Commissioners discuss use of CARES Act money

BONNERS FERRY — A lot was accomplished for the first week of July among the Boundary County Commissioners.

The $2 trillion, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27, 2020.

“Through the CARES Act there is $180 million, across the state, to reimburse counties and cities for emergency personnel and responders for wages and benefits,” said Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning.”Every individual taxpayer would get a credit on their property taxes to reimburse for wages and benefits for first responders.”

A recent decision also discussed during the Boundary County Commissioners meeting regarding the CARES Act, was to utilize funds to provide internet to areas within the community who have experienced substandard internet access and service.

“Three or four companies will submit proposals to the county tomorrow,” said Dinning. “Moyie Springs approved one company last night at their meeting.”

The Road and Bridge department have many projects in process at this time. The Trout Creek bridge on Westside Road is being replaced and the Ruby Creek bridge will be replaced as well. One of the Deep Creek bridges has work being done and crews are putting down new pavement on Deep Creek Loop Road.

“They are still working on the Riverside Project, a reconstruction of a road leading to the game refuge,” said Dinning. “The Ruby Creek bridge will get started on next month.”

Bonners Ferry Builders have completed their work on the Armory remodel, though the building is not ready to occupy yet.

Dinning explained that the Union Pacific Railroad has built a new county road located above the Twin Bridges in Moyie Springs. The road will be called Queen View Road.

The Solid Waste Department is waiting on a final management plan to be approved regarding a new management plan for the department. A study will begin for the longevity of the landfill to help with this planning process.

There was a discussion on another landfill issue; whereas, a decision was made to purchase another truck and two more larger boxes that, according to Dinning, are a lot safer and more sanitary for workers.

“Yesterday and today, the Board of Equalization appeals were heard on the property tax evaluations,” said Dinning. “There were about 23 total appeals; normally we get somewhere around three or four appeals.”

The commissioners met with a Simulcast Committee regarding dedicating a specific radio channel for fire and ambulance use.

Commissioners meet Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is welcome to attend, though there is limited space in the courthouse at this time. Attendance via telephone conference is available to the public by calling 877-402-9753, access code 9099848#.