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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