Redrawing of Idaho’s Legislative Districts Set to Begin

Idaho’s Citizen Commission for Reapportionment has been officially organized by Secretary of State Lawerence Denney. The Commission is an independent, bipartisan committee formed every 10 years to redraw Idaho’s congressional and legislative district boundaries. The Committee is composed of three democrats and three republicans with the sign off of at least four commissioners necessary for …

Opioid Settlement Update: Deadlines, Incentives

In 2017, counties nationwide brought lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies for supplying large quantities of opioids and selling them through deceptive marketing campaigns. The health and financial tolls of the national opioid drug epidemic prompted the lawsuits. Across the country, states are beginning to reach settlements on opioid litigation. These settlements, if agreed and adopted, …

NACo Provides One-Stop Shop for ARPA Fund Grant Opportunities

Did you know that in addition to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars directly distributed to counties, there are other funding pots that counties are eligible to apply for? You may be wondering what funding sources are available to citizens in your county and what direct assistance is securable for businesses, families and individuals. …

Idaho Considers Assessment-Model Revamp to Lessen Residential Property Tax

Over the past two years, the Idaho Legislature has been struggling to determine how to alleviate the massive tax shift toward residential property owners. In 2021, the Legislature passed House Bill 389, a comprehensive property tax bill that further capped local government budgets, increased the homeowner’s exemption by $25,000 and adjusted property-tax relief programs such …

Legislative Council Establishes Summer Interim Committees

The Legislative Council met on Tuesday, July 13th to formalize interim committees. Due to the extended legislative session, interim committees will begin meeting later than in previous years. In total, the Legislative Council authorized seven interim committees and two study committees. IAC will monitor four of the committees: – Committee on Federalism – Committee on …

Redistricting Commission Appointments Complete

Every 10 years, Idaho legislative districts are required to readjust based on the latest census by a redistricting commission made up of three Republicans and three Democrats. The committee members are chosen by the Senate Pro Tem, Speaker of the House, Idaho Republican Party Chair, Senate Minority Leader, House Minority Leader and the Idaho Democrat …

2021 IAC Salary & Benefits Survey Now Available

The 2021 IAC Salary and Benefits Survey is now available for electronic download. IAC surveyed all 44 counties and a total of 43 counties participated in this year’s survey. The electronic survey is available in an excel spreadsheet so that our members can use the data how they see fit. If you find any errors, …

NACo Board of Directors Annual Business Meeting

On December 4th, 2020, the National Association of Counties (NACo) held its annual business meeting for the NACo Board of Directors.  The meeting was called to order by Honorable Gary Moore, President of NACo.  This meeting is usually held in the state and county of the current president but was held virtually this year due to …

Legislative Working Groups Recommend Special Legislative Session

It has been a busy few weeks for interim legislative committees and working groups. Joint Education, Judiciary and Rules, and State Affairs committees have met to explore the potential of a special legislative session. Among the topics covered include liability protections for both private businesses and governmental entities, the November general election, the jurisdiction of …

IACC Goes Virtual for 2020 Business Meeting

On Tuesday, July 28th, the Idaho Association of Commissioners and Clerks met together virtually for their 2020 business meeting. Members of the association representing almost half the counties were present. Kristin Cundiff, Sara Westbrook, Kelli Brassfield, and Mindy Linn from IAC were also in attendance. IACC President Lon Colton presided over the meeting. The IAC …