Valley County adopts countywide C-PACE program to finance large commercial energy projects

Valley County commissioners voted March 30, 2026, to establish a countywide commercial property assessed capital expenditure (C-PACE) program, adopting a program guidebook and forms and authorizing the county treasurer to execute documents needed to implement the program.

County officials said the program, authorized under chapter 38, title 67, Idaho Code, is designed to help finance large commercial, industrial, agricultural and multifamily projects that meet energy, water-efficiency or resiliency standards. The board read the resolution into the record and recorded a unanimous affirmative vote on the motion to adopt the guidebook and forms.

The County Treasurer told commissioners her office is willing to administer the program and that administration would be largely procedural. "The answer to that is yes," the Treasurer said when asked whether the office could take on responsibility for administering C-PACE. She added that the treasurer's office can charge fees to cover administration and would refer members of the public to capital-investment advisors for financing details that exceed county staff's role.

Presenters said C-PACE typically serves large-scale projects. "I think the ... median C-PACE loan is kind of north of $10 million," one presenter said, and officials noted that small projects—such as a $50,000 rooftop solar installation—are unlikely to be viable because underwriting, construction documents and appraisal costs can be substantial. A presenter also noted a legal limit: assessments under C-PACE function like a tax, so the presenter said the program cannot be used to finance improvements on government-owned buildings.

The resolution adopted by the board states the county's intent to establish a C-PACE program and to adopt the program guidebook and forms; it cites the commercial property assessed capital expenditure act (chapter 38, title 67, Idaho Code) and references a prior intent resolution (No. 2026-07) adopted Jan. 12, 2026. Commissioners chose countywide boundaries so cities and unincorporated areas would not need to repeat the establishment process.

The motion to adopt the guidebook and forms was moved and seconded, and commissioners voted in favor (three affirmative responses were recorded). The resolution takes effect immediately, and the treasurer was authorized to execute documents necessary to implement the program. Officials said they expect applications may come later in the year and that cities such as McCall have expressed interest in participation.

No members of the public attended the hearing to speak for or against the program, and no public comments were recorded at the session.

Next steps identified by staff include making the guidebook and application materials available to potential applicants and working with the treasurer's office as the county receives any applications.