Press Release
Payette County, Idaho – March 12, 2025 – The Payette County Board of Commissioners has officially adopted the County’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP) and Comprehensive Financial Plan (CFP), marking a major milestone in the County’s long-term planning efforts. These plans establish a strategic framework to address critical infrastructure needs while ensuring responsible financial management.
Developed in partnership with Clearwater Financial and informed by extensive community input, the MFP and CFP provide a roadmap for maintaining and improving County facilities, including the courthouse, jail, and other essential services. The plans prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility while addressing pressing infrastructure challenges.
A Community-Driven Planning Process
Over the past year, Payette County conducted a robust public engagement initiative to ensure residents had a voice in shaping the future of their community. This process included:
- A County-wide survey to assess public sentiment on facility conditions and future priorities.
- Stakeholder interviews with County staff, citizens, business leaders, and service providers.
- A Citizen’s Committee that participated in facility tours, reviewed data, and helped evaluate potential solutions.
“This planning effort has been a model of transparency and collaboration,” said Lindsey Bratcher, Payette County Clerk. “By engaging the community at every stage, we have developed a plan that meets real needs while keeping financial sustainability at the forefront.”
Key Findings and Next Steps
One of the most critical issues identified in the Master Facility Plan is the need for a new jail facility due to regulatory compliance concerns, capacity constraints, and operational inefficiencies. Following thorough evaluation, the Citizen’s Committee recommended a phased approach to constructing a new jail, potentially at the County landfill site, to maximize cost savings and minimize potential tax impacts.
The Comprehensive Financial Plan outlines potential funding strategies, including capital infrastructure funds, grants, impact fees, and a possible bond measure. The County is now working on a timeline for implementation, with a potential bond election under consideration for November 2025.
“This is a critical step toward securing a strong future for Payette County,” said Ken Bishop, Payette County Commission Chairman. “We are committed to responsible governance and will continue to engage with residents as we move forward with implementation.”
Ongoing Community Involvement
The County remains committed to transparency and public engagement. The full Master Facility Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan are available online for public review, and additional community meetings will be scheduled to discuss the next steps.
For more information, visit https://www.payettecounty.org/elected-officials/commissioners/master-facilities-plan or contact County Clerk Lindsey Bratcher (lbratcher@payettecounty.org).
