Bonner County appoints L. Allen Songstead as hearing examiner, citing backlog of land‑use hearings

Bonner County commissioners voted June 23 to appoint L. Allen Songstead as the county’s hearing examiner, approving an independent contractor agreement pending a final compensation agreement.

Planning Director Kendra Smith said the county’s zoning and hearing calendars were booked out months and that a hearing examiner — authorized under county code (title 12) — would reduce the burden on the zoning commission and shorten wait times for applicants. Smith said prior hearing‑examiner fees were $225 per file; the nominee proposed $275 per file to reflect years of legal experience and travel from northern Priest Lake.

Songstead, appearing remotely, described more than 50 years as an attorney, experience chairing the planning commission during development of the county comprehensive plan and familiarity with title 12 land‑use matters. Commissioners pressed for documentation showing why the rate changed and how long typical hearings take. Planning staff and the board said hearings vary widely — from about an hour for simple variances to many hours for complex or controversial applications — and that the fee covers pre‑hearing review, the hearing itself and decision writing.

Commissioner discussion emphasized that hearing‑examiner services are a pass‑through cost to applicants and that public-facing justification of rate changes should be included in packet materials. Commissioner Williams said the county’s isolated market and Songstead’s local knowledge made the candidate’s rate reasonable. The board approved the appointment on roll call.

The appointment is intended to reduce backlog and give applicants a quicker administrative path for quasi‑judicial land‑use items. Planning staff will finalize compensation and return the signed independent‑contractor agreement for the county record.