GRANGEVILLE — During its regular session Tuesday, April 29, the Idaho County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing regarding a meat processing plant proposed on county land just outside Grangeville. The commissioners Skip Brandt, Ted Lindsley and Brad Higgins; county clerk Kathy Ackerman; and deputy prosecutor Matt Jessup were in attendance.
A public hearing focused on Legacy Beef’s proposal for a variance of the subdivision ordinance to build a USDA-certified slaughterhouse facility in the county near Grangeville. The hearing was opened by swearing in 16 individuals who signed to speak.
Miles Hatter, representing applicant Bob Rylaarsdam, said the facility would comply with all USDA regulations for waste management and food safety.
Discussion turned to the interpretation of Idaho Code as it pertains to the Area of Impact and the county’s Subdivision Ordinance. Areas of impact for cities and counties are mandated by the state, and Idaho County and Grangeville established the area some years ago, where it is light industrial, primarily for the management of roads, sewer lines, and other aspects of infrastructure.
“The county cannot be ‘capricious or arbitrary’ in its decision,” said chair Skip Brandt. “The county has no choice but to follow what the city wants because there is no county ordinance that prohibits a slaughterhouse in the area of impact. To vote no when the city has approved of it because there might be flies, traffic problems, or smell would be considered capricious and arbitrary. If the commission had voted against it, Legacy Beef could have taken it to court.”
Commissioner Higgins posed several questions about waste disposal and requested physical plans of the proposed facility. Hatter described the plant’s design, but did not provide drawings. Animals will be slaughtered on-site, conducted in an enclosed building with an air piston, and waste removal will be daily, proponents said.
Legacy Beef employee Danielle Scott outlined current pest and waste practices. Supporters of the proposal included Tara Connolley and Laura Lyons, who emphasized the business’ benefits to the community. Larry Hatter also spoke on behalf of Legacy Beef.
Opponents raised concerns about the need for a variance, potential environmental impact, and public health. Kristi Brooks questioned the purpose of the variance process if there are no existing zoning restrictions, and Brandt clarified the variance process is mandated by Idaho Code. Jerry Zumalt, vice chair of the Syringa Hospital Board, raised concerns about public health and questioned whether an approved USDA plan existed. Randy Vanderwall questioned the legitimacy of granting a variance based solely on the proposed facility use and raised concerns about the lack of recourse if issues arise. Peter Lane and Liz Clark also spoke in opposition.
Higgins noted the proposed site is near grain elevators and industrial operations, and said he felt confident in the oversight by the USDA certification.
Brandt moved that the variance be approved on condition that there will be a recommendation for approval from the City of Grangeville. Higgins and Brandt voted in favor, with Lindsley abstaining (Lindsley had earlier recused himself because of previous comments of support on social media.)
In statements made after the hearing, Brandt expressed confidence in the owners of Legacy Beef that they will make every effort to mitigate the concerns of those who are opposed, and the business will be a boon to the city and county.
The Idaho County Commissioners meet at the courthouse every Tuesday at 9 a.m.