IACA 2021 Fall Meeting Recap

Over three dozen County Assessors, deputies and appraisers from across the state met in Boise last week for the 2021 Idaho Association of County Assessors (IACA) annual Fall Meeting. Caribou County Assessor and current president of IACA Aaron Cook led discussions on a variety of topics. Topics included reports on valuation processes, the Interim Property …

Want Flexibility on ARPA Spending? Contact Your Congressman

In late October, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act (S. 3011/H.R. 5735). It was introduced to the House on November 1 but has not seen further movement since. Many counties have struggled when determining how to use these funds based on the …

Potential Federal Funding Sources for Idaho Counties

In light of new legislation being enacted such as the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) along with more seasoned programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Idaho counties have several opportunities to obtain federal funding. Read on for more details on these potential funding sources and additional resources for counties. American Rescue …

Congress Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding Bill

Over the weekend Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA). The compromise bill provides needed funding for critical county infrastructure, including funding the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for an additional three years. Not only will SRS be funded for three more years but funding will be increased. Counties eligible for SRS …

Idaho Commission for Reapportionment Approves Congressional & Legislative District Maps

The Idaho Commission for Reapportionment unanimously approved a new legislative district map and approved a new congressional district map on a 4-2 vote. If upheld, the maps will determine legislative and congressional districts for the 2022 primary election. A detailed legislative district map can be accessed by clicking here. The congressional district map can be …

Counties on the Clock to Sign Off on Idaho Opioid Settlement Intrastate Allocation Agreement

Over the last several years, the State of Idaho, 18 counties, and five cities have been involved in litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The litigants recently announced a settlement agreement which will result in up to $120 million in funds being allocated to the state, counties, eligible cities, and public health districts. The total …

Property Tax Relief Determined to be Counties’ Policy Priority

The IAC Legislative Committee met in downtown Boise on November 3 to discuss and determine policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The eight policies up for consideration were proposed by various IAC committees and were debated and voted on by the full membership at the IAC annual conference in September. The Legislative Committee was …

IAC Executive Committee on the Move for Strategic Planning

The IAC Executive Committee traveled to McCall in late October to discuss what’s on the horizon for IAC in 2022. The long-term strategy meeting was the first for Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz and Ada County Coroner Dotti Owens in their new executive positions, IAC President and First Vice President, respectively. Immediate Past President Kathy …

ADVANCING LEADERSHIP FOR NEWLY ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIALS

As a newly elected official, you know the importance of your work and the work of county leaders. You also know the stark reality of needing to do more with less and to maintain alignment of your resources, supporting county employees, and encouraging your community to hang tough in this time of uncertainty. There is …

Help Steer IAC Policies in the Right Direction: Join a Committee

It’s that time when county elected officials can choose to participate in IAC steering committees for the coming year. IAC members should have received an email with an invitation to sign up for up to two of the groups. Those currently serving on committees who would like to remain on theirs or select new ones …