Franklin County commissioners approve GEM grant, deny subdivision variance and review FY2026 budget requests

The Franklin County Commissioners met on May 12, 2025, and approved an Idaho GEM grant to pay for water and sewer work at the new fair building, denied a requested subdivision variance, reviewed Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests from several county departments, and made routine appointments.

The board voted unanimously to accept an Idaho GEM Grant award of $38,139 with a $9,535 local match to cover water and sewer work at the new fair building. Molly Beseris, executive director of the Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho, told commissioners that "the County has been awarded the GEM Grant in the amount of $38,139.00 with a match of $9,535.00" and that the county will pay initial invoices and be reimbursed. Commissioner Zach Stewart moved to approve and sign the grant agreement; Commissioner Zan Bowles seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners also granted a county letter of support for the Four County Alliance to support funding for Beseris' economic development position. Beseris said she is applying for additional funds from the Idaho Community Foundation and a Rocky Mountain Power grant.

On land-use business, Tracee Pulsipher and Jodi Rasmussen explained to commissioners that they had purchased a parcel in 2023 after being told it was a "first split" and would not require subdivision review. The pair requested a variance because their building permit application revealed the split must go through Planning and Zoning under the current moratorium. The commissioners, while sympathetic, denied the variance, noting the property must follow Planning and Zoning procedures; they said they expect a new ordinance in roughly 60 days that could lift the moratorium.

Building maintenance and courthouse renovation work were discussed. Randy Henrie, building maintenance, reported the fair building foundation has been poured, gravel has been placed, plumbing has been roughed in pending inspection, steel delivery is expected in June, and water and sewer trenching is scheduled to begin within a week. Henrie asked for several FY2026 budget adjustments, including increases for cleaning contracts, utilities, landscaping and lawn mowing contracts, and a new line item for cleaning supplies. He also requested hiring a part-time Planning and Zoning coordinator and increases in auto repair and professional services budgets.

County departmental budget items reviewed included requests from Extension (for modest increases to supplies, temporary help, and to replace aging computers), Juvenile Services (few changes; note of new subscription fees for handheld radios), the Cannery (no change), and the Treasurer's office (increases to postage and software maintenance). Assessor Chris Barton said he is planning for potential retirements and requested two new public-facing computers; Barton also reported that Day Mountain Ranch's assessed value rose about $900,000 and that Production Technologies' assessed value rose from $1,400,000 to $1,700,000 after exemptions expired.

Civil Defense Coordinator Lamont Doney asked for increased travel funds and said he is pursuing grant funding to support mobile Starlink units; Commissioner Zach Stewart asked about that funding and Doney replied he is working on grants for the units.

The board handled routine appointments and nominations. Commissioners unanimously nominated and supported Chair Robert Swainston to serve another term on the Southeastern Idaho Public Health Board; Clerk Camille Larsen will forward a nomination letter. The board also unanimously appointed Laurie Harrison to the Southeastern Idaho Quad Board of Community Guardians.

On permitting, Kelsey Manning requested a conditional use permit for a pit bike race scheduled June 7 near Foster Reservoir. Randy Henrie (Planning and Zoning Administrator) told Manning he must submit a plan addressing traffic control, parking, garbage, on-site facilities, neighbor notification, and ensure noise levels at the fence line comply with the Development Code before approval would be granted.

Commissioners discussed live-streaming meetings; Chair Robert Swainston said the county has purchased a new website program that will take about five months to implement and that the new site will be able to record and upload meeting videos.

The meeting concluded with routine motions to approve the agenda, bills and previous minutes and adjourn at 11:45 a.m. All recorded motions during the meeting passed unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.