Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks Holds 2023 Annual Conference

By Lon Colton, Oneida County Clerk

The Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks (IACRC) gathered in Salmon, Idaho, August 15 through August 17 for their 2023 Annual Conference.

Meetings were held in the Lynch Center where 30 of Idaho’s 44 county clerks were able to attend and participate in discussions on elections, budget manual updates, possible updates for the records manual, and allowed expenses of opioid settlement money, with various committee members giving the presentations.

Power County Clerk Sharee Sprague and IAC Executive Director Seth Grigg reported on judicial matters, including recent discussions with Chief Justice Richard Beven and Idaho State Court Administrator Sara Omundson on issues involving the courts. Ben Seloske, Research Analyst from the Idaho State Tax Commission presented on L-2 forms and year-end tax calculations and deadlines while Jackie McCleve, State Social Security Manager with the State of Idaho Controller’s Office presented on social security.

Program Manager Tammara Tarvin of the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association and Deborah Forgy, Legal Assistant at the Office of the Attorney General spoke about the VINE program and HOPE cards, respectively. Secretary of State Phil McGrane and members from his office wrapped up the conference on Thursday with further elections discussion.

Outside of presentations, attendees had the opportunity to discuss proposed legislative resolutions to be considered during Idaho’s next legislative session. IAC policy staff Seth Grigg, Sara Westbrook, and Kelli Brassfield were present for the discussions and provided insight and guidance as needed.

During the IACRC business meeting, February 2023 minutes and 2024 budget were approved and the new Executive Officers were installed. Doug Miller of Valley County was elected as the IACRC President, Jayson Dixon of Bannock County was elected to IACRC Vice President, Kim Keeley of Teton County was elected as IACRC Secretary/Treasurer, and Lon Colton of Oneida County was elected to IACRC Immediate Past President.

In addition to the ample professional development opportunities, committee meetings, and business proceedings, the conference was rounded out by networking and fun activities, which included a golf scramble on Monday, cornhole and axe throwing Tuesday evening, and a Wednesday-evening social hour.

The IACRC Annual Conference afforded Idaho’s county clerks the opportunity to gather for meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on issues faced by clerks throughout the state, the ability to come together as a united membership to engage in legislative decision making and champion positive changes, and the chance to gain new insights and resources to help them better serve their respective counties.

“With so many hats to wear, the county clerk is always deeply engaged in something, and that something usually carries a tight deadline,” said Oneida County Clerk Lon Colton. “The IACRC conferences give clerks a chance to come up for air and make meaningful connections. We may not always have all the answers, but we can feel confident that we are supported as part of a network of professionals who are happy to share solutions, information, and resources.”

See and download photos from the event on our Flickr page.