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Cascade, Idaho – As 2025 comes to a close, the Valley County Commissioners want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments, progress, and collaborative efforts that shaped the past year. Across departments, Valley County continued to invest in infrastructure, planning, public services, and long-term solutions that support both residents and visitors.

County Facilities and Infrastructure

One of the most visible achievements in 2025 was continued progress on County facilities and infrastructure. The Road Department shop on Gold Dust Lane is nearing completion and will provide a modern, functional space to support essential operations. We anticipate this building to be operational in March 2026. The County also purchased and remodeled the Cascade Annex, allowing multiple departments to better serve the public from a centralized location at 700 S. Main Street. 

In addition, the Transfer Station underwent significant upgrades, including a fully renovated tipping floor with new loading scales now open to the public. Additional Z-walls were constructed to streamline residential drop-off, with further improvements planned for 2026. Power and lighting upgrades were also completed to enhance safety for both customers and staff.

Commissioners also moved forward with work toward a Fairgrounds Master Plan, laying the groundwork for future investment and long-term planning.

Planning, Land Use, and Natural Resources

2025 marked several important milestones in Planning and Zoning. Valley County approved the first Agricultural Protection Area (APA) on the Leaf Ranch, a designated Century Ranch, believed to be the first of its kind in the State of Idaho. In addition, the County completed a four-year process to update the Valley County Comprehensive Plan, a foundational document that will guide growth and land-use decisions for years to come.

The County also amended ordinances to include more stringent water quality and fire safety codes and revised all three city impact areas in accordance with Idaho Code 67-6526.

Noxious Weed Control efforts in 2025 centered on community engagement and long-term planning, particularly surrounding Eurasian watermilfoil in Payette Lake. While large-scale removal efforts were limited this year, the County hosted multiple town hall meetings and worked extensively to educate the public and build consensus. A Payette Lake Eurasian Watermilfoil Treatment Committee was formed, bringing together stakeholders from Valley County, the City of McCall, state agencies, local organizations, HOAs, and concerned citizens. The committee is working toward a treatment plan scheduled for completion in early 2026, with implementation anticipated to begin in May 2026.

Firewise and Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire mitigation and preparedness remained a key focus for Valley County in 2025. Through Firewise programs, fuels reduction projects, and grant-funded partnerships, the County completed or advanced mitigation treatments across more than 200 acres, with additional projects under contract for 2026.

Valley County continued to support homeowners and neighborhoods through Firewise cost-share grants and completed more than 200 wildfire home and community assessments, helping residents reduce risk and improve defensible space. The County also expanded access to safe woody debris disposal through the “Bring It, Don’t Burn It” program, HOA cost-share debris bins, and free residential woody debris drop-off at the Transfer Station during closed fire season, resulting in thousands of tons of hazardous material being safely removed.

These efforts are coordinated through the Valley County Fire Working Group, a collaborative advisory group that brings together local, state, and federal partners to guide wildfire planning, mitigation, and community education countywide.

Elections, Administration, and Workforce Improvements

The Clerk and Elections Office celebrated a major professional milestone in 2025 as Election Coordinator Kierstin Oxford completed the rigorous requirements to become a Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA), reflecting Valley County’s commitment to election integrity and professional excellence.

Internally, the County updated its payroll system and employee compensation processes, improving consistency, transparency, and long-term sustainability for the County workforce. These efforts, combined with the daily work of County staff, strengthened operations across all departments.

A Year of Progress

Commissioners emphasized that these accomplishments represent only part of the work completed in 2025. Alongside major projects, County staff continued to deliver essential services day-in and day-out, responding to community needs and maintaining critical operations.

The Commissioners would also like to extend special recognition to the Facilities and Solid Waste team for their exceptional work throughout the year. Their dedication, professionalism, and tireless service to the community and fellow employees played a key role in the successful completion of numerous projects in 2025.

Reflecting on the past year, Commissioners noted that 2025 was defined by collaboration, forward-thinking planning, and meaningful investment in Valley County’s future.

As Valley County looks ahead to 2026, the Board of County Commissioners remains committed to building on this momentum and continuing to serve the community with transparency, responsibility, and care.

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Starting January 1, 2026, new ordinances will go into effect for properties located in unincorporated Valley County. 

These impact short term rental permitting, placement permitting, signage, dark sky ordinances, floodplain ordinances, building permits, and waterways ordinances. 

All permits can be obtained at the Valley County Cascade Annex, 700 S. Main in Cascade

Forms and additional information can be found at https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/PlanningZoning 

If you have questions, the County team is here to help as we move to these new ordinances. 

📞 (208) 382-7115 or (208) 382-7116

📧 cherrick@valleycountyid.gov

When in doubt, reach out. These updates are new for everyone, and support is just a phone call away.

Cascade, Idaho - Valley County is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to help shape the future of the Valley County Fairgrounds by completing a short online community survey. The survey is now open and only takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.

The Fairgrounds & Event Venue Master Plan is underway and will serve as a roadmap for improvements over the next decade and beyond. The plan will look at site layout, infrastructure, amenities, and opportunities to make the Fairgrounds a year-round destination for community events, youth programs, agriculture, recreation, and economic activity.

Community feedback is essential. Survey responses will guide decisions on priorities such as:

• Parking, accessibility, and site circulation
• Facility needs like barns, stalls, and restrooms
• Spaces for youth, agriculture, concerts, festivals, and other community events
• Opportunities for new activities and expanded use of the Fairgrounds

“This survey is one of the most important ways for community members to tell us what works well, what needs improvement, and what they’d like to see in the future,” said Commissioner Katlin Caldwell. “Your voice will directly shape the Master Plan and the Fairgrounds that generations to come will enjoy.”

Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/ValleyCountyFairgroundsMP. 

The survey will remain open through the late fall, but residents are encouraged to respond as soon as possible so their feedback can inform the next phase of planning. Residents can learn more about the Master Plan for the Fairgrounds by visiting the project page: Official Website of Valley County, Idaho - Fairground Master Plan. 

For media inquiries or more information, please contact: 

Katlin Caldwell, Valley County Commissioner 

kcaldwell@valleycountyid.gov  

208-271-2659 

Valley County Adopts New McCall Impact Area Boundary

Valley County has adopted the new McCall Impact Area Boundary, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. Beginning on this date, Valley County will assume administration of all permitting in the unincorporated areas of Valley County previously managed by the City of McCall.

It is the County’s intention to have an updated Comprehensive Plan and amended ordinances in place by January 1, 2026.

A public hearing on the updated Comprehensive Plan and ordinances will be held before the Planning & Zoning Commission on October 23, 2025, at 4:00 pm. A separate hearing with the Board of County Commissioners will be scheduled at a later date.

During the transition period, property owners should note:

• Land Use Applications: The City of McCall will not accept new (one cycle) land use applications after October 7, 2025. Land Use applications will need to be held for submittal to Valley County on or after January 2, 2026. The updated Valley County Comprehensive Plan and ordinances will be applicable to applications submitted to Valley County. Applications submitted to the City of McCall will NOT be forwarded to Valley County.

Additional details on how the transition will occur between the City of McCall and Valley County will be shared as they become available. Please stay tuned for updates.

Questions can be directed to Valley County Planning and Zoning at (208) 382-7116.

Download the Application Here

The State of Idaho is gathering information from non-farm small businesses and non-profit organizations whose operations were disrupted by the Rock Fire in Valley County that began August 13, 2025. This information will help determine whether impacted entities may be eligible for disaster assistance through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Valley County is in close coordination with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to evaluate the potential for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Declaration through the Small Business Administration. If approved following a disaster declaration request by Governor Brad Little, the program would make low-interest loans available to qualifying small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations. These loans are intended to help cover ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met due to the disruption caused by the fire.

To request the declaration, the State of Idaho will need five or more qualifying EIDL worksheets from small businesses impacted by the fire. Businesses that have experienced economic losses, whether actual or estimated due to the ongoing fire, are encouraged to submit a worksheet, even if they do not intend to apply for a loan. This information is critical to demonstrate the extent of the economic impact and determine eligibility for federal assistance. The worksheet may be found on IOEM’s website at ioem.idaho.gov/SBA. Forms can be downloaded and sent by email to jdick@imd.idaho.gov, by fax to 208.422.3044, or mailed directly to:

ATTN: Jarod Dick 4040 Guard St., Bldg. 600 Boise, ID 83705

Please note the EIDL worksheet is not a loan application; it is intended for businesses to report losses so a declaration request may be considered.

Farms and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program.

Download the Application Here

As we begin a fresh year, the Valley County Commissioners want to take a moment to reflect on the significant milestones and achievements that have shaped 2024 in Valley County. From planning projects to community initiatives, new personnel to infrastructure upgrades, the county has navigated challenges and celebrated successes over the past year.

2024 was a busy year when it came to strategic planning, laying the foundation for some important work to come in 2025 and beyond. Valley County initiated conversations with Boise State University’s Hazard Resilience Department to create a sustainability plan. In addition, Commissioners and staff started the process to create a Resource Management Plan as well as participating in a steering committee to create a Southern Valley County Sewer District as we navigate continued growth in Valley County. A major accomplishment in 2024 came from the Valley County Recreation Advisory Council and the completion of the Valley County Recreation Strategic Plan. The plan identifies five key areas of focus: Collaborative Processes and Partnerships, Programs and Infrastructure, Communication and Engagement, Conserving Public Recreation Opportunities and Open Space, and Financial Stability. This draft is set to be presented to Commissioners on February 3, 2025.

On the personnel front, Valley County has added invaluable team members in 2024. Two new positions were created, a County Engineer to improve our Road Department and expand Engineering collaboration and insight within the County and the Wildfire Prevention Division position was brought in house. In addition, 47 new employees were recruited and hired in 2024 (31 permanent and 16 seasonal) to fill existing positions within the county. Finally, a new compensation and pay grade schedule was completed, designed to attract high quality employees, promote career pathing opportunities, and strengthen internal equity. 

The continued efforts of the county’s in-house grant writer remains a critical way to fund projects that may otherwise be out of reach. In 2024 Valley County wase awarded the following grants:

• A grant from the Harry Morrison Foundation to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to put into Sheriff patrol vehicles. Placement will begin in February 2025.
• The Parks & Recreation Department was awarded an Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) Off-Road Motor Vehicle (ORMV) grant to purchase a skid steer and trailer piece of equipment to help with snow removal at different parking lots and staging areas.
• The Parks & Recreation Department was also awarded an Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to install a boat launch and raft slide at the Cabarton River Launch on the North Fork of the Payette River south of Cascade.
• The Parks & Recreation Department was awarded an Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) Road & Bridge (RB) grant to expand the Gordon Titus Parking Lot.
• The Parks & Recreation Department was awarded a Local Highway Technical Advisory Counsil (LHTAC) Children Pedestrian Safety Program grant to construct Phase 1 of the South Samson Trail Pathway.

Commissioners and staff continue to work on important community initiatives including housing, broadband, childcare, and recreation. Valley County donated $1 million to advance employee housing for the County and others in the Cascade region. In addition, the county helped to fund a new Pickleball court facility in Lake Fork. 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 continued focus on early childhood development, 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. 

A big milestone in 2024 was the approval of the Agricultural Protection Area (APA) ordinance and creation of an advisory board. Valley County Agricultural Protection Area Commissioners include Valley County agricultural producers William Leaf, Will Maki, Kendra Brown, Shirley Florence, and Kaylee Tuning. This APA ordinance enables anyone who owns five acres of active agricultural or forest production land (for 3 years or more) to apply for an APA designation to preserve it from development. 

Valley County also finalized the purchase of the AmeriTitle building in Cascade in 2024 with the goal of expanding County office space. In addition, Commissioners moved forward with the decision and initial implementation of moving the Road Department to a new facility on Gold Dust Road. 

On the technology infrastructure side of things, the main software at the county was upgraded to Tyler Technologies. In addition, all computers were updated, providing employees with new desktops or laptops depending on their needs.  

And finally, a few statistics that stood out in 2024:

• During the November 2024 election we saw 600 new voter registrations and an 80% voter turnout. 
• The Building Department issued 415 total permits in 2024 (down from 510 in 2023) including 147 for new residences (down from 167 in 2023) and 7 for new commercial projects (down from 25 in 2023). 
• The Recycling Center increased the total tons of recycled materials collected by 10.67% in 2024 compared to 2023. Individually, cardboard collections decreased by 1.65%, mixed paper increased by 53.9%, aluminum increased 58.1%, and mixed plastic increased 61.9%. 

Looking at 2025, the Commissioners want to congratulate Commissioner Hasbrouck on his retirement and welcome Commissioner Caldwell. Commissioner Maupin was elected as the Chairman on January 13, 2025, and together with Commissioner Caldwell and Commissioner Thompson, the Valley County Board of County Commissioners looks forward to continuing the successes of the past year into 2025.