cost is $55,260 and then there's an annual service agreement that is $11,461 every year thereafter for 5 years," Norris said; the board approved the purchase.

Undersheriff Brett Nelson asked the board to recognize three retirees — Sergeant Sean Ward, Deputy Chris May and Deputy Wendy Moore — and to award them their badges, duty weapons and ID cards upon retirement. Nelson cited Idaho code authority for the awards; the board approved the recognitions.

Brandy Falcon, director of finance, requested a budget adjustment to use a portion of unanticipated inmate housing revenues "to make the sheriff's budget whole for FY '25 in the jail," and the board approved the adjustment.

Commissioners also approved payables for November 2025 totaling $686,281.12 and jury panel payments of $2,457.40. All motions taken during the meeting were approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board opened public comment and heard none; the meeting adjourned at 2:13 p.m.