During the Valley County Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 19, 2025, significant discussions centered around funding for the Sampson Trail Pathway Phase 2 project. The board highlighted a recent grant from the McCall Rotary for $1,200 and a pledge from Valley County Pathways to raise $50,000. However, officials acknowledged that additional funding is still needed to reach the project's estimated cost, which has been adjusted from $500,000 to approximately $403,000.

Commissioner Dave Bingaman indicated that efforts are underway to secure further funding through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, aiming to reduce costs and maximize available resources. The board also noted a $250,000 grant from the Tiled Pedestrian Safety program through the Local Option Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which has helped cover about half of the project's expenses.

The commissioners unanimously approved the submission of an application to the Stib Knight Foundation for additional funding, emphasizing the importance of community support and the use of various funding sources to complete the project. The discussion underscored the collaborative efforts required to enhance local infrastructure and promote pedestrian safety.

In addition to the funding discussions, the meeting transitioned into budget workshops, where officials expressed the need for historical financial data to analyze trends effectively. This request reflects a commitment to transparency and informed decision-making as the county prepares for its upcoming budget.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's proactive approach to securing funding for community projects while also addressing the importance of thorough budget planning. The next steps will involve awaiting responses from funding applications and continuing budget discussions to ensure the county's financial health and project completion.