SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning Department was approved Tuesday to contract with a local surveying company after months of searching for a second surveyor.  

Commissioners unanimously approved allowing the department to contract with MW Surveying LLC, appointing Matthew Wilson as a county surveyor. Adding a second surveyor, according to Planning Director Kendra Smith, will ensure adequate coverage and expertise for the county’s surveying needs, while also eliminating any potential perceived conflicts of interest.  

“We had two surveyors within the department. When one left us, that made things difficult. Not only for the workload, but also for the perceived conflict of interest that occurs if you only have one survey company. They are independent surveyors, and you don’t want them reviewing their own work,” Smith said. “It’s put a burden on us for the last 12 months to try and replace that.” 

According to a memorandum submitted to the board, Wilson brings with him 22 years of surveying experience throughout north Idaho, and carries licenses in Idaho, Washington and Montana. Typical of other county surveyors, current and prior, Wilson will be compensated for $175 per hour for principal licensed surveyor services.  

Idaho Code 31-2707 requires that county surveys be made by a professional land surveyor who is approved by the county’s board of commissioners. 

The department brought forth a second surveyor contract for Ruen-Yaeger & Associates, in an effort to obtain a third surveyor to both help with a heavy workload and serve as a backup in case a county surveyor resigned. However, commissioners unanimously denied the request due to the company charging $20 extra per hour.