Commissioners probe historical museum ownership, plan temporary HVAC repairs while search for 2003 MOU continues

The board examined the county27s maintenance obligations for a historical museum building after Jason Dixon, the county clerk, produced the original 1986 warranty deed and a related contract that indicated the county holds tenancy in common with the Bannock Historical Society and agreed to provide maintenance.

Dixon told commissioners a 2003 resolution referenced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and the historical society, but the MOU itself has not been located in records. "We cannot find that document," Dixon said, noting that the cover resolution appears in the record but the attached MOU has not been found. He warned that without the writing it is unclear whether the county relinquished tenancy-in-common rights in 2003.

The contract language and deed also reference a $6,000 penalty if the county fails to provide required maintenance; several commissioners weighed whether to pay the penalty or undertake repairs. Facilities director Dan Kendall said his HVAC technician found the system had been "hodgepodged" so the fan would not shut off and that he instructed staff to get heat running while pausing additional work until the county decides on next steps. "The thing's been running and running and running, but the heat won't come off," Kendall reported, adding that parts are old and repairs could cost "a couple thousand bucks." Kendall recommended getting heat restored before winter.

Board members agreed not to make any final dispositions until staff exhausts the search for the 2003 MOU; they asked facilities to proceed with limited repairs to restore heat and to return with price estimates and any relevant documentation. The issue also prompted discussion about what "maintenance" covers (routine upkeep versus capital improvements) and whether levy funds or discretionary county funds would pay for major work.

The transcript records an offensive remark by a commissioner during the exchange; it was acknowledged briefly but there was no formal response recorded in the meeting minutes. The board moved on after staff agreed to prioritize restoring heat and continuing the records search.