Press Release
Payette County, Idaho – February 18, 2025 – The Payette County Board of Commissioners is currently reviewing a draft of a Master Facility Plan (MFP) and Comprehensive Financial Plan (CFP) that lays out a long-term vision for County infrastructure and financial sustainability. The Plan, developed in collaboration with Clearwater Financial, incorporates extensive community feedback, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis to address the County’s most pressing facility needs.
Over the past year, the County conducted a multi-faceted public engagement process, ensuring that residents had a voice in shaping the future of their community. This process included:
- A County-wide survey to gauge public opinion on existing facilities and future needs.
- Stakeholder interviews with County staff, business leaders, and service providers to assess priorities and gather expert insights.
- A Citizen’s Committee, comprised of community members, who participated in facility tours, reviewed data, and helped prioritize solutions.
“This is a significant step forward in planning Payette County’s future,” said Cameron Arial, President of Clearwater Financial, the lead consultant and municipal advisor to the County. “By involving the community at every stage, we’ve developed a plan that reflects real needs and ensures the County is making responsible financial decisions.”
Key Recommendations & Findings
The Master Facility Plan provides a comprehensive assessment of County buildings, including the courthouse complex and County jail, highlighting critical infrastructure challenges. One of the top priorities identified is the need for a new jail facility, as the current jail faces regulatory compliance issues, space limitations, and costly operational inefficiencies.
After a thorough evaluation, the Payette County Citizen’s Committee recommended a phased approach to constructing a new jail potentially at the County landfill site, citing cost savings, expansion potential, and minimal impact on surrounding properties. The Comprehensive Financial Plan outlines potential funding mechanisms, including capital infrastructure funds, grants, impact fees, and a potential bond measure.
Ongoing Community Engagement & Next Steps
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing the draft Plan and will consider adoption at their March 3rd meeting. In the meantime, County officials are working to identify funding strategies, public outreach opportunities, and next steps for implementation, with a potential bond election targeted for November 2025 or May 2026.
“This process is not just about building – it’s about making informed, sustainable decisions for our community,” said Ken Bishop, Payette County Commission Chairman. “We are committed to continued transparency and public engagement as we move forward.”
The full Master Facility Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan will be made available online, and residents are encouraged to review the recommendations and provide feedback. The County will also host public meetings and engagement sessions to ensure ongoing collaboration.
For More Information
For more details on the Master Facility Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan, visit https://www.payettecounty.org/elected-officials/commissioners/master-facilities-plan or contact County Clerk, Lindsey Bratcher (lbratcher@payettecounty.org).
About Payette County
Payette County is dedicated to responsible governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to support its growing community. Through proactive infrastructure investments and community-driven initiatives, the County is committed to ensuring safe, functional, and sustainable public facilities for future generations.
