2024 Fall County Officials Institute Recap

The 2024 Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) Fall County Officials Institute (COI) successfully concluded after hosting three training sessions across the state in November. IAC staff traveled to Moscow, Pocatello, and Boise to provide incumbent and incoming county elected officials and staff with valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of county officials, the organizational structure of county, state, and local government in Idaho, as well as the role of the legal advisor to county officials.

“This fall’s COI saw outstanding attendance, and we are grateful to everyone who participated in the discussions,” said IAC Executive Director Seth Grigg. “We are especially appreciative of the newly elected officials who joined us, bringing their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.”

The two-day trainings covered critical topics such as Bidding and Procurement, County Budgeting, Open Meeting Laws, the Public Records Act, and County Records Retention, among others. These comprehensive sessions aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of county officials and staff to help them be successful in their roles.

Tim Osborne, executive director of the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP), also traveled to each location and presented on Local Government Liability Protection & Risk Management and Local Government Personnel Management. During these courses, participants learned about the Idaho Tort Claims Act and how ICRMP helps prevent and mitigate county risks. Participants also received an overview of state and federal laws that affect personnel management including hiring, performance management, and terminations.

Participants at these trainings also benefited from valuable networking opportunities, including a social hour that featured appetizers and a relaxed atmosphere for relationship-building. Additionally, attendees engaged in roundtable discussions organized by elected offices, providing newly elected officials a chance to connect with experienced county officials, ask questions, and exchange insights on a variety of county-related issues.

“I appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet the newly elected officials,” said IAC Director of Government Affairs Sara Westbrook. “These trainings provide an excellent platform for networking and collaborating on important topics.”

In addition to receiving valuable education and tools, county officials and staff in attendance also earned credits towards their COI certificate. To graduate from the COI program and earn their certificate, participants must complete 18 core credits and 12 elective credits. Commissioners must also complete an additional 10 credits of commissioner core courses. To receive an Advanced COI Certificate, participants must complete an additional 35 credits. IAC provides ample opportunities throughout the year for county elected officials and staff to earn their COI credits, as courses are offered at the Fall and Spring COI trainings and during workshops at IAC’s two large conferences: the Midwinter Legislative Conference and the Annual Conference. COI credits are also available at affiliate meetings and remotely via webinars.

To see and download photos from the 2024 Fall COI, visit our Flickr Page.