WALLACE — Shoshone County commissioners by a 2-1 vote Thursday approved a resolution allowing the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office to pursue an override levy in the upcoming election. 

The proposed levy would generate $1 million annually for two years, beginning in 2026 and would cost taxpayers $41.61 per $100,000 of assessed property value. It stems from funding shortfalls at the county, state and federal levels. 

Emotions ran high in the district courtroom as residents voiced support and opposition to the measure, despite the meeting not being a public hearing. 

The levy proposal was introduced as a last-ditch effort by Commissioner David Dose during an Aug. 14 meeting focused on the county’s budget health. That meeting included proposed cuts of $960,000 from the sheriff’s office and $1.4 million from public works — despite commissioners already raising property taxes by the maximum 3% allowed under Idaho law. Dose called the situation unacceptable. 

Before the vote, Sheriff Holly Lindsey and members of her administrative staff addressed the crowd, outlining departmental successes, acknowledging financial struggles and urging civility. 

“This is really hard for me,” Lindsey said. “People have made comments that I have tried to portray that the sky is falling. You can only do less with less. You cannot do the same; you cannot do more. The last thing we want to do is to cut services.” 

Dose reiterated that his stance was not for or against the levy, but that the decision should rest with voters. 

“What we’re here to decide today is simply whether or not we should let the voters of Shoshone County decide on this potential increase in taxes,” Dose said. “We’re not here to discuss the merits of whether or not we should be increasing taxes or not increasing taxes.” 

After reading the resolution and making a motion to approve it, Dose turned the floor over to his fellow commissioners, who were split on the issue. 

Commissioner Melissa Cowles, visibly emotional, seconded the motion after expressing how difficult the decision had been. 

“I ran on integrity and honesty, so this is not easy for me at all,” Cowles said. “I did not know about this levy until last week, in the health of the county meeting, and then last night I was sent everything to read. But I also believe that everybody has a right to decide.” 

Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman voted against the resolution, citing fairness concerns for other departments, such as public works, which have faced significant cuts. 

“One of the things I’m looking at is how fair this is for the rest of the county,” Zimmerman said. “Personally, I do not think it’s fair that we budget one department and only levy for the sheriff’s department. I don’t see how that’s fair for our other employees in our county. I also have to think about the people. That’s a 20% raise to their taxes. I understand that it should be the people’s choice, but I think it should be the people’s choice on the whole county.” 

The meeting began with tension after Zimmerman called for an executive session, surprising many in attendance. The session followed a formal complaint submitted that morning to the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office by Matt Beehner, a Republican precinct committeeman. Beehner alleged the meeting violated Idaho Code and should be halted pending investigation. 

His complaint claimed Dose and Lindsey sought legal advice without commissioner authorization and that the supplemental levy was not on the agenda for the Aug. 14 meeting, potentially violating Idaho’s Open Meeting Law. Beehner had publicly opposed the levy idea during that meeting’s comment period. 

After meeting with Prosecutor Ben Allen, the commissioners resumed Thursday’s meeting as planned. 

According to Undersheriff Lance Stutzke, the department is already planning to meet with Shoshone County Clerk Lori Osterberg to see how the department would navigate the coming months before the county receives any funds from the levy, should it pass.