Bingham County Commissioners met across multiple sessions in early May 2026 to consider routine administrative business (claims, payroll, personnel), multiple records-destruction resolutions, procurement and maintenance contracts, planning and land-use actions (including a mediated Conditional Use Permit for a private shooting range), road acceptance/testing disputes for North River Estates, and the certification of the May 19, 2026 primary election results.

Discussion Points

•Camera system approaching end-of-life; new server and storage needed for retention; HVAC needed to maintain safe equipment temps.
•County insisted on adherence to 95% compaction standard; developer argued site-specific disturbance may slightly reduce test results; engineers recommended independent testing near manholes and disturbed locations.
•Neighbors raised ricochet/fire and property-value concerns; Krueger counsel proposed detailed berm/firebreak and supervision conditions; Board debated berm height, compaction, rock-free requirement, and seasonal limits for calving.
•Staff found subdivision compliance with Title 10 and Comprehensive Plan Industrial/Commercial designation; Groveland water/sewer connection not economically feasible for three lots; irrigation served by United Canal Company shares.
•Staff reviewed vote totals, turnout and precinct-level reporting; no contested tabulation issues recorded at the time of canvass.

Decisions

•Approvals made for camera-contract addendum, NVR purchase, and HVAC for jail electrical room.
•Approve CUP with 14 conditions, including berm dimensions increased to 20-ft height, rock-free compaction, 30-ft perimeter fire barrier, appointment-only access, NRA-certified Range Safety Officer present, 48-hour notice for events, and March–June calving-season shooting restrictions.
•Approve subdivision per Planning & Zoning recommendation; recordation and permitting conditions required before development.
•Board certified / approved the CANVASS for the May 19 primary election.
•Independent testing by HLE approved; 1.5% variance accepted; 10-year bond required; private road option allowed if testing fails.

Directions

•Applicant to record required Water Users Agreement and relocate open irrigation ditch per plan; obtain necessary septic/well permits and road access approvals.
•Elections staff to publish certified returns and file required state reporting.
•HLE to conduct independent tests; Public Works to accept limited 1.5% variance for reporting; developer to provide 10-year repair bond; if tests fail, developer may convert road to private.
•IT and Sheriff to coordinate procurement and vendor installation; Facilities to schedule HVAC work; contract updated and purchases funded from Sheriff's capital accounts.
•Planning & Development/Code Enforcement to record Reason & Decision and monitor compliance; applicant must provide maintenance access and implement fire barriers and berms as specified.

Apr

April 2026 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met across April 1–29, 2026 for regular sessions and staff meetings. Key actions included denying a developer's seven-year pavement warranty proposal for North River Estates, adopting an amended towing ordinance, approving a gravel-source agreement with the Eastern Idaho Grazing Association and a Keller traffic study, separating Solid Waste from Public Works, and a mix of proclamations, routine claims and personnel actions.

Discussion Points

•Association offered county test access and proposed not to charge the county for gravel; county staff sought clarity on cost/recovery and permit requirements.
•Board approved deck replacement at park house from park funds.
•Commissioner Jensen recused due to association membership; proposed Keller study cost estimated at $15,000.
•Departments reported contracting costs and service gaps from the vacant Surveyor position.
•Developer proposed seven-year warranty secured by letter of credit instead of standard testing.
•Facilities requested hydronics and landscaping purchases for courthouse safety and maintenance.
•Legal counsel and the sheriff described narrowing rotation geography to reduce response time and avoid impound-lot mismatches.
•Legal counsel noted counties can set standards and the proposal could set an unwanted precedent.
•No public opposition during the hearing; Sheriff and counsel argued amendments reflect field realities.
•Parks recommended Precision for capacity and past performance despite lower alternate bid.
•Proclamations (Autism Awareness; Rangelands) were read and adopted for awareness and community recognition.
•Public Works recommended adherence to ISPWC 95% compaction requirement and warned of unknown trench costs.
•Records-destruction resolutions followed Idaho Code retention guidance for temporary records and were presented with exhibits listing specific boxes and incident ranges.
•Solid Waste staff and commissioners discussed benefit of an independent Solid Waste department for focused procurement and capital work.

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 2026-08 to amend tow-rotation rules and inspection/insurance requirements.
•Adopt proclamations and approve listed records-destruction and surplus resolutions.
•Approve Precision Landscaping contract; approve hydronics and landscaping purchases and the park deck replacement.
•Approve re-advertising County Surveyor as part-time/full-time and separate Solid Waste into a standalone department.
•Authorized proceeding with agreement and allocated up to $15,000 from PILT for the Keller Associates study.
•Board denies the seven-year warranty request; standard testing remains required.

Directions

•Advertise the Surveyor role with flexible hours; HR to run recruitment.
•Clerk and department contacts to carry out records disposal and surplus disposition.
•Developer may return with testing results meeting county standards or alternative guarantees.
•Execute contracts and schedule work.
•HR and Legal to complete Solid Waste reorganization and classification updates.
•If permit denied, county not to be charged for study per recommended agreement language.
•Legal to draft a binding agreement clarifying costs and contingencies; Public Works to engage Keller Associates and begin sampling/testing.
•Parks to consider long-term maintenance quotes for other facilities.
•Place proclamations on county website and publicize as appropriate.
•Public Works to continue enforcing testing requirements and work with developer on acceptable remedies.
•Sheriff's Office and Dispatch to apply new rotation and inspection rules.
•Sheriff to notify tow companies and conduct scheduled inspections.

Mar

March 2026 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met multiple times March 2–27, 2026. Major actions included adoption of new Planning & Development and Sheriff fee schedules, approvals of several subdivisions (including Mountain Aura Estates and Bautista Estates) with conditions, road-maintenance budgeting decisions, approval of multiple equipment purchases and contracts, and several resolutions authorizing record destruction.

Discussion Points

•Board approved letters of support for ambulance and airway equipment grants and agreed in principle to local match contingent on the award.
•Chief Howell stated the replacement ambulance cost is $295,550 and the grant would cover $230,000; the county match would be $65,550.
•DEQ cautioned that septic density might affect groundwater and nearby public water system wells (City of Blackfoot wells and Trin Pines MHP).
•Developer admitted inspection lapses and proposed warranty options instead of immediate full reconstruction; Board asked for bonding/warranty research and testing results before acceptance.
•Developer offered options including nutrient/pathogen evaluation, reduced density, community wastewater, or enhanced septic systems; planning condition requires proof of irrigation pump/easement before recording.
•Options included removing Uma Road micro‑seal (~$89K saved) or using Local Bridge funds; staff recommended keeping lane‑mile schedule.
•Planning & Development reviewed a comprehensive fee table with increases for specific land‑use actions (agrisoal, wind/solar, RV parks) and added publication and survey fees for subdivisions.
•Public Works reported roads were built and paved without required inspections and compaction lifts did not follow ISPCW guidance (8" lifts).
•Recommended testing: remove asphalt in 75–100 ft sections and perform compaction testing in 1‑ft intervals to a 4‑ft depth at several locations; acceptance at 95% compaction.
•Road maintenance budget set at $2.1M; scheduled work exceeded budget by about $84,000 due to wider roads and unit costs.
•Staff explained a $25 technology fee and a seven‑day refund cutoff to recoup administrative and consultant review costs.

Decisions

•Approve comp plan amendment and subdivision with the stated condition.
•Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-17 to adopt the new fees effective immediately.
•Commissioners approved the staff recommendation to keep lane‑mile targets and cover the shortfall via budget actions.
•Decision to table acceptance pending testing results and bonding/warranty research.
•Letters of support approved; county contingent match approved if grant awarded.

Directions

•Assessor/Surveyor billing and consultant agreements to be updated to reflect 'actual cost' clauses.
•Clerk to prepare and send official letters of support.
•County counsel to research enforceable warranty or performance bond language and obtain comparable practices from City of Shelley.
•If grant is awarded, county finance staff to disburse local match from Ambulance Replacement Trust as approved.
•If the developer pursues individual septic systems, DEQ‑directed groundwater impact studies or enhanced septic treatment may be required.
•Planning & Development and the County Clerk will update forms and publish the new fee schedule online.
•Planning & Development will not record the final plat until an agreement for irrigation pump access and easement is provided.
•Proceed with lane‑mile maintenance to meet 7‑year rotation; overspend appropriate line item and open the budget to cover the overage.
•Public Works to coordinate spot testing with an independent lab and county observer.

Feb

February 2026 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met across several sessions in February 2026 to hear department updates, approve contracts and purchases, adopt Ordinance 2026-07, conditionally modify a CAFO permit, update sheriff fees and towing rules, approve small subdivisions, and authorize seed funding for a county weed-control trust.

Discussion Points

•A 58-foot frontage dedication placed canal infrastructure into the county ROW and would create three county-maintained bridges.
•A box culvert in the right-of-way may have to be excavated and brought to county construction standards or relocated.
•Applicants submitted arborist report advising on tree species, spacing and long establishment time (10+ years).
•A replat consolidates the land legally and removes future county bridge liability.
•Auditor must confirm whether previously closed trust can be reopened or a new trust created.
•Board emphasized safety and roadway-clearance priorities.
•Commissioners agreed straw berms provide immediate dust and visual mitigation while trees establish.
•Condition added to prevent unsold lots becoming weed enforcement issues.
•County counsel noted lava-rock site conditions made end-gun installation infeasible in some corrals.
•CWMA grant would reimburse herbicide purchases; existing practice had landowners buying through neighboring counties.
•Local towers expressed concern about out-of-county firms joining rotation and response-time impacts.
•Lots exceed one-acre minimum and will use individual wells and septic systems.
•Open-space maintenance responsibility and temporary turnaround rules were discussed.
•Public Works will store and distribute product; CWMA will coordinate recipients.
•RunZero and Microsoft purchases are standard IT operations and funded from designated funds.
•Sheriff staff proposed new fee schedule to match documented costs and service needs.
•Subdivision meets R/A zoning and one-acre lot-size minimums.
•Tenex license cost increased from $135 to $150 per license.
•Vacating the 33 feet without replatting could produce non-contiguous parcels or non-buildable split parcels.
•Water shares via Miners Ditch/Eastern Idaho Water Company were discussed and appear sufficient.
•Water Tech quote saves roughly $457.41 per month versus prior vendor.

Decisions

•Adopt fee schedule via resolution; delay final adoption of towing code language pending further stakeholder input.
•Approval granted with three conditions.
•Board approved all contracts and purchases as presented.
•Board approved participation and seed funding pending auditor confirmation.
•Conditional approval granted with weed-control requirement.
•Modified Condition 3 (allow straw barrier and arborist-planned tree berms).
•Modified Condition 6 (allow water-truck dust control; chemical suppressants allowed if necessary).
•Proceed with replat process for Alvino Alba Subdivision.

Directions

•Applicant to coordinate with Road & Bridge on culvert and road design.
•Applicant to maintain weed control until lots sell; Planning to monitor.
•Auditor to advise on trust reopening/creation; PILT funds to seed the account if approved.
•Bring replat back to the Board following required notices and hearings.
•County to allow water-truck dust mitigation practices and request verification of chemical suppressant use if applied.
•Departments to finalize contract execution and provide confirmation of purchases/funding.
•IT to implement cybersecurity scanning and license provisioning.
•Planning & Development to request verification of straw-bale replacement and tree-planting plan.
•Planning to confirm compliance prior to building permits and final plat recordation.
•Prepare formal resolution adopting fee schedule.
•Public Works and CWMA to manage procurement and distribution; Board to be reimbursed by grant funds.
•Public Works to hire surveyor under county contract for legal descriptions; Planning to file replat application.
•Staff to refine towing-rotation language addressing proximity and response-time thresholds.

Dec

December 2025 Commission Minutes

The Board of Bingham County Commissioners met across multiple sessions in December 2025 and handled staff recognitions, staffing and procurement items, multiple planning and land-use hearings (including several Area-of-Impact updates), subdivision approvals, and two contested confined-animal-feeding-operation (CAFO) appeals; commissioners remanded one dairy CUP to Planning & Zoning for additional evidence and approved a separate CAFO expansion with conditions and a 2-1 vote.

Discussion Points

•Ambiguity in 2005 animal unit baseline and whether multiple locations were bundled into 2005 counts.
•AOI adoption does not equal annexation; owners retain appeal rights.
•Board tied approval to proof of compliance and progress reporting and gave the applicant the option to demonstrate improved operations under the new cap.
•Cities and county negotiated AOI boundaries; Firth chose not to maintain an AOI.
•City-wide booster-pump expected to address pressure concerns; developer and city to share costs/reimbursement.
•County staff does not verify on-site headcounts; county relies on applicant-provided counts and State NMPs.
•Lot sizes average ~0.283 acres; five non-buildable open-space lots (storm retention/path) required by code.
•Neighbors reported odor, flies, dust and property-value effects; county sought visible mitigation and enforceable timelines.
•Residency and septic/well limitations and proximity to city sewer/water were central to parcel exclusion requests.
•Rezoning supported by comprehensive-plan designation (Residential/Agriculture).
•Several previously imposed P&Z conditions lack timeframes and enforcement evidence; county can set time limits and require verification.
•State NMPs govern nutrient handling but county land-use conditions can be more restrictive and enforceable at the local level.

Decisions

•Adopt AOI ordinances with targeted parcel removals; codify Firth's choice not to maintain an AOI.
•Approve CUP with reduced animal-unit cap and enforceable mitigation/reporting conditions; dissent filed by Commissioner Jackson.
•Remand application back to Planning & Zoning; applicant to provide requested documentation; P&Z to report back.
•Rezone to Residential and approve preliminary Copper Meadows II plat subject to engineering compliance.

Directions

•Adopt revised ordinances and remove specified parcels.
•Cap animal units at 8,200; applicant must provide NMP updates and receipts/proof of mitigation purchases/implementation.
•Developer to complete engineering, traffic mitigation and city connection coordination before final plat signatures.
•Hold work sessions (county/city/staff) to refine remaining boundary questions, especially around Shelley.
•Remand to P&Z for evidence collection and feasibility analysis.
•Require NMP updates and proof of compliance; add enforceable time frames for outstanding conditions.
•Require verified head counts for 2005 and 2025 by age/size for both dairies.
•Require windbreak berms/trees, documented water-right transfers, and progress reporting and county notification of state inspections.

Nov

November 2025 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met across several regular sessions in November 2025 to hold staff briefings, approve routine claims, consider land-use proposals and subdivisions, adopt an ordinance declaring Rose Ponds a county park, and rehear a conditional-use permit for a private firearms training range with additional safety conditions. Multiple departmental prior approvals and budget/ personnel actions were also approved.

Discussion Points

•Applicant explained parcel history and irrigation ditch status.
•Applicant stated property intended for family residential use and to care for parents.
•BLM requested federal parcels be excluded because those lands are not subject to county jurisdiction under FLPMA.
•Board considered whether statements on the record should be turned into enforceable conditions.
•Board discussed surplus IT inventory and records destruction; inventories attached to minutes.
•Center for Hope requested operating/rental assistance from opioid settlement funds.
•City of Blackfoot pledged matching funds of $12,600.
•Commissioners confirmed lot sizes, septic/well suitability and approach permitting.
•Commissioners Jackson and Jensen stated the designation promotes health, safety and welfare.
•Neighbors argued the prior approval affected safety, enjoyment and property values.
•Staff described the ordinance language and park definition.
•Staff explained designations reflect existing and likely future land uses; the Multi-Use strip follows major corridors.
•Staff noted no irrigation rights and compliance with A/NR lot size.
•Staff requested the budget opening and adjustments for FY2025.

Decisions

•Adopt Planning & Zoning Commission recommendations with explicit exclusions for federal/state lands.
•Comprehensive Plan amendment and Rocky Hollow subdivision approved.
•Comprehensive Plan and Zoning amendments approved; Willowbrook Meadows subdivision approved.
•County approved $12,600 to Center for Hope; City will match.
•Modified conditional-use permit with additional safety/operational conditions; motion passed 2–1.
•Ordinance No. 2025-14 approved to declare Rose Ponds a county park.
•Resolutions 2025-48, 2025-49 and 2025-50 approved; several prior approvals for departmental purchases signed.

Directions

•Exclude federal/state parcels from county designations; update maps.
•Finance to implement budget changes; IT to dispose of surplus per policy; Assessors Office to destroy listed records.
•Planning & Development to add conditions to permit file and monitor compliance.
•Process funding and record match from City of Blackfoot.
•Require Water Users Agreement and Public Works permitting for new approaches.
•Standard platting conditions; access permitting through Public Works.

Oct

October 2025 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met several times in October 2025 to approve warrants and claims, act on personnel and property matters, designate Rose Ponds as a county park, approve multiple resolutions and contracts, deny a road easement adjacent to the archery range, and authorize payments including a $60,000 contribution to the 3B Juvenile Detention center.

Discussion Points

•Board cited overnight camping, waste accumulation and illegal activities as reasons for regulation.
•Chair expressed agreement that a termination clause should be added.
•Chair noted potential to develop access on the north side as an alternative.
•Clerk Eckhardt questioned whether full $124,000 should be paid now and why county was in arrears; Chairman Manwaring asked for staff/daily operating cost breakdown; commissioners discussed regional engagement and partial payment to reduce next year’s liability.
•Engineer quote from Noesis estimated at about $3,000; traffic counts to be included in study.
•Legal counsel confirmed county mining rights on the property; reclamation plans referenced.
•Lessee has FAA approval for the building; counsel flagged statutory language regarding lease term and requested clarifying termination clause.
•Parks staff noted need for ordinance amendment to enable enforcement.
•Proclamation text includes state and local statistics on intimate-partner violence and crisis-center service counts.
•Public requested 4-way stop; a double-fatal crash occurred at the intersection.
•Sheriff Gardner read the proclamation and commissioners signed it.
•Staff reported the archery range had previously had arrows leave the leased area, creating public-safety concerns.

Decisions

•Adopt and sign the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation.
•Adopt Resolution 2025-43 designating Rose Ponds as a county park.
•Approve lease subject to counsel’s revisions.
•Approve payment to 3B Juvenile Detention in the amount of $60,000 for FY2025.
•Authorize warrant study and short-term signage/flags.
•Deny the requested easement through county gravel ponds; offer to work on alternatives.

Directions

•Commissioner Jensen to gather detailed staffing and daily operating cost information from 3B.
•County legal counsel to update lease with termination clause and correct dates; return lease for signature.
•Parks & Recreation will draft enforcement measures and recommended ordinance language for commissioners.
•Planning will assist applicant in seeking alternative access and coordinate with archery-range operators to address safety.
•Public Works to proceed with Noesis Engineering; place flags and temporary signs at intersections pending study results.

Sep

September 2025 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met across several sessions in September 2025 to handle routine county business (claims, personnel, licenses), land use matters including a contested conditional-use permit for a private outdoor firearm range, several planning and public-works actions (road standard amendments, purchases, software contracts), a road vacation request and other administrative items.

Discussion Points

•Applicants proposed a recorded grant of easement to retain access while removing county maintenance obligations.
•Chairman said he had interest in serving but stressed fairness in process; counsel said no statutory bar exists but recusal may be required for pecuniary interest; fair representatives requested clarity and continuity.
•Gregory offered to build and gate a private road and donate/lease 5 acres as a buffer; archery club worried about loss of public access and safety/complaint risk from future homeowners; site is in mapped floodplain; county pond reclamation status unclear.
•GWorks vendor migration cost and two-year cloud pricing triggered discussion of conversion costs to alternate software vendors and the relative benefits of staying with GWorks.
•IT presented renewals and new security platform procurement with funding lines specified.
•Multiple departmental purchase requests and personnel forms were presented across sessions and approved under motions; Clerk reminded departments about comp-time payout procedures.
•Multiple purchases for Road & Bridge and Solid Waste were presented and approved; Scott Road Bridge final acceptance completed May 20, 2025; Baseline Road 404 permit submitted for bridge replacement.
•Noise testing and decibel ranges (63–73 dB) presented by applicant; floodplain and berm placement discussed; sheriff's tactical review noted feasibility; neighbors concerned about livestock, water tank and stray projectiles.
•Public testimony stressed safety and maintenance problems at the gated dead-end; Assessor raised access/assessment concerns for residences beyond the gate.

Decisions

•Approve road vacation and file recorded easement.
•Conditional Use Permit approved with specified conditions (2–1).
•Multiple claims, purchases, licenses and personnel actions were approved (most unanimously).
•No appointment made at this meeting; staff to return with by-laws and a recommended process.
•No final action taken; matter deferred for staff research.
•Resolved to approve road-standard amendment (Res. 2025-37) and GWorks purchase and multiple procurement items.

Directions

•Applicants must place targets outside floodplain, install fencing and signage, clear vegetation as specified, and maintain access for berm service and lead removal.
•Clerk to record resolutions and deeds in county records.
•Departments to execute purchases within approved fund lines and complete personnel onboardings.
•If the board opens the seat, advertise and interview applicants and make appointment consistent with fair by-laws.
•Public Works to report back on implementation and budget impacts.
•Public Works to secure the GWorks contract, implement amended standards in project specs, and proceed with approved equipment purchases.
•Record grant of easement to preserve access; prepare signage and turnaround plan; ensure assessors can access properties.
•Staff to obtain the fair’s by-laws and recommend a documented appointment process and timeline prior to Dec. 15.
•Staff to research county gravel-reclamation status, floodplain implications, and options for recorded covenants or title notices to protect the archery range; return to board with findings.

Jul

July 2025 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met several times in July 2025 to approve claims and ordinances, hear multiple planning and public-works updates, consider Board of Equalization appeals, authorize a countywide open-fire ban, and approve several equipment purchases and intergovernmental agreements.

Discussion Points

•Appellants argued valuations rose ~40% and cited commodity price vs production cost disparity.
•Appraisal staff explained methodology, asset lists and depreciation schedules from the State Tax Commission.
•Board cited extreme dry vegetation and wildfire risk as justification.
•Board had no concerns and approved retention.
•County counsel recommended Givens Pursley for the pending judicial review.
•Idaho Code 42-1207 requires written permission and counsel advised certified-letter documentation.
•Purchases identified specific funds for payment (e.g., weed chemicals from Fund 27-60-630-00).
•Rezoning requests included public hearings and staff review; utility easements reserved where necessary.
•Rockwell has already spent $9,000–$12,000 on project engineering.
•Tractor request for snow removal was placed on hold pending leasing options.
•Transfer station operations were clarified as exempt while DEQ allows operation.

Decisions

•Approved purchases and acceptance; tractor purchase on hold.
•Board provided direction on documentation; no formal waiver given.
•Board upheld values for the listed parcels.
•Hire Givens Pursley and sign the legal-services agreement.
•Multiple ordinances approved and recorded.
•Resolution 2025-24 adopted; burn permits not being issued for agricultural burning during the ban.

Directions

•Assessor to issue written decisions to appellants.
•Legal counsel to proceed with contractual engagement and case coordination.
•Local fire districts authorized to enforce the ban.
•Public Works to proceed with procurement where authorized and record purchases.
•Record ordinances and update zoning maps.
•Rockwell to send certified letters and provide proof of efforts; county to review responses and proceed consistent with code.
•Staff to explore leasing option for tractor.

Jun

June 2025 Commissioner Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met repeatedly between June 9–27, 2025 to conduct routine county business: approve warrants and claims, review departmental budgets, act on land-use applications (ordinances, zone changes, subdivisions), authorize purchases, and approve administrative resolutions including destruction of certain election records.

Discussion Points

•Applicant representative described consolidation of four old town lots into a single buildable lot with community water.
•Board reviewed compatibility with R/A zone criteria (lot size, utility access, road service).
•Clerk explained legal basis and categories of election records eligible for destruction.
•Commissioners confirmed amendments clarify notice, plat submission, short-plat criteria, private access and financial guarantee language.
•Commissioners confirmed funding source as Sheriff Revolving Trust and grant support.
•Commissioners discussed whether prior testimony unduly focused on a gravel pit rather than the zoning amendment.
•Legal counsel reviewed reconsideration standard and evidence limitations.
•Mayor described grant/bond funding and low-income ratepayer concern.
•Planning staff explained how fees/contingency were handled in the engineer's lump sum and what plan-review fees cover.
•Public Works explained items identified as surplus and the statutory disposal authority.
•Sheriff's Office presented OHV safety/enforcement rationale and grant funding context.
•Staff confirmed conformance with subdivision and zoning rules and noted Atomic Water Works connection.
•Staff confirmed ditch company letter and irrigation assessments are in good standing.
•Staff presented proposed code amendments and a summary for public notice.

Decisions

•Comprehensive Plan area changed to R/A and zoning to 'R'; Alax View Estates replat approved.
•Hendricks Hollow final plat approved.
•Ordinance 2025-06 approved and summary authorized for advertisement.
•Penalty fee $35,323 and plan-review fees $7,816.66 waived; future plan-review fees waived for project.
•Prior denial reversed; zoning amendment to A (Agriculture) approved.
•Resolution 2025-20 and Resolution 2025-21 adopted; routine claims, payroll and personnel matters approved on respective dates.
•Two prior-approval purchases approved.

Directions

•County Clerk to implement record-destruction schedule per resolution; Road & Bridge to process surplus items per policy.
•Planning & Development and Legal Counsel to prepare written decision within 60 days.
•Planning & Development to publish summary and make full ordinance available at County Clerk's office.
•Planning & Development to record replat and update county mapping and notify relevant agencies.
•Planning & Development to remove penalty if already charged and document fee waivers; staff to continue coordinating with engineer and city.
•Record plat with notes documenting irrigation and access; update county records.
•Sheriff to procure equipment and comply with grant reporting.

May

May 2025 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met several times in May 2025 to approve routine claims and personnel actions, consider land‑use applications including a controversial SLT Properties rezone (denied), review a proposed ambulance‑district insurance policy, and discuss environmental sampling at the Ridgestreet Landfill. Multiple infrastructure purchases and subdivision/plat actions were also handled.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued the site should expand existing M1 zoning and cited soil testing and adjacency to M1.
•Assessor explained the mutual data‑sharing benefits for valuations.
•Board asked staff to gather data and requested ICRMP prepare a proposed policy and premium estimate.
•ICRMP counsel explained legal separation of Ambulance District from county and associated coverage risk.
•Introduction of environmental consultants and DEQ technical participation.
•Legal Counsel confirmed there were no legal objections to the draft contract.
•Many nearby residents and City of Shelley officials opposed the change citing traffic, sewer and compatibility concerns.
•Multiple personnel actions discussed in executive session and approved publicly following session.
•Planning staff noted portions already zoned M1 but disagreement remained on whether expansion met comprehensive plan criteria.
•Presentation of Phase II sampling objectives and responsible agencies.
•Routine departmental updates and justification for purchases (road maintenance, parks upkeep).

Decisions

•Board approved creating a stand‑alone policy with a minimum premium of $2,734.00.
•Claims and personnel forms approved; multiple prior‑approval purchases authorized; tax exemptions approved.
•Comprehensive Plan Map amendment and zoning change denied; Planning & Zoning Commission denial upheld.
•Contract approved and signed.
•No vote or funding decision recorded; further coordination requested.

Directions

•Assessor’s office to execute contract and begin data sharing.
•County Legal Counsel to notify applicant of reconsideration and judicial review options; Planning to record the Board Reason & Decision.
•Departments to implement purchases and report back on completion; HR to post Building Inspector position with amended pay range.
•ICRMP to draft policy language and present to Board; County Clerk to coordinate data collection.
•Planning for data use during next valuation cycle.
•Staff to coordinate further with DEQ and SICOG and return with a workplan or funding request if needed.

Mar

March 2025 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met across multiple sessions March 3–28, 2025 to conduct routine staff briefings, department updates, numerous prior-approval purchases, tax-exemption hearings, subdivision and zoning actions, and to authorize a temporary ambulance-district override levy election. The Board also denied a proposed GeoBitmine lease and set remediation deadlines for county land.

Discussion Points

•Assessor noted some parcels have mixed uses and partial exemptions (e.g., medical office leased to third parties).
•Board discussed paying for the sweepers from reserves and confirmed PWA approvals.
•Building Maintenance proposed remodeling the basement room to improve staff workspace and comply with fire/HVAC standards.
•Clerk Eckhardt explained PILT receipts (~$900,000 annually) and the insufficiency of current ambulance capital contributions.
•Commissioners raised concerns about past lien activity, small parcel size, floodplain mitigation costs and county involvement in a major commercial venture.
•Eckhardt proposed options to increase capital contributions and to research whether ambulances should be titled to the Ambulance District or the County.
•GeoBitmine described a six‑megawatt greenhouse using the site well and existing well rights; company said water need ~2 million gallons/year for a 3‑acre greenhouse.
•IT needs for imaging and system management justified annual renewals and hardware replacements.
•One newly filed parcel LR1296602 was added this year and requires further legal review before grant of full exemption.
•Postal service arrangement (PO Boxes) and water availability from Grimmett Ditch Water Company were discussed.
•Public Works reported flood damage and road closures; local sandbag distribution available.
•Staff explained ditch burial requirements trigger for parcels under one acre and the cost to bury the ditch would have been approximately $80,000.
•The Board discussed the public‑perception risk of county involvement in commercial projects and the need for a rotating replacement schedule for ambulances.

Decisions

•Adopted Resolution 2025-10 donating 2008 Subaru Forester to City of Blackfoot.
•Adopted Resolution 2025-12 changing sales tax distribution.
•Adopted Resolution 2025-13 to call a temporary override election.
•Approved DocuWare renewal, computer purchases and RMM/MDM; approved basement remodel up to $33,000; approved travel for building staff to IML training.
•Approved sweepers, mobile morgue paving and MAG chloride purchase; approved LILB utility waivers.
•Approved the bulk of tax‑exempt applications; deferred specific parcel for later review.
•Denied GeoBitmine lease request.
•Extended remediation deadline to April 15 and required progress update by April 10.
•Uphold Murkwood Subdivision approval; allow Lot 4 sub‑one‑acre exception in C1 zone.

Directions

•Applicants to provide verification from ditch company and complete approach permits before final plat is recorded.
•Civil Counsel to review LR1296602 (new urgent‑care parcel) and advise the Board.
•Clerk to prepare ballot resolution and materials for May 20, 2025 election.
•Clerk to research ambulance district levy mechanics and title/insurance questions with County Civil Attorney.
•Contractor Edge Construction to provide remediation schedule; GeoBitmine to provide any signed contracts and conditional lien releases.
•GeoBitmine to remove equipment and remediate parcel to farm ground; county staff to monitor removal.
•IT to proceed with renewals and purchasing; Building Maintenance to proceed with remodel and coordinate funding transfers if necessary.
•Public Works to schedule paving and equipment delivery.
•Road & Bridge to publish noxious‑weed notices and continue landfill testing.

Feb

February 2025 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Commissioners held regular sessions and staff meetings through February 2025 covering department updates, multiple land‑use hearings, procurement approvals, tax/exemption decisions and contentious discussions about the expired GeoBitmine lease with a limited extension granted to remove equipment. Major approvals included subdivision plats (H&M, Bishop Estates, North River Estates), a zoning change for an RV repair/rental business, several Public Works equipment purchases, and an Agriculture Protection Area ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Comparative cost between individual wells and water district connection; DEQ septic/pathogen evaluation concerns if lots rely on septic; developer's plan and Comprehensive Plan consistency.
•Compatibility with Multi‑Use corridor vs. adjacent residential neighborhood; traffic/safety at Hwy 39/600 W; whether the business model would create more traffic than a residence.
•County code mirrors state statutes; Idaho Code prohibits sales on certain days and sets hours; options include county resolution or voter initiative.
•Directions to finalize purchases once inspections and budget transfers occur.
•Law enforcement voiced concerns about extending hours to 2:00 a.m. due to DUI risk and staffing.
•Need for civil coverage during recruitment; candidate with INL clearance and background‑check waiver request; salary step adjustments to address compaction.
•Pressurized irrigation, cistern sizing and wet well mechanics for fire suppression; canal access and sand removal; private easement maintenance issues.
•Rationale for fleet replacements, funding from reserves, inspection contingencies and trade‑in values; need to maintain winter operations.
•Records listed were within statutorily allowable destruction windows; multiple religious, charitable and educational exemption requests met statutory criteria.
•Repeated missed extension deadlines, unpaid contractor lien later resolved, unpermitted structures in floodplain, lack of insurance and unresolved investor/funding questions raised by commissioners and staff.
•Vendor demonstrations and comparisons; retention/record‑keeping concerns flagged by Legal; budget funding from capital until budget opens.

Decisions

•Approval of Bishop Estates with Planning & Zoning conditions plus water connection requirement.
•Approve N. Paul Rogers LLC contract and permit salary step offers for deputies.
•Approve three‑year Samsara contract at $22,272/year.
•Approve trucks, paver (post‑inspection) and maintenance parts.
•Conditional approval with 8‑ft apron and easement recording requirements.
•Limited extension to March 30, 2025 granted; insurance deadline established.
•No ordinance change at this meeting; request for legal options recorded.
•Resolutions and exemptions approved.
•Rezoning approved with conditions; 2‑1 vote.

Directions

•Clerk and Assessor to execute destruction and exemption updates and maintain documentation.
•Conditions attached (fence, cap of 10 RVs, shop repairs only) to mitigate impacts.
•Contract for civil services approved; Prosecutor to proceed with hiring offers and salary adjustments as authorized.
•GeoBitmine must deliver certificate of liability insurance by Feb. 7, 2025; county staff to verify permits/floodplain compliance before further approvals.
•Legal counsel to research options and return with specifics on any potential ordinance or resolution paths.
•Proceed with Samsara contract; Public Works and Legal to finalize retention policy before activation.
•Public Works authorized to sign contracts after inspection; funds to be moved from reserves once the budget opens.
•Require connection to Groveland Water & Sewer District due to comparable per‑lot cost and public health considerations.
•Require paved apron and formalized easement access for maintenance; developer to coordinate cistern/tank specifications with fire district.

Jan

January 2025 Commission Minutes

Bingham County Commissioners met multiple times in January 2025 to adopt an ordinance clarifying public‑hearing procedures, approve leases and development actions, resolve a court-ordered Idaho Power tax refund, award a micro‑surfacing materials contract, and address several planning, public‑works and personnel items.

Discussion Points

•Board approved award and authorized contract signing.
•Board discussed centralizing cellular service to improve records access and directed IT to study options and collect departmental inventories.
•Board reviewed status of GeoBitmine lease and directed counsel to terminate due to issues not detailed in minutes.
•Clerk Eckhardt recommended rates aligned with state increases and described exception procedures.
•Commissioner Jensen recused because he served on the Planning & Zoning Commission when the item was considered.
•Commissioners agreed to the update and adopted the resolution.
•Commissioners deliberated briefly and approved the ordinance.
•Commissioners raised procurement and budget questions and asked IT to gather competitive quotes and funding options.
•Fourth Judicial District order lowered Idaho Power's valuations for 2020–2022; county obligation totals $427,520.78.
•Irrigation work remains to be inspected for Division 2; $1,080 held until verified.
•IT identified inadequate electrical capacity and recommended a comprehensive upgrade to avoid prolonged outages.
•Lessee and staff reviewed pump, filter and mainline conditions and responsibilities; lessee agreed to add a personal lock; county will add a CAT lock.
•Lessee responsible for remediating any chemical or fertilizer spills and for removing personal property within 60 days of lease end or forfeit it to the county.
•No members of the public offered testimony in favor, neutral or opposed.
•Planning Director Tiffany Olsen presented the proposed text changes and explained retention and testimony standards.
•Planning recommended clarifying language for subdivisions to follow county Road Standards Manual and ensure safe access.
•Proposed changes align mailbox placement with USPS guidance and county road standards.
•Public Works inspected roads and found improvements substantially complete for both divisions.
•Public Works verified road construction met county standards and recommended acceptance.
•Sealed bids opened and read aloud; staff to verify bid compliance and award to lowest responsive bidder.
•Treasurer proposed paying one year and crediting the balance to avoid a single large cash outflow for taxing districts.

Decisions

•Amendments approved unanimously.
•Award to VSS International approved; road application contract executed.
•Direction to legal counsel issued; formal termination letter to be prepared.
•Final plat approved; roads accepted; partial satisfaction executed.
•Five‑year lease approved; county to fund specified pre‑season inspections
•Mixed payment/credit approach approved.
•Ordinance 2025‑01 adopted and recorded as Instrument #767451
•Partial satisfactions approved; funds returned subject to verification.
•Quotes requested for full server‑room upgrade; analysis of county cell plan authorized.
•Resolution 2025-06 adopted; mileage $0.50/mile; per‑diem set at $55.

Directions

•Clerk to update forms and notify departments; supervisors to approve exceptions as needed.
•Department heads to prepare lists of phones and indicate transfer of numbers or stipend continuation.
•IT to solicit bids for the full power upgrade and return with cost estimates and funding options.
•Legal counsel to draft and send termination notice to GeoBitmine.
•Planning & Development to publish ordinance and update administrative procedures.
•Planning & Development to verify irrigation completion and release held funds when conditions are met.
•Public Works and Planning to update application materials and advise developers/designers.
•Public Works to finalize contracting and schedule micro‑surfacing work.
•Public Works to record road dedications and update county maps.
•Public Works to schedule pump/filter work and to verify mainlines in spring.
•Treasurer and Clerk to draft explanatory letter for taxing districts.
•Treasurer to pay $135,683.90 by check; remaining balance to be credited to Idaho Power's 2025 tax account.

Dec

December 2024 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met multiple times in December 2024 to handle routine staff updates, road and public-works actions, land and lease decisions, procurement approvals, and a contested commercial lease extension request from GeoBitmine. Key outcomes included a 90-day lease extension for GeoBitmine, approval of bridge easements, acceptance of a private road into the county system, and several procurement and personnel actions.

Discussion Points

•Applicant completed chip seal and fog seal and confirmed payment of required fees.
•Appointment of an interim Building Official was discussed with HR and ICRMP guidance.
•County legal counsel to draft a 90‑day extension addendum with prorated rent and insurance conditions.
•Current lessee offered first right of refusal but did not match highest bid.
•Design standards required speed‑limit reduction near 1450 N Bridge to meet vertical curve/driveway grade standards.
•GeoBitmine must provide investor Letters of Intent and evidence of financial backing.
•Long‑service recognitions for staff in magistrate and probation were presented.
•Multiple elevation certificates, engineered designs and a right‑of‑way permit are required for structures and electrical equipment.
•Multiple IT renewals and purchases were presented and approved to maintain cybersecurity and infrastructure.
•Public Works previously surveyed the private road and outlined improvements required to meet county standards.
•Road openings are weather dependent and staff will post notice and advertise.
•Sealed bids opened included $150/acre and $260/acre offers.
•Surveyor requested deed corrections (acreage, grantee name) for LHTAC documents.

Decisions

•90‑day lease extension approved; longer lease or purchase contingent on completion of required items.
•Interim appointment approved; American Legion taxes excused; IT purchases approved.
•Lease awarded to highest bidder (T.C. Mickelsen) and new lease language to be prepared.
•LHTAC offers approved pending edits; Resolution 2024‑46 adopted to re‑open roads and later Resolution 2024‑49 adopted to close roads for winter.
•Validation and acceptance approved; county to assume maintenance responsibility following receipt of documentation.

Directions

•Applicant to provide warranty documentation from paving contractor; remove/relocate large rocks near shoulder to protect snow‑plow operations.
•Assessor/Clerk to process tax relief and instruct the American Legion to submit an exemption application for future years.
•GeoBitmine must submit required documents by deadlines listed (prorated rent and insurance by 1/1/2025; remaining items by 3/31/2025).
•HR and Planning to finalize interim appointment documentation and training plan for permanent hire.
•Implement speed limit reduction on 1450 N as part of bridge project design.
•Legal counsel to draft updated lease with clearer lessee responsibilities for equipment and sublease approvals.
•Planning staff to coordinate with Registered Design Professional and hydrology engineer Gerald Williams.
•Public Works to forward corrections to LHTAC and obtain landowner negotiations if needed.

Nov

November 2024 Commission Minutes

Regular sessions of the Bingham County Board of Commissioners across November 2024 covering routine claims and personnel approvals, road-standards and subdivision actions, GeoBitmine site and lease issues, public-safety contracts and equipment purchases, planning-code amendments, and the county'9s canvass of the Nov. 5 general election.

Discussion Points

•A mechanics lien (about $316,000) was placed by Crescent Supply Services; Precision Electrical may owe the balance.
•Board agreed changes address citizen concerns about the prior approach standards.
•Board preferred Ram 2500 package due to operational needs.
•Board reviewed metrics and expressed appreciation for elections staff assistance.
•Center for Hope requested opioid-abatement funds to pay one-year lease and support outreach.
•County asked City of Blackfoot to participate; Mayor Carroll expressed willingness to contribute.
•County needs corrected Elevation Certificates, floodwall engineering, stair/floodwall detail and updated site plans for final inspection.
•Elections Supervisor presented precinct-by-precinct results and turnout statistics.
•Funding lines identified for each purchase.
•GeoBitmine reported three investment offers and ownership transfer of onsite equipment to Rocky Mountain Power.
•Legal counsel explained the Board's role as an on-the-record reviewer and the remand mechanism for additional evidence.
•Options for transport vehicle and equipment presented by Coroner.
•Planning staff presented the final plat and record of survey.
•Public hearing held; one member of the public raised concerns about time limits for testimony.
•Public Works presented technical verbiage for approach spacing, width and grade.
•Public Works recommended acceptance of roads after confirming standards compliance.
•Sheriff's Office presented need for radio renewal coverage and training ammo.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2024-40; repeal prior Approach Standards; amend Road Standards Manual.
•Board adopted the Planning & Zoning Commission-recommended amendments.
•Board approved split of $19,200 lease ($9,600 county) and $2,500 for outreach; funding from Fund 49-00-559-00.
•Both procurements approved by the Board.
•Canvass approved and signed.
•Final plat approved and county accepted and dedicated 330 N. Marlow Loop (Resolution 2024-39).
•No final Certificate of Occupancy or lease renewal until the listed documentation and lien resolution occurs.
•Purchase approved as presented.

Directions

•Charge purchases to designated fund lines.
•Clerk to file the canvass and maintain public records as required by law.
•Coroner to proceed with procurement and equipment installation.
•County share to be paid from Opioid Abatement Account; city to contribute matching lease share.
•Enforcement via Public Works permitting processes.
•Execute service contract renewal and place ammo order.
•Finance to charge PILT fund per prior approval.
•GeoBitmine to provide written confirmation of Rocky Mountain Power equipment ownership, updated site plans, floodwall engineering and final Elevation Certificates.
•GeoBitmine to pursue daily progress on curing the lien and provide a lease renewal intent letter by month-end.
•Planning to publish adopted text and update hearing materials and notices.
•Public Works to incorporate changes into Road Standards Manual and publish.
•Recordation of final plat and update county records and maps.
•Staff to coordinate disbursement and invoicing.
•Staff to follow new timelines and transcript procedures in future hearings.

Oct

October 2024 Commission Minutes

The Bingham County Board of Commissioners met multiple times in October 2024 to approve routine warrants, personnel actions and licenses, adopt ordinances and resolutions, approve several subdivisions, authorize multiple IT and infrastructure purchases, and address ongoing project concerns and permitting for the GeoBitmine data center lease site. Commissioners also approved payments for 911/communications upgrades and allowed limited power/internet at the GeoBitmine site for security while unresolved right-of-way, floodplain and lease issues remain.

Discussion Points

•A Claim of Lien for $312,153.40 was filed by Precision Electrical Services; GeoBitmine said vendors were paid and will investigate.
•Applicant representatives said they would perform soil and well sampling regardless of whether the Board imposed a condition.
•Application meets Agriculture-zone standards due to lot size and continued farming use.
•Bingham Crisis Center reported 406 people served in 2023 with a range of services and bed nights.
•County discovered an unapproved secondary electrical cabinet placed in the right-of-way; ownership of the primary vault is disputed between GeoBitmine and utility providers.
•DEQ commented that historical septage application required documentation and sampling to confirm no long-term impacts.
•Domestic violence affects all demographics; 2023 Idaho law-enforcement reports totaled 5,940 incidents.
•Funding allocation plan: $200,000 PILT, $75,000 911 FY2024 and remainder FY2025.
•GeoBitmine performed limited electrical/fan testing but county staff said no equipment should operate until flood protection and CO are in place.
•Grant accounting: $279,000 received; $178,076 paid; $101,182.29 remaining.
•OpenGov invoice originally budgeted to IT was approved to be paid from Planning & Development after staff review.
•Pure Storage quote reduced by vendor discount; purchase will be split between IT capital accounts.
•Surveyor-required plat changes are technical and necessary before final plat recordation.
•The Industrial Development Corporation had not met since 2013 and per Idaho Code dissolution requires fund transfer.
•The ordinance implements statutory dissolution and transfer procedures.
•VMware and Veeam renewals were approved to support new storage and backup architecture.

Decisions

•Adopted Ordinance 2024-07 dissolving the public corporation.
•Approved final Vesta grant payment; approved funding plan for radio tower upgrades.
•Approved H & M Estates with a single technical condition.
•Approved preliminary plat subject to Public Health notification.
•Approved Pure Storage purchase ($207,714.20) and approved OpenGov, ClearGov, VMware and Veeam purchases/renewals.
•Limited internet and power allowed for security cameras only; full operation requires Certificate of Occupancy and flood protection.
•Proclamation read and signed; officials urged community support for victims and service providers.

Directions

•Applicant to make plat changes per Surveyor.
•Clerk to process payments and ensure grant funds are used first.
•Clerk to record ordinance and transfer remaining funds as required.
•County to coordinate weekly status meetings and confirm whether Rocky Mountain Power will accept meter ownership.
•Finance to include balance in FY2025 budget.
•Finance to post purchases to approved fund lines and report reconciliations.
•GeoBitmine to provide engineered flood-wall/curb plans, elevation certificates and updated site plan.
•IT to deploy hardware and migrate backups to Veeam.
•Notify Southeastern Idaho Public Health and require applicant sampling data prior to final plat approval.
•Planning & Development to verify plat prior to final recording.

Sep

September 2024 Commission Minutes

A series of Bingham County Commissioners meetings in September 2024 covered routine claims and personnel actions, multiple procurement approvals (IT, public works, sheriff), two subdivision approvals from Planning & Zoning, election preparations for Nov. 5, and several community-support decisions (food pantry, senior center roof).

Discussion Points

•Ballot quantities set to 100% of registration due to anticipated turnout
•Irrigation shares and septic monitoring requirements for South Thompson Lane
•IT replacement of discontinued Cisco hardware; preference for Extreme Networks switches
•Multiple Road & Bridge purchases to support seasonal maintenance
•No polling-location changes; ballot-on-demand for early voting
•Operational benefits of scheduling software and forensic tool
•Optional slats for fence pending Planning & Zoning review
•Variance justification for Estella Estates (existing approach and limited traffic)
•Zoning and relocation options for impound lot

Decisions

•All listed purchases authorized by motion
•Cellebrite, Pace Scheduler, rekeying, and vehicle lease payments approved
•Plats approved; variance granted for Estella Estates
•Polling locations approved; ballot numbers set at 100%

Directions

•Applicants informed of appeals process
•Elections to implement ballot-on-demand and early voting schedule
•Proceed with purchases with stated fund coding
•Purchase approvals charged to departmental funds as recorded
•Staff to record conditions and monitor compliance

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