The Courier
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
News
March 25, 2020
Vol 44 Num 13
Disaster Declaration for COVID-19 US 30 / I-84B in Bliss Open
On Monday, the Board of County Commissoners in Camas and Gooding County issued disaster declarations to assist in Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) readiness and response. Various cities around the area are making the same delaration. In order to access emergency disaster funding from the state or federal government, cities and counties must first declare an emergency. This declaration is a precautionary step to continue county preparedness in reacting to the fast-paced atmosphere regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ability to immediately open the county budget to fund departments needing immediate support. Communication with all county departments will continue to remain proactive in providing service to the community while following state and federal guidance on social distancing. For the time being, public access to County facilities – Courthouse, Annex Building, Road & Bridge Office, and Sheriff’s Office will be restricted as posted on facility doors. On March 13th, Governor Little signed a proactive emergency declaration to further prevent COVID-19 spread in Idaho. The Governor issued an updated proactive emergency declaration on March 19, 2020. This order will allow governing bodies to continue to conduct important public business by suspending the in-person meeting requirement of the Idaho Open Meetings law. By using telecommunication devices, cities and counties can continue to conduct important public business while following state and federal guidance on social distancing. Regional Health Districts are asking anyone who has traveled to Blaine County between March 8th and March 22nd to shelter in place. This is not an official mandate, but the agencies are asking that people stay at home except to get necessary medical care. Those seeking further information regarding COVID-19 can visit South Central Public Health District’s webpage (www.phd5.idaho.gov). Once again, this is merely a proactive step to keep us prepared for fast-paced events that could occur. We all need to follow state and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19, and if following these guidelines means that nothing happens, please try to remember... That’s the point!
Old Highway 30 from Bliss to the west Interstate 84 exit has been closed for over a year while crews replaced the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad. Because this bridge was over a railroad, construction work was required to halt anytime a train was scheduled at the location. This extended the construction time well beyond the actual time needed to finish the project. Businesses in Bliss hope that having the west exit open will bring more traffic through town. This has been an economic struggle for many of them.
Tax Deadlines Extended To June 15th
The deadline to apply for Property Tax reduction (Curcuit Breaker) has been extended. On Monday, Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation extending this and other programs, as well as the filing deadline for state income tax and state income tax payments to June 15, 2020. Because of Covid-19 concerns, you are asked to call in to your local assessor’s office to start your application. Email and snail mail can be used to get your information into the Assessor. ONE simple call will get you started! IF you know anyone the meets this criteria, please help them to call for property tax reduction! Qualifications - as of January 1, 2020 you are: Age 65 or older • Widow(er) • Blind • Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years of age • Former
prisoner of war/hostage • Veteran with a 10% or more service-connected disability or receiving a pension from Veterans Affairs (VA) for a non-service-connected disability • Disabled as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board, or Federal Civil Service.
Lincoln County: 208-886-2161 Camas County: 208-764-2370 Gooding County: 208-934-5666
All County Offices are dealing with this issue. Please call ahead before you visit.