Ada County Board approves new impact fees for Sheriff's Office collection

The Board of Ada County Commissioners held a public hearing on April 9, 2025, to discuss the adoption of an ordinance that would allow the collection of impact fees for the Ada County Sheriff's Office in unincorporated areas of Ada County. This initiative is part of a broader effort to collaborate with local city partners to implement similar fees for other service providers, including the coroner, jail, and emergency medical services.

During the meeting, officials outlined the process for adopting ordinances, which includes advertising in local newspapers and scheduling discussions on the board's agenda. The proposed impact fees are designed to be collected at the time building permits are issued, with the goal of funding necessary improvements identified in the capital improvement plans (CIPs) for the sheriff's office.

The discussion highlighted the urgency of implementing these fees, as there is a significant volume of building permits being issued currently. The fees will vary based on the type of residential and commercial development, with specific amounts set for multifamily and single-family units.

Commissioners expressed optimism that the adoption of these fees might encourage the remaining cities to participate in similar initiatives. The idea to move forward with the impact fees originated from discussions with the city of Meridian, where local leaders questioned the delay in implementing such fees.

The ordinance will take effect shortly after its publication in the local paper, pending board approval. The commissioners emphasized the importance of equitable implementation across jurisdictions to avoid complications in revenue collection and potential refunds if the fees do not meet projected funding needs.

In conclusion, the board unanimously moved to adopt the ordinance, marking a significant step in enhancing funding for the Ada County Sheriff's Office and improving public safety services in the region. The next steps will involve finalizing the ordinance details and coordinating with city partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the impact fee collection process.