County approves $11.7 million budget

After much deliberation, the Board of Elmore County Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the FY06 budget as published. The new budget of $11,778,592 reflects an increase of $964,860 over last year's.

Only three citizens offered testimony during the public hearing Sept. 6.

A resident of Elmore County for more than 40 years, John Kieffer noted he had 'sticker shock' as he reflected on the commissioners' pay increase, but there were other issues he had concerns about. He questioned the status of the Enhanced 911 service, asking when it can be expected.

Commissioner Mary Egusquiza responded, explaining that while most of the addressing has been completed there are still a few areas yet to be done. Two people working half time each for both E-911 and for Growth and Development continue with the addressing project. Egusquiza said that everyone is aware of the need to move forward.

With the mention of Growth and Development, Kieffer noted he had issues with that department also. He explained that earlier this year he had come before the commissioners and the director of the Growth and Development office requesting a 'cheat sheet' be drawn up to let people know of all the various permits needed for construction -- for fire, plumbing, electric, etc. He felt that information was still not available in one location and questioned why it had not been completed in a timely manner.

Moving on to another issue, Kieffer noted he sees dirty overflowing dumpsters whenever he visits the hills. He said he sees the contractor is getting a raise, but they are not doing the job. The commissioners disagreed, saying the dumpsters are being emptied on a regular schedule. During the latest holiday weekend, commissioners had personally observed the waste collections. While they admitted there had been problems in the past, those issues seem to have been resolved.

It was the commissioners' hefty pay increase that Kieffer had objections to. "We all know it is not a 20-hour job, but 20 percent increase seems excessive."

Commissioner Larry Rose explained that while people seem to think that the commissioners only work when they are in regular session, the truth is that each of the them work in excess of 40 hours. They have been meeting on a weekly basis for several months meeting every other Monday in special session as they work on the CAFO, and starting Oct. 1, regular commissioners' meetings will be held on a weekly basis.

Rose also pointed out that the commissioners receive 64 percent of what other elected officials are paid, yet they work just as many hours, or maybe even more.

Commissioners Connie Cruser said, "your whole life changes when you take on this job." She said she didn't imagine all the time that needed to be spent on things like personnel problems. Home life is gone, she said with the phone ringing constantly with people wanting to be heard. She has found she can't even go to the grocery store without people stopping and telling about some problem they feel the commissioners need to address. She explained that she has had to give up some of her volunteer work and has even had to give up hours of her work at the hospital in order to fill the commissioner seat.

The commissioners have had to deal with a wide variety of complex issues and meet regularly with other boards as they try to guide the county.

Kieffer concurred that a pay increase is justified, but cautioned that taxpayers "want the best bang for their buck. If it is only for income, you're here for the wrong reason."

Tom Vallard said he would like to address another issue -- a problem that has been going on for some time. Vallard expressed concern about the Glenns Ferry landfill. He explained that daily waste deposits have not been covered for 45 days. He is worried that the landfill operators are not meeting the requirements set forth by the state. He understands that equipment can break down, but fears the county could be found in violation of Tier 1 requirements.

He noted he has never seen the contract go for bid, and believes there is still a long way to go before the problem is solved.

Merrilee Hiler worked closely with the commissioners as they prepared the FY06 budget. She expressed a concern about available cash and stressed the importance for all departments that they operate within the cash available, not what is budgeted. She explained the county only gets a 'pay day' every six months when tax money is dispersed. "We have to keep a handle on the budget," she said.

She feels that people are becoming more aware the commissioners' job is not a part time position and of the complexity of the job. With the commissioners moving to full time positions, a pay increase is justified.