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Residents press county on Sand Creek plat submerged-lands accounting; commissioners warn of fraudulent planning invoices

Bonner County Board of County Commissioners · January 8, 2026

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Summary

Two residents asked whether adjacent homeowners received notice for the Sand Creek final plat and whether submerged-wetland rules from Title 12 are being applied; county staff said the item was a final plat and offered to follow up with planning. Commissioners also warned residents to verify any planning invoices due to a recent uptick in sophisticated fraud attempts.

During public comment at the Jan. 6 meeting two Bonner County residents raised concerns about a recent Sand Creek final plat and about submerged lands and noticing requirements.

Michael Bondor asked, "Was there public notice given to the adjacent homeowners? Is that a requirement? Is this a preliminary approval? Is this a final approval?" The board’s presenter said this item was a final plat and that noticing rules vary by file type; the presenter said they would rely on planning staff to explain the specific noticing requirements for that MLD.

Mike Williams asked whether the county would "start holding MLDs accountable for all of Title 12" and whether submerged-wetland rules were being enforced for the subdivision. The presenter said they had not come prepared to outline the full administrative review process and that when reviewing a file they pursue information to resolve any apparent discrepancies.

Separately, the District 1 commissioner warned of an uptick in fraudulent planning-department invoices and urged residents not to pay invoices without confirming with the county. The commissioner said: "If you receive an invoice that claims to be in any way related to Bonner County and our planning department, please call the planning department and confirm whether or not you actually have an amount due before submitting any kind of a payment." The board directed planning staff to coordinate with the sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices to pursue those perpetrating the fraud.