Optional Forms of Government Study Commission

Overview

The Optional Forms of Government Study Commission is a commission created by the Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to authority granted in Chapter 31 Idaho Code. 

The purpose of the commission is "to review the government of the county and recommend which, if any, optional form of county government should be proposed to the electors" of the county (I.C. §31-5003(4)). In compliance with section 12, article XVIII of the Idaho Constitution, the laws under Title 31 (chapters 50 through 59) allow for optional forms of county government (in addition to the original three-member Board of Commissioners).

Essentially, the Study Commission will look at three aspects of county government:

1. Should Kootenai County consider having a form of a 'Chief Operating Officer'. The two options for this are as follows:

(a) The commission-executive form of government, as authorized in in chapter 52, title 31, Idaho Code;

(b) The commission-manager form of government, as authorized in chapter 53, title 31, Idaho Code;

2. How many county commissioners should we have in Kootenai County? The options for this are as follows:

(a) The three-member board of county commissioners with changes in other county offices, as authorized in chapter 54, title 31, Idaho Code;

(b) The five-member board of county commissioners, as authorized in chapter 55, title 31, Idaho Code;

(c) The seven-member board of county commissioners, as authorized in chapter 56, title 31, Idaho Code;

3. Should any of the other county officials, each now elected (Assessor, Clerk, Coroner, Prosecutor, Sheriff, or Treasurer) be consolidated or changed to hired positions (each office to be considered individually)?

(a) Consolidation of offices among counties, with all other characteristics of the government of each participating county to remain unchanged, as authorized in chapter 57, title 31, Idaho Code.

The Study Commission, within one (1) year after its first meeting, must submit its final report to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. The Commission may recommend to keep the current form of county government or to implement one or more of the changes described above. 

Study Commission Members

Public Comment

Public comments to the members of the Optional Forms of Government Study Commission should be emailed to kcofg@kcgov.us. Public comment is not currently accepted at Study Commission meetings, but special meetings to hear from the public will be scheduled in the near future. Any public comment periods will be included on the weekly posted agendas.

If you want to submit comments to both the Study Commission members AND the Board of County Commissioners, please email kcbocc@kcgov.us. Thank you. 

Study Commission Agendas, Minutes, and Meeting Videos

Study Commission meetings are held in the County Administrative Building (451 Government Way) each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. (subject to room availability). 

Agendas are available at least 48 hours prior to meetings. Minutes will be available following approval.

View most recent agendas, approved minutes, and video links.

Study Commission 2021 Meeting Schedule (May through September)

Study Commission 2021 Meeting Schedule (August through December)