April 6, 2024 (Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
Bannock County–During last Thursday’s work session, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners voted to “kill” the proposed Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center.
Citing both the unresolved concerns of Bannock County’s citizens and the need to take care of unfinished projects in the county, Commissioner Ernie Moser stated that, “I can’t put $3.5 million of ARPA funds towards this, and neglect some of the other projects that we have.”
The motion to end the Lab project was made by Commissioner Jeff Hough. In his comments before proposing the motion, Commissioner Hough remarked that the topic of the Pathology Lab was “divisive” and had “fractured the county in numerous ways.” He added, “I would like to congratulate Commissioner Crowder on his campaign of fear and misinformation,” and expressed his opinion that the project will simply be moved to either Idaho Falls or Twin Falls. Hough then stated that, “In the interest of trying to heal the fractures within the county, I will move that we approve killing the project.”
The Board of Commissioners approved the motion in a unanimous vote.
Commissioner John Crowder released the following statement after the vote: “Today’s vote was a win for the Bannock County taxpayers. The $3.5 million that had been allocated to the lab can now be redirected to truly beneficial projects. Possibilities include needed work at the county jail, the fairgrounds, the Veterans Memorial Building and more. I’m thankful to my fellow commissioners for coming to this decision.”
To view the discussion and vote, see the video below, beginning at 39:55.
