Benewah County Commissioners Meeting — September 28, 2026

The September 28 meeting of the Benewah County Commissioners began before a packed room, with standing room only as residents and representatives gathered for a morning that included discussions ranging from long-term leases for local recreational organizations to ambulance coverage, property taxes and questions from the public.

Gun Club and Saddle Club Seek Long-Term Leases

Representatives of the proposed gun club spoke to commissioners about the need for a 99-year lease, explaining that a long-term agreement would help the organization meet funding and grant requirements while also providing greater certainty for the club's future use of the property. Representatives also expressed concern that a shorter lease could leave the club vulnerable to future changes in county leadership or policy.

The gun club representatives were advised to contact Benewah County Prosecuting Attorney Mariah Dunham to determine whether the proposed arrangement would qualify for a long-term lease under Idaho law. Idaho Code § 31-836 generally limits county property leases to five years without a public auction or 30 years through a public auction, but provides exceptions allowing leases of up to 99 years for certain specifically defined public and nonprofit uses. Because the statute places particular requirements on which organizations and uses qualify for those longer leases, the commissioners tabled the matter pending legal review. County Clerk Janeen LeWan also suggested that the county may be able to provide documentation that could satisfy some of the requirements of prospective grantors or funding organizations.

Representatives of the Saddle Club made a similar request for a long-term lease. That matter was also tabled pending legal review.

County Clerk Announces Resignation

County Clerk Janeen LeWan then requested that the commissioners accept her resignation, effective October 9, 2026. The commissioners unanimously approved the request.

Commissioners Address Out-of-County Ambulance Coverage

Ambulance coverage outside Benewah County was also addressed. According to the discussion during the meeting, Benewah County ambulance services have been responding to calls outside the county, including in the St. Joe River area, without Benewah County subsequently being reimbursed by Shoshone County for those services. The commissioners unanimously voted to limit Benewah County Ambulance's routine response territory to Benewah County.

2027 Property Tax Levies Approved

The commissioners also unanimously approved the 2027 property tax levies. Because changes in individual property-tax bills depend upon several factors, including assessed valuation and the taxing districts applicable to a particular property, approval of the levies does not necessarily translate into the same dollar increase for every property owner. The Beacon will be looking more closely at the approved levies and what they may mean for Benewah County property owners.

Public Raises Questions About Building Department

During public comment, residents raised questions about the removal of Tina Thomson as Building Inspector, as well as increases in building fees. One resident questioned why fees are increasing when, according to information presented during the discussion, approximately half a million dollars is currently held in the Building Department account. The commissioners declined to comment on either question during the meeting. Those questions remain unanswered and are matters the Beacon hopes to examine further.

Questions Raised About BCH Levy Presentation

Another resident offered a detailed critique of financial information presented by BCH executives in support of a levy increase, contending that significant financial information had been omitted from the presentation. The resident appeared to have come well prepared, with financial information supporting the concerns being raised. Unfortunately, the Beacon was unable to remain for the entirety of that discussion and therefore cannot independently characterize all of the resident's arguments or BCH's response. However, the exchange raised questions that merit additional examination: What financial information was included in the levy presentation? What information did the resident contend was missing? And is the complete financial picture readily available to the public?

Executive Session Scheduled

Finally, the commissioners scheduled an executive session at the conclusion of the public portion of the meeting to "consider records that are exempt from disclosure." Executive sessions are closed to the public and are permitted under Idaho law for certain specifically defined purposes. Because the public cannot observe the discussion that takes place during an executive session, the statutory basis cited for entering the session, as well as any subsequent action taken by the commissioners, becomes particularly important to public accountability. The Beacon intends to seek additional information about which statutory exemption applied to the records being considered and whether any action resulting from the executive session subsequently appears in the county's public record.

For residents who were unable to attend, the September 28 meeting covered a surprisingly broad range of issues with potentially significant consequences for the county, from the future of local recreational organizations and ambulance coverage to property taxes, building fees and questions surrounding public access to county information.

Several of those issues were resolved Monday morning.

Several others deserve a closer look.