Ada County votes: procurement contract, appointments, agreements and property due diligence

The Ada County Board of Commissioners carried a slate of routine but consequential votes at its March 3 open business meeting, approving procurement awards, appointments and several agreements.

Procurement and contracts: The board approved the evaluation committee’s recommendation to award RFP 26017 (Post Employment Health Plan Administration) to Empower Retirement LLC; procurement staff reported two proposals were received and ranked Empower first with an evaluation score of 80.15 and Nationwide Retirement Solutions second at 77.33. "Our number 1 is Empower Retirement LLC with a score of 80.15," procurement staff reported. The motion to award was moved and seconded and the board approved the contract award.

Appointments and reappointments: The board reappointed James Burch and Ryan Colson to the Planning & Zoning Commission for the terms shown on the agenda (terms listed as expiring Feb. 2, 2029 on the agenda); the motion carried unanimously.

Capital and operations: Commissioners approved change order No. 1 for the county jail phase 1 kitchen remodel, recording a decrease of $257,197.20. Operations staff explained the savings were achieved by reallocating work and avoiding additional premiums related to warranty or insurance work. The board also approved multiple agreements for Expo Idaho interim events and ratified a previously signed termination (agreement number 30854‑2‑26) that required timely signature.

Property due diligence: The board approved a non‑binding letter of intent authorizing due diligence on a potential county purchase of Eagle Fire District Station No. 2; staff emphasized the action authorizes appraisal and inspections but does not obligate purchase.

Financial and administrative items: The board authorized the county claims journal dated Feb. 27, 2026; approved eight additional agreements listed on the agenda; and accepted the indigent services staff recommendations dated March 3, 2026.

All motions were approved by voice vote without recorded opposition. Several items will require follow‑up work by staff, including contract execution for the RFP award and completion of due diligence for the Eagle Fire Station potential purchase.

Next steps: procurement will finalize contract documents with Empower Retirement LLC, county staff will continue due diligence on the fire station if inspection/appraisal results warrant further action, and staff will return any required paperwork to the board for signature.