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.