County Commissioners 4.7.23

April’s first Elmore County Commissioner meeting saw all but Commissioners Rogers present. The meeting began with discussions of PILT funds rolling around again. As before, projections for the future of PILT funds with the current level of spending remain a cause for concern for the county. Amber Sloan, the County Treasurer, advised that the previously projected final year of PILT funds, 2032, has been cut back to 2027 following the current spending trend. She further explained that this projection was based on a scenario in which no further funds are removed from PILT.

County Clerk, Shelley Essl, noted that she intends to change the way the budget is created altogether. PILT funds are funds provided to the county by the federal government in lieu of taxes on land owned by the county.

Elmore County is one of the largest recipients of PILT money. Interestingly, PILT funds are never guaranteed, but have been provided to the County each fiscal year for the past several years. One county official even stated, “We have to cut this money or we are going to be broke”. Commissioner Bud Corbus then noted, “Well, there would have to be some layoffs”.

Following the latest PILT report, the commissioners were asked if they would like to provide the same one time COLA payment of $2,000 provided to county employees in lieu of raises at the end of 2022 to the employees who were, at the time, in a probationary status. The commissioners were quick to vote in support of providing the previously probationary employees with the COLA.

Afterwards, Senator Schroeder, who was present for a portion of the meeting, informed the county commissioners about changes in policy surrounding herd districts, of which Elmore county encompasses roughly 5.

Julie Lisle was next to approach the commissioners. She spoke to them about this year’s fair, as well as costs associated with it. She provided the commissioners with some details regarding the activities to be provided at the fair including a rock wall and various bouncy house-type structures.

Sheriff Mike Hollinshead followed Ms. Lisle, requesting to spend a budgeted $3,335 to purchase Lexipol policy manual services; his request was approved unanimously. Sheriff Hollinshead then requested funding to provide sealcoat services for the Sheriff’s department/EMS Services parking lot. The request was also granted with unanimity.

Alan Roberts, the Elmore County EMS director, recognized a number of employees who, in the course of the new year, provided care in a life saving or otherwise exceptional capacity.

This led the commissioners to their first of two executive sessions that took place prior to the meeting’s conclusion. The first executive session pertained to an update on Anderson Dam Water Rights and the second to discussion surrounding the Simco Road Regional Landfill and a requested CUP.

The meeting was then adjourned.