Clerk

This page will feature press releases for the Master Facility Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan projects and will be updated periodically with new releases as they become available.

Share Your Feedback: Facility Survey

Owyhee County is developing a Master Facilities Plan to establish proactive strategies for future County facilities, services, and finances while planning for growth. Facility user feedback is an important part of this process. If you’ve recently visited a County facility–whether you’re a resident, business, or an occasional visitor–your feedback is welcome!

Follow this survey link to share your input: https://bit.ly/OwyheeSurvey

For more information about the Master Facilities Plan process, visit: https://owyheecounty.net/departments/clerk/master-facilities-plan-comprehensive-financial-plan/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2023

Owyhee County Begins Master Facilities Plan Process

MURPHY — Owyhee County kicked off the initial phase of a Master Facilities Plan Process and Comprehensive Financial Plan process that will help guide future planning and budgeting for County facilities. The Idaho-based consulting team of Clearwater Financial and Insight Architects, along with County staff, toured eight facilities from Murphy and Homedale to assess existing building and mechanical systems conditions as well as space utilization.

This initial step is part of a multi-phase process that will also include a Comprehensive Financial Plan. Together, the two documents will provide long-term strategic guidance for future facility and budgeting decisions.

In addition, the team surveyed and interviewed key County staff and officials to evaluate future needs for all County departments. Population projections, anticipated service demands, and public service delivery trends will also be considered in estimating future needs. The assessment visits and other findings will be used to evaluate if existing facilities are able to be renovated or expanded or if constructing new facilities may be more cost-effective to meet future space needs. Immediate facility, service, and technological needs will be prioritized.

The tours highlighted that some facilities have minor space challenges and are in need of technological upgrades, while others such as the County courthouse, which dates back to 1936, may require improvements to meet code requirements for public facilities.

“Our facilities are aging, and we need adequate space for the public and staff, as well as storage for required equipment and things related to official county business,” said Commissioner Merrick. “Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, we’re the second largest county in the state, and we need to be proactive in planning for our future. This process will allow us to plan and budget to ensure facilities and funds are in place to deliver uninterrupted services to County residents and businesses well into the future.”

Both plans will align with the County’s Comprehensive Plan goals for public services and facilities. The County anticipates release of findings and consultant recommendations in early 2024.
County Clerk Angie Barkell stressed the importance of staff involvement. “As the primary contact with the public, staff understands community needs specific to their departments and how to best deliver services.” She added “Having these plans in place will ensure future delivery of public services even as County officials and staff change over time. These plans will also help to ensure that Owyhee County is utilizing tax pay funds for the best interest of our citizens.”

To learn more about the Master Facility and Comprehensive Planning projects, visit Master Facilities Plan & Comprehensive Financial Plan – Owyhee County Idaho