2024 IAC Spring County Officials Institute Recap

The 2024 Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) Spring County Officials Institute (COI) concluded after four training sessions around the state. IAC policy staff traveled to Burley, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Boise in the month of May. These trainings offered county officials and staff an overview of the 2024 Legislative Session, the nuts and bolts of local government budgeting, and financial best practices. 

The legislative overview focused on several significant changes affecting Planning and Zoning, including Area of Impact, City Annexation, and Ag Land Preservation. The IAC Legislative Committee actively supported 20 bills, of which 14 passed, making for a successful legislative year.

“Following this year’s Legislative Session, counties celebrated significant victories as several of our policy priorities became law,” said Seth Grigg, executive director of IAC. “Providing a legislative update is crucial for counties as it ensures they can navigate any new changes.” 

The Budgeting Basics workshop was presented by clerks from around Idaho, including Kristina Glascock from Twin Falls County, Abbie Mace from Fremont County, Patty Weeks from Nez Perce County, Angela Barkell from Owyhee County, and Mary Prisco from Boise County. In this session, attendees learned a basic understanding of the budgeting process, important local government budget deadlines, local government revenue sources, an overview of property taxes, and major expense considerations. 

Patty Weeks, Nez Perce County clerk, stated, “It’s encouraging to see the good turnout of officials at COI, which shows their dedication to serving the public. Everyone has a role in county budgets, not just elected officials and department heads. All employees safeguard the public’s money.”    

In addition to receiving valuable education and tools, county officials and staff in attendance also earned credits toward their COI certificate. To graduate from the COI program and earn a certificate, participants must complete 14 core courses (18 total credit hours) and 12 credit hours of electives. Commissioners must complete an additional 8 credit hours of commissioner core courses. Credits must be completed within four years. There are ample opportunities throughout the year for county elected officials and staff to earn their COIcredits, as courses are offered at the Fall and Spring COI trainings, IAC’s Annual and Midwinter Legislative conferences, IACC’s Annual Conference, and remotely via webinars. 

“IAC’s County Officials Institute provides vital information for county officials across Idaho,” said Sara Westbrook, IAC’s director of government affairs, who presented at the trainings. “We appreciate everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing you again at the Fall COI training in November.” 

To see and download the photo album from all four trainings, visit our Flickr Page.