SANDPOINT — While the District 3 commissioner seat remains empty, commissioners Steven Bradshaw and Asia Williams met Tuesday to review a collection of agenda items. 

Sheriff Daryl Wheeler came before the board to request approval to purchase chain-link security fencing for the sheriff’s office complex. 

Both commissioners voted to approve the project, which will cost $40,527 and be supported by funds from the sheriff’s office’s budget. 

“We've had incidents of people walking through our facility,” said Wheeler at the Sept. 17 meeting. 

“Two months ago, we had somebody with a warrant for their arrest come in and start knocking on the door of dispatch,” Wheeler added. “That was very concerning for that area not being secured.” 

According to Wheeler, the project will include a pair of keycard access gates and will prevent unrestricted access to county vehicles. 

Both commissioners also voted to approve a change to the descriptions of a pair of county jobs. 

Alissa Clark, Human Resources Department director, told the board that proposed changes to the accountant/accounts receivable and senior account clerk/accounts payable positions would “realign the functions within the department to segregate duties a bit more.” 

Williams praised Clark for the move after voting to approve the measure.

“I think you did a really good job recognizing that there needs to be a difference between receivable and payable,” said Williams. “I think that change should have happened a long time ago.” 

The commissioners will not meet next Tuesday, Sept. 24, and will instead participate in an Idaho Association of Counties event, according to Williams. 

The District 3 commissioner position will remain vacant until Gov. Greg Little appoints a replacement. 

Under Idaho Code, the local political party of the former official has 15 days after the date of resignation to submit a list of recommended candidates to the governor. The governor then has 15 days to select and appoint a replacement. 

Former Commissioner Luke Omodt’s resignation was effective Sept. 7 — indicating the empty commissioner seat will be filled by early October at the latest.