Shoshone commissioners surprised by cost of office space

WALLACE — The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners elected to pause discussions about remodeling their office Tuesday morning.

The board had received three bids ranging from $45,000 to $50,000 to break their shared office space into three separate spaces. The board had anticipated a much lower cost.  

Commissioner Tracy Casady voiced her concerns about the project in light of recent discussions about potentially freezing wages for county employees. 

“It’s a huge expense,” Casady said, “and with what’s going on with employees and the wage freeze, I’m leaning toward freezing all unnecessary expenses that aren’t due to operational expenses for the county.”  

Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman has been a vocal proponent of separating the offices — in any fashion –— since he took office.

“The biggest problem Shoshone County has is that commissioners need to be separated,” Zimmerman said. “This is happening in Canyon County right now. There is a lawsuit against the Canyon County commissioners because they were in a quorum and they made a decision even though the decision was not county business. And I think that our public has looked upon the commission and past commissions that we’re not supposed to be doing county business behind closed doors.” 

Zimmerman said the shared space doesn't allow any privacy — whether it be over the phone or in person. 

“The office needs to be separated. It was meant to be that way," he said.

Casady said there are spaces throughout the courthouse where each commissioner could work in private. 

“If we can find other space, I think we could manage,” Zimmerman said. 

Commissioner Dave Dose took the middle ground, understanding both the concerns over optics and money but also the need for three offices. 

“These bids, I think we’re all surprised by the amount of money they’re wanting,” Dose said. “So the question is where could we put a third commissioner? That’s the question we need to put a little more thought into. It’s a serious problem.”   

The board ultimately tabled the matter.