Commissioners Announcements

In response to the Valley County Road Advisory Board Resignation Letter:

The Valley County Board of County Commissioners (VCBOCC) would like to thank the members of the Valley County Road Advisory Board (VCRAB) for their dedicated volunteer hours and diligence in providing recommendations for improvements within the Valley County Road Department (VCRD). Your diligence, thoughtfulness, and commitment to finding solutions has been invaluable.

As the VCBOCC, we, as you note in your letter, were pleased to adopt all formal recommendations from the advisory board. Not only did we adopt the recommendations, but we also worked to ensure full implementation. However, implementation is not always a straight line, there are many factors at play, and we feel this is where we must address some of the misconceptions outlined in your recent resignation letter to the VCBOCC. 

First, the statement that the VCBOCC did not engage with the VCRAB before moving forward to “commit significant taxpayer funds for the construction of a new [road] facility” is misleading. Perhaps most significantly, the construction of the proposed Gold Dust Road Department Facility is part of a larger Master Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan that impacts not only the Road Department, but every county department, and due to the availability of one-time federal funding, no taxpayer dollars will be used to construct it. The VCBOCC used the recommendations of this extensive planning document, which included significant input from the community, to make this decision. 

Furthermore, the Master Facilities Plan was developed over the course of thirteen months and included input from many sources – public surveys, research and recommendations by a citizens committee, economic data, and research into available funding sources. This information was collected and consolidated by a neutral third-party vendor, Clearwater Financial, who then made recommendations. This in no way diminishes the recommendations made by the VCRAB. Rather, it includes those recommendations and adds to the broader scope and planning process we must consider in our service, especially our fiduciary service, to the citizens of Valley County. 

Second, the statement that “the VCBOCC elected to not engage the VCRAB in review of the recently adopted transportation plan” assumes that there was never an opportunity to engage in this planning process. That is false. Valley County contracted with our engineering firm, Parametrix, to develop an impartial Master Transportation Plan. Public meetings were held, and public comment was asked for and received as part of this planning process. Our role as the VCBOCC was to request that all citizens have an opportunity to weigh in on the planning process. As citizens, that participation extended to all board members of the VCRAB.  

Third, the conclusion of the VCRAB that “underperforming administration and leadership within the VCRD is the reason the department is experiencing persistent performance and customer service failures” is a charge the VCBOCC takes very seriously. As such, we have worked with our Human Resources Director to craft a new Road Department Engineer position who will oversee this division. In fact, we currently have an offer out to a qualified candidate and we hope to announce this new addition to our team soon. 

That said, while the VCRAB provided findings about personnel and the VCBOCC took those under advisement, it is the policy of the VCBOCC to never divulge personnel issues with anyone outside of the employee themselves and our HR Director. From the outside, that may seem like no action is being taken. In reality, it is simply that we do not publicize or discuss these personnel matters. 

And finally, the assertion that the VCBOCC has failed to “adequately perform their oversite function via full implementation of the recommendations they adopted” is simply false. The VCBOCC understands that it may be frustrating to not see every recommendation implemented immediately, but that does not mean a concerted effort is not being made to see those recommendations come to fruition. To suggest otherwise is disrespectful and undermines the hard work of countless employees and elected officials. This resignation letter would suggest the members of the VCRAB feel those kind of assumptions being made on their own work and would understand how hurtful that can be. 

While we as the VCBOCC will accept the resignation of the VCRAB, we hope that in future, this can serve as a great lesson in communication. There are often reasonable explanations and factors that may be unknown between parties and we would invite anyone – a committee member, board member, employee, or citizen – to reach out with questions. Let’s have a discussion. Let’s not jump straight to a public resignation letter. We know there are mistakes made, that implementation may not have happened as swiftly as we would have all preferred, but the intent of the VCBOCC, the Road Department staff, and the VCRAB members has always been, and will continue to be, to provide the best possible service we can to Valley County. 

Respectfully,

The Valley County Board of County Commissioners

[Read the Road Advisory Board Resignation Letter by clicking here]

Valley County officials are in the process of negotiating the final terms of a purchase and sale agreement to acquire the property often referred to as the AmeriTitle building, at 700 S. Main Street, in downtown Cascade. The nearly 13,000-square-foot building could accommodate much of the immediate and future space needs cited for a future County Courthouse in the County’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP) adopted last year.

A new 38,000-square-foot Courthouse was determined to be the second facility priority in the County MFP. Even after minor remodeling and refurbishing to meet the needs and requirements for a public entity, the $3.3 million acquisition of the AmeriTitle building could save the County $15 to 20 million over the cost of constructing a future Courthouse expansion.

Commissioner Sherry Maupin said “The facilities plan identified sub-standard office spaces for our employees. Many are in offices with no windows and needed ventilation. This will allow a better work environment for our County team.”

“The Master Facilities Plan, adopted last year, quantified our future space needs,” said County Clerk Doug Miller. “Knowing that, we can confidently take advantage of this opportunity that will allow us to continue to serve our community at a reduced cost to taxpayers.”

County Treasurer Johanna DeFoort added “With the Comprehensive Financial Plan, also adopted last year, we’re already on a path to fund needed future facilities. This opportunity allows us to address space needs in a fiscally responsible way.” She pointed out that “not only will this save the County millions of dollars in capital costs, it will also partially mitigate the need to lease temporary facilities, easing the burden on residents seeking services as well as employees.”

The County Prosecutor’s Office already leases space in the AmeriTitle building, having run out of room in the existing Courthouse. The County will continue to seek alternative space to fill immediate needs in the event an agreement cannot be reached with the seller, a Nevada limited liability corporation.

The first update to the Master Facilities and Comprehensive Financial Plans will take place in spring of 2024 and will continue annually going forward.

Cascade, Idaho – As the year draws to a close, the Valley County Commissioners want to take a moment to reflect on the significant milestones and achievements that have shaped 2023. From planning projects to community initiatives, new personnel to infrastructure upgrades, the county has navigated challenges and celebrated successes throughout the year.

Major planning projects included the completion of the Master Facilities and Comprehensive Financial Plan. The proactive planning documents are the result of a year-long process that included physical facility assessments, stakeholder interviews, several facility scenario options, a County-wide public survey, and review and input from a Citizens Committee. The Plans provide current and future officials with a framework to guide decisions surrounding County facilities and associated financial policies and budgetary allocations.

In addition, the Waterways Management Plan adopted in 2022 won the Idaho APA (American Planning Association) Award for Outstanding Plan. This planning document continues to be vital to making decisions about our local waterways. 

Paired with these formal planning documents, Commissioners and staff continue to work on important community initiatives including housing, broadband, and childcare. Commissioners participated in a national housing initiative that brought representatives from across the country together to share ideas and work to find solutions to housing challenges. The county is also actively involved in the West Central Mountains Fiber Network Taskforce, which is working to secure accessible, affordable broadband internet service in Valley County. There has also been a large focus on early childhood development in 2023, and specific focus on increasing the availability of childcare. While these challenges are ongoing, there has been movement this year on finding pathways toward viable solutions. 

In addition to these key community initiatives, Commissioners continue to be actively involved in local, regional, and statewide organizations, sitting on boards including Central District Health, the Idaho Workforce Council, the Waterways Committee, the Fair Board, the West Central Mountains Housing Trust, the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council, EMS/LEPC/911 Council, as well as State level Councils for Idaho Association of Counties and National Association of Counties.

On the personnel front, Valley County has added invaluable team members in 2023. A new Sheriff, Kevin Copperi, was sworn into office on June 30, 2023, as outgoing Sheriff Patti Bolen retired. The County also welcomed nine community members to serve on the inaugural year of the Recreation Advisory Committee. The Committee commenced in February 2023, and meets monthly to help guide important recreation decisions about amenities, infrastructure, and impacts throughout the county. 

This year the Commissioners also approved several new positions at the county including a third building inspector to help the growing construction demand in Valley County and a new Wildfire Mitigation Manager position charged with focusing on wildfire prevention efforts in the area. 

2023 also brought three appointments to serve on the newly reorganized Valley Countywide EMS District. The previous EMS district had been overseen by the Valley County Commissioners. Under the new structure, three independent appointees will now oversee EMS activities and funding for Valley County. Commissioners Dr. Doug Irvine, Ron Julian, and Travis Smith were officially sworn in on December 4, 2023. 

Valley County infrastructure also had some major improvements this year. The Recycling Center saw a brand new baler purchased and a new roof installed. A the Transfer Site, the county transitioned from burning woody biomass to grinding it, a process that has much less environmental impact. And finally, this December a new Road Department Facility was approved. This new facility will be built off of Gold Dust Lane. This is the first major project to result from the recommendations of the Master Facilities Plan adopted in the fall of 2023. 

We are excited about the work completed in 2023 and look forward to continuing efforts into the next year. 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Each year the University of Idaho Extension offices create an annual county situation statement to understand and access secondary data to make sure we understand and are serving the most recent demographic and economic trends in the region. The UI Extension offices also utilize a local advisory council to ensure local programs meet relevant community needs. 

This document shares a lot of highly valuable information - from demographics to fire risk to educational opportunities to agriculture and more. 

Read the full report here: Valley County Situation Statement 2023

On October 23, 2023, Valley County Commissioners approved a long-range Master Facilities Plan (MFP) and accompanying Comprehensive Financial Plan (CFP) to ensure facilities and resources are in place to serve residents as the County continues to grow. The proactive planning documents are the result of a year-long process that included physical facility assessments, stakeholder interviews, several facility scenario options, a County-wide public survey, and review and input from a Citizens Committee. The Plans provide current and future officials with a framework to guide decisions surrounding County facilities and associated financial policies and budgetary allocations.

In addition to existing facility assessments, the MFP process included evaluation of current and projected future space needs and service delivery. A demographic report was prepared to estimate population growth as well as anticipated development and where future development is likely to occur throughout the County over the next 15 to 20 years. The initial phase of the process also included interviews with County officials and staff, city officials, business and civic leaders, and other community stakeholders to ensure accuracy of growth projections and unveil potential partnerships and resources that could be shared for greater efficiencies.

The facility scenarios were developed to accommodate delivery of future services while prioritizing immediate space needs, requirements for public facilities, preservation of viable facilities, service delivery efficiencies, and cost-effectiveness.

The MFP highlights development of the County’s Gold Dust site, located in Cascade, as the top facility priority. The 40-acre site will accommodate relocation of the County Road Department, constrained by work environment conditions and limited space for vehicle and equipment repair at its current location near the Fairgrounds. Relocation of the Road Department will provide additional Fairgrounds parking to accommodate large events.

A portion of the Gold Dust site may be sold to Idaho Power, which would generate funds to offset Road Department relocation costs. In addition, prioritizing the Gold Dust project will allow the County to utilize federal American Rescue Plan Act funds which must be committed to a specific project by 2024. A 38,000-square-foot addition to the County Courthouse is listed as the second priority project. The Courthouse currently houses several Departments that provide multiple services to County residents. Other than the Gold Dust project, there are no immediate facility projects anticipated in the next 12 months.

The accompanying CFP forecasts future revenues and expenses and provides budgetary guidance to ensure future implementation of the MFP.

The final Plans and all related documents can be found on the County’s website: https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/ClerkAuditorRecorder/MasterFacilitiesPlan

Commissioners Sign Resolution Under the Americans With Disabilities Act

Valley County Board of Commissioners heard recommendations from the Master Facilities and Comprehensive Financial Plan Citizens Committee at its regular Monday afternoon meeting. Commissioners were also presented with results from a Courthouse visitor survey. 

Lindsey Harris, Executive Director of the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council, represented the seven-member Citizens Committee. Made up of a diverse group of volunteers representing all areas of the County, the Committee provided County leaders with valuable review and feedback.

Harris highlighted the five-month process which included five months of collaborative meetings, in-person and video facility tours, review of building assessment findings and future facility scenario options, along with preferred scenario exercises. The Committee’s recommendation letter recognized the Board for undertaking this important, proactive effort that “will ensure continuous delivery of public services as the County grows and evolves.”

The top recommendations included: 1) issue a Request For Proposal for the design of new Roads Department building at the County-owned Gold Dust site, 2) negotiate a sale for a portion of the Gold Dust site to Idaho Power for a future substation, 3) move forward with a Courthouse Complex design, 4) partner with the Fair Board and other community entities and organization to initiate a Master Plan process for the Fairgrounds site, and 5) plan for expansion at the McCall Annex.

County Treasurer Johanna Defoort said the process was initiated to address County growth with a focus on providing services in a single location through a financially responsible, long-term solution rather than spending on multiple, short-term, band-aid fixes.

Commissioner Maupin expressed concern about delivery of services during construction. Defoort said preventing disruption of services was discussed with the Campus Planning Committee, adding that another location had been considered, but the cost was significantly higher. The Campus Planning Committee suggested temporary solutions including portable trailers in parking lot areas and leasing space in town. “The Committee concluded that it would be difficult, but it would be doable.”

Cameron Arial of Clearwater Financial, the consultant Master Facilities and Comprehensive Financial Plan, added “one of the main tenets of the process—a fiscal conservative approach” led to the preferred scenario. Discussions with internal employees revealed they are willing to endure some short-term pain for the best, long-term solution for the County.

The Master Facilities Plan recommendations represent the culmination of nearly ten months of work by County officials, staff, consultants, and the Citizens Committee. To-date, work has included existing site and facility assessments and operational analyses, stakeholder interviews, needs forecasts, and several proposed scenario solutions and cost estimates to address immediate space needs, ensure compliance with public facility requirements, and meet future facility needs. Subsequent to Monday’s Board direction, consultants will finalize the Comprehensive Financial Plan, a strategic document that incorporates revenue and expense forecasts and recommended solutions to ensure funding for future service delivery, implementation of the Master Facilities Plan, and ongoing operations and maintenance of capital assets.

The Board also received results of a Courthouse facility survey. A total of 269 responded to the survey released in April. Hard copy surveys were available at Departments housed at the Courthouse, and the survey was promoted on the City’s website and social media. The survey gathered visitor and employee feedback regarding facility needs and conditions. Residents represented approximately 70 percent of responses; employees, 20 percent; and businesses and visitors, the remaining 10 percent. Overall conditions were rated as fair. Common challenges identified included inadequate, dated spaces; security requirements for entry; and accessibility. Employees identified Wi-Fi and other technological challenges.

Next Steps

Following Monday’s direction from the Board of Commissioners, consultants will refine the Comprehensive Financial Plan to guide long-term strategies to meet the prioritized facility needs. The Board will hear final Comprehensive Financial Plan recommendations this fall.

Additional information on the Master Facilities and Comprehensive Financial Plan process and links to all related documents can be found on the City’s website: https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/ClerkAuditorRecorder/MasterFacilitiesPlan.

Cascade, Idaho – The County’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP) and Comprehensive Financial Plan (CFP) process is entering its final stages. While previous work has centered around future physical needs and improvements, the final phase will recommend financial strategies to implement priorities identified in the MFP.

Consultant Clearwater Financial is completing several analyses to guide long-term financial decisions and annual budgets to ensure resources are in place for future facility and operational needs to provide consistent delivery of public services.

The CFP process begins with analysis of historical revenues and expenses and current County banking and investment policies to establish a baseline used to model future financial forecasts. Final forecasts will incorporate available and estimated revenues and anticipated expenses to develop annual net income projections. The final CFP will recommend financial strategies to address future revenues or potential shortfalls that may need to be overcome to meet prioritized facility needs.

“To develop accurate net income forecasts, it’s important to include implementation costs—ongoing operations and maintenance costs—to ensure the full financial impact of new or expanded facilities is accounted for in annual budgets,” said Jace Perry, Clearwater Financial Chief Operating Officer.

The process will also identify areas of opportunity including one-time or unique revenue streams such as grants, leveraging existing real property assets, community partnerships, new fees, bond proceeds or taxes.

“Annual CFP updates will be critical to adjust priorities and plans based on changing needs, revenues and expenditures, priorities, new funding opportunities, and market conditions,” Perry added.

Next Steps

The Citizens Committee will hold its fourth meeting later this month to review final prioritized facility needs and accompanying financial strategies. It is anticipated the Committee will propose a series of MFP and CFP recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. 

Additional MFP and CFP information can be found on the City’s website: https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/ClerkAuditorRecorder/MasterFacilitiesPlan.

The Valley County Commissioners would like to address a topic that continues to rise to the surface of community conversations: Fire Department Impact Fees.

There has been frustration expressed about the slow nature of developing a program like this and while that frustration is understandable, a methodical, diligent, and thoughtful approach to developing this program is imperative for its sustainability.

Here are the facts:

• In June 2022, a fire department impact fee proposal was presented to The Board of County Commissioners for approval. (link plan)
• After legal review, on October 4th Resolution 2022-01 was approved creating the Joint Development Impact Fee Committee. (link resolution)
  • The Joint Committee consists of Valley County, McCall Fire Protection District, and the Cascade Rural Fire Protection District.
• Since the resolution was adopted, the Joint Development Impact Fee Committee and Board of County Commissioners have been moving through the legal process to initiate impact fees on behalf of the fire districts.
• This is a lengthy process. It takes time to ensure that all steps are followed to create a legal program that can withstand potential future legal challenges.
• The Board of County Commissioners will implement the impact fees once the full program structure is in place and taxpayer funds are protected from legal challenge.

Valley County Commissioners were presented with the initial findings in a Master Facilities Plan process currently underway. In addition, a Citizens Committee, established to review and provide professional input, share information and communicate community feedback, was presented with the findings and toured offices at the County Courthouse. The Plan will help guide future decisions regarding County facilities and real property assets. 

Consultants Clearwater Financial and Insight Architects presented facility assessment findings, preliminary campus scenarios, and a demographic report sharing the projections used to estimate future space needs for the Courthouse building and other County facilities.

Findings are based on current space needs, growth projections, and interviews with County officials and staff. In addition,17 external stakeholders were interviewed including businesses, community organizations and other government entities and service providers throughout the County.

Projected Continuing Growth

Based on historical growth, projections show the County may double in size in the next 20 to 30 years, with a population of 26,253 by 2060. The County’s estimated 2022 population is 12,661. The report shows the County population has grown 19.1 percent growth over the past ten years, an increase of 1,884 residents, making it the fifth fastest-growing county in the state. 

Growth projections also evaluated where future development is likely to occur. There are limitations in where the County can grow, due to a high percentage of land owned by the State and the federal Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service. In addition, limited water and sewer capacity in incorporated areas will continue to drive pressure to develop within County unincorporated areas. 

Commissioner Maupin, who also serves on the Campus Planning Committee which recommended the proactive study, mentioned the importance of these planning efforts to adequately meet the current and future needs of the County.

Development patterns and currently entitled parcels indicate the future growth is expected in Donnelly, the northwest Donnelly Area of City Impact, and south Cascade regions. There are 715 parcels that have been approved for development within the County, with 195 of those lots currently platted.

Cameron Arial of Clearwater Financial, a member of the consulting team conducting the Master Facilities Plan and accompanying Comprehensive Financial Plan processes explained how historical demographic trends were used to estimate future service demands which “will become the basis for projecting future (facility) needs for the County which is critical to the process.”

Facility Assessments

The consulting team toured County facilities to assess current space needs and the ability for spaces and buildings to be renovated. Another factor considered is the need to support necessary departmental adjacencies for operational efficiencies.

The assessments found varying quality of office environments and public spaces. Many facilities are adequate and worth preserving such as the courthouse additions, the Emergency Operations Center, and the McCall Annex. Other findings included public accessibility issues and power or mechanical system challenges, especially those related to heating and cooling systems and technology needs. 

“There are opportunities for efficiencies,” said Russ Phillips of Insight Architects, a member of the consulting team, “which can be achieved by maximizing and leveraging current assets to meet future space needs.”

Next Steps

County Commissioners expressed support to move forward with cost projections and to present the findings to a Citizens Committee for its feedback. Cost projections will evaluate several options, including phasing of improvements.

This initial step is part of a multi-phase process that will also include a Comprehensive Financial Plan to ensure funding is in place to implement facility improvements to accommodate projected growth. Together, the two documents will provide long-term strategic guidance for future decisions.

Dillan assisted the whole Assessor's Office with our recent move. He really went above and beyond. Dillan is personable, patient, kind, helpful, friendly, timely, and has a sense of urgency. He has said part of his job is customer service and his actions support that. His attention to detail and neatness is appreciated. He is able to explain difficult processes and share IT policy. Dillan keeps lines of communication open by making sure we know we can contact him directly with questions and concerns. During the moving of the Assessor's Offices, Dillan followed through with multiple-step tasks under his assignment over a period of several days. Dillan exhibits all the STAR qualities, and we appreciate his work.

The Waterways Management Plan: A Sustainable and Adaptable Plan – Preserving What We Love will provide the basis for policies, ordinances, programs, and practices for the primary waterways in Valley County including Lake Cascade, Payette Lake, Warm Lake, Upper Payette Lake, Little Payette Lake, Horsethief Reservoir, Herrick Reservoir, Boulder Meadows Reservoir, Deadwood Reservoir, alpine lakes, and other waterways i.e. North Fork of the Payette River.

The Plan will be an effort co-managed by Valley County and City of McCall with collaborative input from Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Services, State Parks, and other public agencies. Valley County and the respective jurisdictions will use this Plan to help guide future recreation management while considering environmental stewardship of the lakes and reservoirs.

Read the adopted plan here: https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/WaterwaysManagementPlan

BY MAX SILVERSON of The Star-News

A nine-person board to advise Valley County on recreation priorities was approved on Monday, February 20, 2023.

County Commissioners appointed five people from McCall, two from Lake Fork, one from Donnelly and one from Cascade to a newly formed Valley County Recreation Advisory Committee.

There were 25 applicants for the board, which will have its first monthly meeting at the end of March, said Valley County recreation planner Dave Bingaman.

“Everyone that applied had great experience and backgrounds,” Bingaman said. “The folks that were selected represent a good cross section of Valley County citizens and a wide range of recreational interests which is what we were looking for.”

The board is tasked with exploring ways to improve recreation access throughout the county and improving infrastructure like toilets, parking and camping areas. Other responsibilities include drafting a strategic plan and identifying property that could be used for recreation.

“We will be prioritizing the recreation department’s list (of priorities) this week and then presenting those to the advisory board when we have our first meeting,” Bingaman said. “We are also looking for projects that the board will bring forward as well.”

Valley County has several advisory committees that make recommendations to county commissioners, including a Waterways Advisory Committee, Snowmobile Advisory Committee, Road Advisory Committee and Fair & Rodeo Board.

The board members and their hometowns are:

• Jim Kulm, Cascade

• Mike Heyer, Donnelly

• Emily Bettin, Lake Fork

• Drew Kirsch, Lake Fork

• Jeff Mousseau, McCall

• Eric Weiseth, McCall

• Cameron Sena, McCall

• April Whitney, McCall

• Shane Hinson, McCall

Consultants have completed the initial assessment phase for the Master Facilities Plan (MFP). This has resulted in an updated database of nearly 100 County facilities and real property assets. The consultant team toured and assessed existing buildings and prepared conditions reports. In addition, the team conducted more than 30 interviews with County officials, department staff, and community stakeholders.

At the November 21, 2022 Board meeting, team members shared initial facility assessment results and summarized the challenges of providing continuous service delivery in existing facilities as the County continues to grow. The team shared an adjacencies graphic, illustrating the interdepartmental relationships that need to be considered in the development of facilities plan options. The team is currently finalizing those options and calculating cost projections.

A summary of external stakeholder interviews revealed common concerns surrounding growth and the need for collaboration to address growth. Workforce housing was cited as a significant need.

The project is currently ahead of schedule. The MFP is the initial step of a multi-phase process that will culminate in a Comprehensive Financial Plan to guide future budgeting decisions. Population projections, anticipated revenues, operating costs, service delivery trends, and development trends will be incorporated in the preparation of final recommendations for County Commissioners to consider.

This proactive planning effort will ensure consistent delivery of County services and provide long-term strategic guidance for future decisions.

Cascade, Idaho – Voters in the Nov. 8, 2022 general election can expect to see a correction on the ballot when they go to the polls. “We were made aware that the term for the District 3 Valley County Commissioner race included a misprint,” says Doug Miller, Valley County Clerk. “The ballot notes a term of four years when that term should be two years.”

The Clerk’s Office verified with the Idaho Secretary of State that the misprint does not invalidate the ballot and a simple correction can be made for election day. Voters can expect to see a one-line strikethrough of the four-year term and a handwritten two-year term added next to the District 3 candidates. Absentee ballots that have already been mailed will not include the correction, but those ballots are still valid. Any absentee ballots requested after Oct. 26, 2022 will include the correction. 

To vote in the Nov. election, you may request an absentee ballot by Oct. 28, vote early at the Valley County Clerk’s office until Nov. 4, or vote in person at your polling location on Nov. 8. Absentee ballots must be received Nov. 8, 2022 at 8 p.m. Ballots may be mailed or dropped off at the Valley County Clerk’s office or the McCall Annex. There will also be designated absentee ballot boxes at each polling location on election day only. 

In-person voting will also take place at polling locations across the county from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. For those in the Alpha, Cascade, and West Mountain Precincts, voting will take place at the American Legion Hall located at 105 E. Mill St. in Cascade. For those in the Donnelly and Rosebery precincts, voting will take place at the Donnelly Bible Church at 159 FW Gestrin Street in Donnelly. For those in the McCall and Payette precincts, voting will take place at Idaho First Bank located at 475 Deinhard Ln. in McCall. 

For more information about your voter registration status and precinct, visit co.valley.id.us and navigate to our Elections page. There you will find a link to “My Voter Info and Taxing Districts” GIS map. 

The Forest Services had completed a Burn Report for the Four Corners fire. Among the findings include:

• 2% of the acres burned did so at a high soil burn severity.
• 562 acres burned were on private property.
• A rough estimate of 19% of the fire area is assumed to have fire-induced water repellency.
• The primary threats caused by the fire include increased runoff, which is expected to intensify the first 2 to 5 years following the fire until the burned watersheds recover, and accelerated hillslope erosion, which would result from amplified runoff and decreased infiltration rates. High intensity, short duration rainfall may result in sediment loading, localized debris flows, and valley bottom flooding, primarily in the Sheep Creek, Bull Corral, Poison, Van Wyck, French, Hazard, Campbell, Skein Lake, Silver creek, Bed Ground creek drainages. Additional threats include falling trees and rolling rocks originating from destabilized hillslopes in the burned area.

Because of this it is strongly recommended that property owners downhill of the burn scar obtain flood insurance. The flood insurance policy will cover owerns in the event of mudflows off the burn scar. The risk of mudflow coming off the burn scar will exist for up to seven (7) years.

Read the Technical Bulletin about Floodproofing Guidance

Read the full Report from the Forest Service

Valley County hired Great West Engineering to assist with a solid waste program rate study in 2020. The purpose of the study is to develop rate structure options for solid waste management in the County, considering both operating and capital improvement costs in the near term (the next 5 years) and the long term (6-20 years).  

The result of that study includes a proposed rate change to commercial solid waste. Below is a table outlining those proposed costs. A public hearing on this topic is set for Tuesday, October 4^th at noon in the Commissioners Room at the Valley County Courthouse.  

For a copy of the full report from Great West Engineering, please contact the County Clerk’s office by calling 208.382.7100.

Cascade DMV: walk-in service Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm. 

.....................................

Don't want to make a trip to either DMV? There is a lot you can do from home or at alternate locations: 

Via PHONE:  

• Renew or Request Replacement Registration: (208) 382-7141 | You may renew your registration online, through the mail, or by renewing over the phone with ITD at 208-334-8649. Stickers will be mailed to you. 
• Insurance Suspensions: (208) 382-7141 | County offices cannot clear insurance suspensions- you must do that directly with ITD. Have your plate number and insurance policy number available. If you also need to renew, ask the agent if they can assist you with renewing over the phone after they lift your suspension.   

Via WEBSITE: https://www.co.valley.id.us/MotorVehicles 

• Register a vehicle purchased from an Idaho Dealer | You can now transfer existing registration and plates or purchase new registration and plates if you have purchased your vehicle from an Idaho dealer online.  
• Renew Registration  
• File a Release of Liability  
• Change your Address  
• Insurance Suspensions 

RECREATION REGISTRATIONS: Off-Highway, Snowmobile, and Boat Registrations 

Online: https://idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com/home.page 

Over the phone: 1-888-922-6743 

Local Business Outlets:  

MCCALL    

• Albertsons
• Ponderosa State Park
• Mountain Meadows Adventure Rentals
• Mile High Power Sports 

DONNELLY

• Mountain Meadows Adventure Rentals
• Stinker Store 

CASCADE

• Cascade Hardware
• Lake Cascade State Park Visitors Center
• Valley Bait & Tackle 

WARM LAKE

• North Shore Lodge & Resort

Congratulations to our two STARs of the Quarter Tammy Angier and Tabitha Hill Snapp Rankin.

Tammy joined the Team just about 2 years ago when there were a lot of changes being made in the Court Clerk’s Office. The current Judge at the time was leaving to take a new job, awaiting a new Judge to be appointed, Visiting Judges to handle daily calendars, changes in staff within the Office, the whole shutdown thing, yet Tammy stepped up. She came on board and learned everything she could about the life as a Court Clerk. She has done an outstanding job!

Tabitha shows an extreme amount of interest in her position with the Sheriff's Office and is consistent in her work ethic, she goes above and beyond every single day and shows that she is vested employees and in the future of dispatch.

Tammy Angier

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Valley County has been allocated $2.2 million to spend on programs, projects, infrastructure and services.

As Valley County decides how to use our funding, we asked you to weigh in on what projects you would like to see funded with this money.

Below are the survey results:

Notice is hereby given that Valley County, Idaho is advertising for sealed proposals for a Master Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan which will be received by the County Clerk of Valley County, Idaho, at Valley County Courthouse, 219 N. Main St., Cascade, Idaho, 83611, PO Box, 1350 Cascade, Idaho, 83611 until 3:45 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022. Proposals received after the designated time and date will not be considered. The proposals will be publicly opened and the names of the individuals or entities submitting Statements of Qualifications read aloud in the Commission Chambers on the above appointed date and time. Late submittals will not be considered and will be returned to the sender unopened. Envelopes must be clearly marked “Master Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan Proposal.” Valley County requires each entity submitting a proposal must provide five (5) photocopies of the entire proposal package, and one electronic copy. 

Mail or deliver to:       Valley County Clerk, Douglas Miller 

219 N. Main St., Cascade, Idaho, 83611

 PO Box, 1350 Cascade, Idaho, 83611 

The requested proposal is to create a Master Facilities Plan and a Comprehensive Financial Plan by analyzing the current and future needs of the county operations and to determine financial challenges and opportunities that the County could possibly face. Valley County is looking for recommendations on the best path forward for campus planning using existing resources or planning for new capital improvements. 

A detailed scope of work, assessment and selection criteria, qualifications narrative, proposal selection process and related information may be obtained from the Valley County Clerk, 219 N. Main St., Cascade, Idaho, 83611 during regular business hours after May 31, 2022 until the submission deadline, or via e-mail: dmiller@co.valley.id.us. The Commission reserves the right to waive any technicalities, reject any and all submissions which are incomplete, conditional, non-responsive; reject any and all submissions in whole or in part with or without cause; and accept the proposal which best serves the County. 

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO BELIEVES THEY HAVE A DISABILITY WHICH REQUIRES A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN SUBMISSION OF A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK AT (208)382-7100 AT LEAST FORTY EIGHT (48) HOURS PRIOR TO THE DATE SET FOR SUBMISSION OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS. 

Valley County EMS District 

By: /S/ Douglas Miller 

      Douglas Miller

      Valley County Clerk

As a resident of Valley and North Adams County, you're invited to test your internet speed. Valley County as part of the West Central Mountains Fiber Network Taskforce has launched a crowd-sourced speed test that aims to collect and share data about internet availability in every region of Valley and North Adams Counties.

This data will then be used to help us understand our connectivity needs and seek funding to build critical fiber optic and broadband infrastructure.

Learn more and access the speed test HERE