Sanders County boards set budget talks, wildfire prep, and refuse fee review in busy July stretch
County commissioners open preliminary budget reviews
The Sanders County Board of Commissioners scheduled a series of preliminary budget meetings from July 7 through July 9, 2026, covering budget requests for Road Districts 1, 2, and 3; the Sheriff, Dispatch, and Detention offices; Public Health; District Court; and the Thompson Falls and Plains Libraries. Minutes from those sessions have not yet been published, so no budget figures or decisions are available in the record.
Emergency planning committee focuses on wildfire season
The Sanders County Local Emergency Planning Committee met July 9 to review updates to the Emergency Operations Plan and discuss wildfire season preparation. The agenda also included the Hyper-Reach/IPAWS emergency notification system, AlertWest camera location discussions, coordination with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Fire Council, and the BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant. Minutes are not yet published.
Commissioners take up easement and lease matters
On July 13, the Board of Commissioners scheduled administrative meetings that included discussion of the Northern Lights Easement, a lease agreement amendment, a county journal voucher and budget review, an update from County Attorney Jania Hatfield, and a Human Resources update with Rich Wallace. No minutes are available yet, so outcomes are not recorded.
Refuse District Board weighs fee increase
The Sanders County Refuse District Board met July 15 with an agenda listing three refuse appeals — from Hot Springs School District, Cathy Lininger, and James and Alice Ammen — along with an update on a potential refuse fee increase and a review of Sanders County Refuse Financial Reports for March 2026. The board was also set to receive a recycling report and an aging summary. Minutes have not been published.
Weed Board reviews spraying programs and permits
The Sanders County Weed Board met July 15 to discuss drone spraying contractor availability, county contract road spraying status, and an education and outreach schedule for July through September. The agenda included a morning office closure for follow-up spraying, consideration of "I Control My Own" permits, complaint compliance, and approval of time sheets and claims. Reports on Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil were also scheduled. Minutes are not yet available.
Coming up
The Board of Commissioners has no meetings scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, or Thursday, July 23. A single session is set for Wednesday, July 22, with updates from County Attorney Jania Hatfield and Land Services with Chris McComas. The agenda also lists a Preliminary Plat Application for the Buckhorn Farms Minor Subdivision, a Memorandum of Understanding with Teamsters Local Union No. 2, and a Collective Bargaining Agreement.