Idaho’s County Staff Graduate from NACo Leadership Academy

IAC is thrilled to join the National Association of Counties (NACo) in celebrating the accomplishments of Idaho’s county staff members who completed the NACo Leadership Academy this January. They contribute to more than 6,000 graduates and current participants from across the country benefitting from the 12-week online program, which enables existing and emerging county leaders …

IACT Hosts New Treasurer Training April 2023

By Sabrina Young, Washington County Treasurer and Tanna Beal, Bingham County Treasurer The Idaho Association of County Treasurers (IACT) provides an effective communication network and is a source of education for county treasurers while promoting integrity, credibility, and professionalism. To support this commitment, IACT provides ongoing educational programs that promote the professional execution of the …

House Bill 236 and Next Steps

Governor Little recently held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 236, capping off a two-session process to transition from a county-based public defense system to a state-based public defense system. While House Bill 236 was actually signed in March, the Governor wanted to recognize the efforts of county officials and public defenders in coming …

GemPlan Board of Directors Meets this April

The GemPlan Board of Directors recently gathered in Pocatello for a meet-and-greet at the Sandpiper Restaurant. They also held their official board meeting at the Mutual Building. GemPlan is a self-funded health care plan owned, operated, and controlled by counties for counties, their elected officials, employees, and dependents. GemPlan is also one of IAC’s highest …

2023 Legislative Session a Success for Counties

With the 2023 Legislative Session largely in the rearview mirror, counties across the state will enter 2024 in a stronger position. 2023 has been a good year for counties. Not only will county property taxpayers see real property tax relief, but counties will also receive funding enhancement for transportation and public defense services. Additionally, the …

From the Executive Director – March 20, 2023

2023 Legislative Session Winding Down As the Legislature enters week 11, all signs point to an adjournment as soon as Friday, March 24th, but more realistically sometime the week of March 27th. I don’t expect any new major pieces of legislation this week, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of other work to be …

House Revenue & Taxation Advance Property Tax Relief Package

The House Revenue & Taxation Committee approved House Bill 292 this morning on a 14-1 vote. The bill now advances to the floor of the House of Representatives for a full vote. The bill will likely be voted on in the next two days. House Bill 292 is the culmination of negotiations kicked off over …

From the Executive Director: Week of March 6, 2023

Pace Picking Up at Statehouse Last week came with a flurry of activity in legislative committees and on the floor of both bodies as the session enters month three. Here is the activity from last week impacting counties: – IAC-opposed House Bill 150 was held in the House Revenue & Taxation Committee on a 12-4 …

From the Executive Director: Week of February 27, 2023

Compromise Reached on Public Defense Legislation Late last week, stakeholders reached a tentative compromise on legislation establishing a new public defense delivery model effective October 1, 2024. Under the framework, counties will be relieved of all obligations to provide public defense. Those counties that currently contract for public defense, will continue to have contract public …

2023 IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference Recap

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) hosted its 2023 Midwinter Legislative Conference at the Riverside Hotel in Boise from January 30 – February 2. The four-day conference brought Idaho’s county elected officials, county staff, affiliate agencies, and IAC Corporate Partners like Blue Cross of Idaho, Western States Cat, Enterprise Fleet Management, and more together for …