County Commissioners Meeting - 3.10.23

The Elmore County Commissioners met in the basement of the Elmore County Courthouse with the exception of Commissioner Hofer who was absent for the meeting.

The Commissioners meeting began with a proposal by Alan Roberts and representatives from Central Health District who are seeking to open a position for a community health paramedic. A community health paramedic is a licensed paramedic who has acquired additional certifications. They would primarily visit non-emergency patients and serve to provide recurring services, education, and healthcare for patients, particularly patients with mental health or chronic conditions. The representatives from Central District Health explained that the proposed program has seen success in counties across Idaho that have implemented it. They also explained that the position’s salary and expenses would primarily be covered through grant funds awarded to Elmore County EMS. The commissioners present were supportive of the position and unanimously voted to approve it.

Steve VanNorman then approached the Commissioners seeking to approve the cost of Malware Bytes renewal which was already budgeted. The Commissioners approved his request.

Following Mr. VanNorman, Dylan Lawrence, the county’s Water Attorney approached the Commissioners to discuss Cat Creek license proceedings, however most of the discussion was held in executive session under potential litigation.

After returning to regular session, the Commissioners were discussing solar and wind project proposals from the Bureau of Land Management. Commissioner Corbus took an adamant stance on the importance of ensuring that any future solar projects being erected within an area under the protection of a fire district. Commissioner Corbus cited the flammability and large amounts of dry brush and grass surrounding solar sites as grounds for caution pertaining to the future location of solar projects and their need to be within fire district limits.

The Commissioners then spoke with Elmore County Fair Manager, Julie Lisle regarding a bid received by the county to provide the fairgrounds with electrical upgrades. The bid totaled $45,266.89 which could be more than covered by a grant the fair received to the amount of $200k.

Following two public hearings for variances, both of which were approved by the Commissioners, the meeting was adjourned.