Bonner County roundup: Commissioners approve $600,000+ in grants, claims; FY27 budget workshops continue
Bonner County commissioners approved more than $600,000 in grants, claims, and payments at their July 21 meeting, the only session in the past two weeks with published minutes. The rest of the county's recent business centered on FY27 budget workshops and land-use discussions still awaiting minutes.
Grants, claims, and contracts approved July 21
The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 on a series of financial actions:
- **FY26 Claims Batch #42:** $309,791.42
- **FY26 Demands Batch #42:** $164,079.17
- **IDPR WIF grant (patrol vessel repowering):** $50,000 accepted, with a $25,000 county match
- **IDPR WIF grant (Garfield Bay Boat Launch Docks):** $125,000 accepted, with a $25,000 county match
- **Virtual Migration RMS System Services purchase:** $35,135.10
- **QLess contract renewal:** $4,356
The board also authorized the auction of a 2011 Ford F350 Ambulance and approved an update to Bonner County Safety Policy 2000 regarding the definition of "volunteer." Both passed 3-0.
FY27 budget workshops underway
Commissioners held budget workshops July 20–24 and July 27, with additional sessions scheduled through August 7. Departments reviewed include Noxious Weeds, Fairgrounds, Airports, Extension Office, Sheriff's Department, Technology, Justice Services, Parks & Waterways/Groomers, Solid Waste, Emergency Management, and General funds including Contingency, Junior College, and 911. Minutes for these workshops have not yet been published. Each session included executive sessions under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(D) and (1)(B) for confidential records and personnel matters.
On July 22, commissioners held a special meeting with Auditing and Human Resources to discuss and decide on Paid Time Off (PTO) buyback options. Minutes are not yet published.
Comprehensive Plan land-use update discussed
The Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission held public workshops July 20, 24, and 29 to discuss the proposed update to the Land Use Component of the Comprehensive Plan and its associated map, under planning file AM0007-24. The board discussed and drafted modifications before a public hearing is scheduled. Minutes are not yet published.
Zoning Commission reviews subdivision, zone change
The Bonner County Zoning Commission met July 23 to consider three items:
- **File MOD0003-26:** Modification of road standards for Earthkeepers Private School off Red Ceder Lane
- **File S0003-25:** Revised Yoman Bluffs subdivision for 12 residential lots and one open space tract off Sherwood Beach Road
- **File ZC0002-26:** Zone change from Rural-5 to Recreation for ±9.23 acres off Cedar Lane
Minutes are not yet published.
Pending items from July 28 agenda
The July 28 agenda listed action on FY26 Claims Batch #43 ($652,780.56) and Demands Batch #43 ($114,894.49), three passthrough fund recipient agreements for detention clinician, juvenile corrections, and CBAS programs, a sheriff's resolution on destruction of records, and an executive session on litigation. Consent agenda items included a Fair invoice from Pinnacle Contractors, Inc. for $8,700, a Sheriff invoice for ILETS User Fee at $18,762.50, and a catering permit for Popeye's Lounge in Priest River. Minutes are not yet published.
Coming up
- **Aug. 4, Bonner County Planning Commission:** Consent agenda including July 14 minutes approval, a workshop on Title 12 Chapters 1 and 2, and a Groundwater Source Protection Technical Committee update. Administration Building, Sandpoint, with Zoom/YouTube access.
- **Aug. 4, Board of County Commissioners:** Decision on FY26 Claims Batch #44 ($292,935.17), Demands Batch #44 ($65,939.10), audit agreement renewal with Zwygart John & Associates for $70,000, Highwood Estates plat MLD0073-25, and a liquor license for TC Stacks, LLC in Sandpoint.
- **Aug. 5, Board of County Commissioners:** Tax cancellation requests for parcels RP059670010010, RPS39950000010, and RP037940000020; plus a special meeting on a Justice Services contract.
- **Aug. 6, Board of County Commissioners:** Public hearing on two land-use appeals — File V0003-26, a request for a 0-foot shoreline setback (40 feet required) for an accessory structure off Raven Ridge, and File CUP0008-25, a conditional use permit for a marina and upland accommodations on ±2.16 acres off Lakeshore Drive.
- **Aug. 3–7, Board of County Commissioners:** FY27 budget workshops continue at 1500 Highway 2, Suite 338, Sandpoint. Sessions may be cancelled if no departments register.