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