Summary of Gov. Little’s State of the State Address and How It May Impact Counties

Governor Brad Little proposes big investments in transportation and education alongside tax cuts. The proposed budget would pay off state building debt and bolster rainy-day funds by adding more than $1 billion to the bank. It would also aim to spend $1.1 billion over the next five years on Idaho education. The Governor also proposed …

County Officials Invited to Attend Property Tax Summit on January 7

We know that property tax relief is poised to be one of the biggest issues before the legislature in 2022. We also know most Idahoans, including many legislators, do not understand the nuances of how the property tax system works. To that end, the Idaho Association of County Assessors, in partnership with IAC and the …

IAC Immediate Past President Travels to Georgia for NACo Board of Directors Meeting

By Kathy Ackerman, IAC Immediate Past President The National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors meeting was held in Dekalb County (Decatur), Georgia on December 2-4 in conjunction with the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) meeting. One of the primary purposes of the Board meeting was to set the legislative priorities for the coming …

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 …

2021-2022 IAC Executive Board Members Sworn in at Annual Conference

During IAC’s Annual Conference in September, the election and installation ceremony for the organization’s 2021-2022 board of directors took place. Kathy Ackerman, Idaho County Clerk, took her position as Immediate Past President while Chris Goetz, Clearwater County Sheriff, accepted his new role of IAC President. Ada County Coroner Dotti Owens was installed as the First …

IAC Honors Belated 2020 Award Recipients at Annual Conference

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) recently organized for its Annual Conference where it held its yearly awards presentation. Due to the cancellation of the Annual Conference in 2020, the 2020 award recipients were honored at this year’s Annual Conference. The 2021 Mills-Adler and Syd Duncombe awards will be presented at the 2022 IAC Midwinter …