Kootenai County adds time-sensitive item on Supreme Court order, keeps county services open

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 23 added a time-sensitive agenda item after staff reported an Idaho Supreme Court order that would curtail court services on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26.

The chair said the county had received a court order that mirrors actions in the federal system and "is essentially shutting down court services for December 24–26." The board voted to add the item to the agenda.

In discussion, the chair recommended county departments remain open for business, including the courts, while staff seek specific guidance from Administrative District Judge McHugh and the county’s trial court administrator about which court duties will or will not be performed on the listed dates.

No formal policy change was adopted; commissioners agreed to await direction from court administrators and noted they wanted to preserve access to county services unless explicit operational closure was ordered. The board did not alter county operating hours at the meeting.

The board adjourned the item after agreeing to monitor guidance from the judiciary and for staff to return with any clarifying instructions that affect county operations.