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December 2021Welcome to the monthly newsletter from the Ada County Boardof Commissioners. We are happy to share with you information onsignificant news and events happening in Ada County.BOARD OBJECTIVESFOR 2022Rod BeckAda CountyCommissionerChairmanI want to thankmy commissioncolleagues andthe Ada Countystaff across alldepartments fortheir incrediblework and dedicationduring 2021. Despite obvious challenges, eachrose to the occasion to ensure we could deliverfor the residents of Ada County. Because of theindividual and collective efforts of our countystaff and the valuable input and participationfrom residents across Ada County, thecommission was able to:· Reduce property taxes by 21 million· Collaborate with the Ada County Assessorto reduce wait times for residentsto obtain registration and/or licensing oftheir vehicles· Appoint a new Ada County Sheriff· Reduce county zoning regulations forproperty owners seeking variances· Appoint two Central District Health boardmembers focused on securing publichealth and safety with minimal conflict· Secure commitments to keep the WesternIdaho Fair at the current EXPO site· Develop a plan to relocate EXPO Idaho’sLady Bird Park adjacent to the greenbeltand· Approve a balanced budgetAs we enter 2022, the commission remainsfocused on identifying methods to ease theproperty tax burden on Ada county homeowners.While the county collects the taxes, the moniesare distributed to various special districts,school districts and cities. The county retains asmall portion to fund the Ada County Sheriff’sOffice, the county jail, the court system, andother essential services.Providing meaningful relief to homeowners willrequire a joint effort between the commissionand city and state leaders. The commission willbe a robust and willing partner in these efforts.Ada County is experiencing tremendous growthas people from around the country havediscovered our quality of life in Idaho. It’sincreasingly important that we responsiblymanage and allocate our county resourcesand that the commission remains committedto doing so in a collaborative and convivialmanner.May you and your family have a safe, healthy,and prosperous New Year.Rod Beck, Chairman Ada County Board ofCommissioners
Ryan DavidsonAda CountyCommissionerraise your taxes, we can make sure the publicunderstands the value of services you receivefrom Ada county and how we control the cost ofthose services in a fiscally responsible manner;services such as EMS, the Courts, DMV, Parks& Waterways, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office,the Coroner, Mosquito Abatement, EXPO and theAda County Landfill (both of which are enterprisefunds and receive no taxpayer funds.)Going into 2022I want to makesure everyonewho lives or worksin Ada Countyknows that if you come to our office, call, oremail – you will be heard.When I was elected to a four-year term on theAda County Board of Commissioners, my goalwas to be an advocate and a voice for peoplewho have traditionally felt silenced. I believein personal liberties, fewer restrictions, andindividual rights and will continue to makedecisions that reinforce these core values thatmake our country great.I will continue to advocate for a night courtsystem that serves the needs of workingfamilies who cannot simply take time off tocome to the courthouse. I will also continueto advocate for property tax relief, and budgetsavings where possible.Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!If you look at your property tax bill, you’llnotice that Ada County receives a relativesliver compared to cities and schools. Whilethe county cannot control how much citiesRyan Davidson, Ada County CommissionerKendra KenyonAda CountyCommissionerhousing, protect our environment, lower taxes,and begin the revitalization process for the Expoproperty to create a legacy community gatheringplace for generations to come.Being an Idahonative holds specialmeaning for me asyour Ada Countycommissioner.Growing up in theTreasure Valley Ihave learned tovalue everythingthat makes this place so special: the mountains,the river that runs through it, the wide-openspaces, and our safe and healthy community.Just three years ago when I took office, I wouldhave added affordability to the list, but timeshave changed, and we find ourselves strugglingto pay taxes or even provide adequate housing.Another priority is the thoughtful investment ofAmerican Rescue Planning Act funds that willprovide critical infrastructure and facilities thatwill serve our citizens long into the future, likebringing Broadband to our rural communities.I want to also provide premium pay to helpsupport our brave employees that are mostimpacted by COVID-19.Finally, I promise to continue to help shape theculture of organizational excellence here atAda County by empowering and supporting ourfantastic employees and leadership team. Themore effective, efficient, and satisfied we are asa team, the better the service and associatedcosts are for our citizens.My priorities for 2022 are to explore allpossibilities and partnerships to leverage countyresources and assets to help build workforceKendra Kenyon, Ada County Commissioner2
Do you know anyone who couldqualify for property tax relief?Did you know that these programs exist?All of the listed programs, with the exception of the Homestead Exemption,must be applied for each year with the County Assessor’s Office.HomesteadExemptionProperty TaxReductionAvailable to those who ownand occupy their home astheir primary residence,and make application priorto December 31, to theAssessor’s Office to qualifyfor that specific tax year.Available to those whoown and occupy theirhome as their primaryresidence by April 15,and meet one of thefollowing qualifyingstatuses below: Over the age of 65 Widow(er) of any age(not remarried) Legally blind (any age) Disabled through SocialSecurity, Railroad or VA Former POW/Hostage Fatherless or motherless child under theage of 18Income for this programcannot exceed 32,230after deducting unreimbursed medical expensesand the property musthave a HomesteadExemption in place.Property TaxDeferralProgramThis program defers thetaxes on the home and upto one acre of land forqualified applicants. Thedeferred taxes become alien on the property andhave to be repaid to theState of Idaho. Theapplicant must meet oneof the requirements of theProperty Tax ReductionProgram and have acombined income of 50,650 or less for 2021.3VeteransProperty TaxReductionAvailable to those thatmeet the following: Applicant is recognizedas 100% service-connected disabled orreceive 100% compensation due to individualunemployability by theUS Department ofVeterans Affairs as ofJanuary 1, 2022 Owned and lived inyour primary residencebefore April 15, 2022 Property must have aHomestead Exemption
EMS - New Hire AcademyGraduates & ReserveAcademy MembersReceive BadgesCongratulations to the newest members of AdaCounty Paramedics who received their badgesearlier this month. These Emergency MedicalTechnicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are recentgraduates of the new-hire academy, and membersof the reserve academy, who earned full timepositions based on their exceptional performance.“The board spent an afternoon at EMS backin October and we can attest to the fact thatthis is not at all an easy job – especially duringCOVID. Responding to calls and being gearedup in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)makes an already stressful job even moreso. We are truly fortunate to have dedicatedstaff who make it their mission to save livesevery single day often under extremely tryingcircumstances.”- Rod Beck, Ada County Commission ChairPlease reference your six-digit trash accountnumber or your property address to ensure properprocessing of your discounted service.ATTENTION SENIORS – YOUGET A TRASH BILLING PRICEBREAKNote: Residents of Ada County who live outsidecity limits are serviced by Hardin Sanitation.Do you live in UnincorporatedAda County?Are you over 65?If so, you are eligible for a reducedtrash pickup rate!Remember, you must live outside the city limits(see the map) and you’ll need to show proof of yourage. Take advantage of this benefit for Ada Countyresidents!Proof of age can be submitted by email to:acbs@adacounty.id.gov or by mail to:Ada County Trash BillingPO Box 2780Boise, ID 837014
CONGRATULATIONS TO THEAWESOME STAFF AT THE ADACOUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICEFOR AN OUTSTANDING FOODCOLLECTION DRIVE.Each year the office collects donations andprovides them to a local group or organization thatmakes a difference in so many people’s lives. Thisyear the Boise Rescue Mission was chosen dueto their variety of out-reach services; River of LifeRescue Mission, City Light Home for Women andChildren, Valley Women and Children’s Shelter, TheLighthouse and Rescue Mission Recovery Lodge.The office started gathering food November 22 andended on December 21 with an Advent Calendartheme.ADA COUNTY LAUNCHESHAZARD MITIGATION PLANUPDATE SURVEYA coalition of local governments and otherstakeholders in Ada County are working together toupdate the Ada County Hazard Mitigation Plan.This survey helps local government betterunderstand the public’s view of our most prevalenthazards, community preparedness, and riskexposure. The online survey runs through Feb. 1st.TAKE THE SURVEYBy January 1, 2022 the Emergency RentalAssistance Program (ERAP) will likely have paidout in excess of 20M to help eligible Ada Countyfamilies whose livelihoods have been adverselyaffected by COVID-19. The ERAP program is arent, and utility assistance program covered byfunds from the Federal Government as part of theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security(CARES) Act. If you know someone who mayqualify due to a reduction in hours, reassignment,job loss or other issues related to COVID-19 here’show to applyEMERGENCY RENTALASSISTANCE PROGRAM(ERAP)https://erap.bcacha.org/5
ANNUAL ADA COUNTYHOLIDAY BAZAARAda County Commissioners Rod Beck, RyanDavidson and Kendra Kenyon browse the locallysourced arts and crafts at the annual Ada CountyHoliday Bazaar. Each year Ada County employeesshowcase their creative ventures and hobbies.Everything from pies, cakes, homemade cheese,quilts, carved wood benches, jewelry and more areon display for purchasingThe Holiday Bazaar has been going on for 33years!COMING UP!Make sure you’refollowing us onYou can watch the Ada County Board ofCommissioner’s weekly Open Business Meetingon YouTube.WATCH NOWWant to see what’s on the Agenda?LEARN MORERyan Davidson - CommissionerRod Beck - Commissioner ChairmanKendra Kenyon - Commissioner6
Just three years ago when I took office, I would have added affordability to the list, but times have changed, and we find ourselves struggling to pay taxes or even provide adequate housing. My priorities for 2022 are to explore all possibilities and partnerships to lev
