Commissioner's Minutes 06-20-05

COMMISSIONERS MINUTES JUNE 20, 2005

The Elmore County Commissioners met in special session on the above date in the Commissioner’s Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4^th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

Present at the meeting were Chairman Larry Rose, Commissioners Mary Egusquiza and Connie Cruser. Also present at the meeting was Clerk Gail Best. The purpose of the special session was to receive the audit for 2004 presentation from Brett Hyatt of Holmstead, Hyatt, Coleman & Mahlke and to conduct a work session on the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Ordinance.

Observing the meeting were several 4-H members along with their leader. The 4-H members were there representing “Know Your Government”, a unit that introduces youth to how their government operates.

Brett Hyatt appeared before the Board to present the Board with copies of the 2004 audit. Also present at the presentation was Deputy Auditor Merrilee Hiler. Mr. Hyatt gave an overview of several of the financial statements contained in the audit. Mr. Hyatt stated that Clerk Best was preparing the closing comments she had for the audit. Clerk Best stated she did have a draft ready, she had not received a copy of the audit until 11:00 a.m., so two hours was little time to review the audit itself plus do a closing statement. Clerk Best stated that the transfer of $500,000 to the Capital Improvement Fund created in 2004 reduced the General Fund figures, but did remain in trust until needed for use in conjunction with the general obligation bond passed in May, 2005. Clerk Best also stated that the Justice Fund is, and will continue to be, dependent on property taxes and PILT payments for funds since the Fund itself does not take in enough other revenue to be self supporting. Clerk Best stated that it is Elmore County’s hope that when the new jail is built the Justice Fund revenue will be increased significantly for several years, thus allowing the Justice Fund to accumulate some cash forward.

Mr. Hyatt stated that one of the tasks, though unpleasant, an outside auditor must do is to investigate any allegations of fraud. An allegation of fraudulent conduct was reported in the Solid Waste Fund regarding a contractor. Holmstead, Hyatt, Coleman & Mahlke found no evidence of fraud in the Solid Waste Fund.

Clerk Best stated, in her opinion, it appeared the County had a clean audit. Mr. Hyatt responded saying it was a clean audit. Mr. Hyatt stated he would like to see the revenues broken out a little further but does realize it is difficult when there are several departments in one fund. Deputy Auditor Hiler stated she would talk with Bob Stephenson to see if we might have any options there.

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to accept the 2004 audit by Holmstead, Hyatt, Coleman & Mahlke as presented.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

The Board turned their attention to working on the CAFO Ordinance. Present at that part of the meeting besides the Board and Clerk, were Cashia Brown, Richard Appleton, Terry Ketterling and Dave Bergh. Cashia Brown gave the Board three reports, one relating to the Department of Agriculture, one relating to the Department of Water Resources, and one from the Department of Environmental Quality regarding nitrates in Canyon County. Additional copies of the reports were made for Mr. Ketterling and Mr. Bergh. There was discussion about when to limit the testimony of participants so that actual work could be accomplished on the ordinance itself. A date will be set to suspend oral statements during the work sessions.

Terry Ketterling gave the Board a letter expressing his views on amending the CAFO Ordinance and some maps he had made on his computer. Additional copies were made of the letter for Cashia Brown and Richard Appleton. Mr. Ketterling stated he would do additional maps and bring them in to Clerk Best so that everyone could have a map. There was discussion relating to buffer zones being required for future dairy locations. Mr. Ketterling stated, in his opionion, the buffer zones being suggested from the Coalition Against Dairies would basically prohibit any more dairies in Elmore County. There was lengthy discussion regarding CAFO Siting Teams and the process they go through. The Board stated they have not been able to get any written information about the work of the siting team members. Dave Bergh stated he would try and get those people to come to the meeting on July 5^th to speak with the Board. In order to be able to listen to that testimony the Board set July 5^th as the final date that oral testimony would be taken.