Boise State Public Radio News | By Rachel Cohen, Nov. 29, 2022
Blaine County and the city of Ketchum are contracting with NeuroMediation Group LLC to provide free mediation for landlord-tenant issues in a year-long pilot program.
Ketchum officials said the $50,000 contract with NeuroMediation — the cost of which was split by the city and Blaine County — could help about 90 households avoid displacement or hardships that come along with eviction proceedings.
Carol Barkes, the founder of the mediation group, has run eviction mediation programs in court systems in the Treasure Valley and Nevada.
There is no court-based eviction mediation program in the Fifth Judicial District, which includes Blaine County.
However, the effort Barkes' group is starting in the county is unique because the interventions happen before an eviction notice is filed.
“It means that parties don’t have to go through the conflict and contention associated with filing lawsuits, and the cost associated with that as well,” Barkes said.
Instead, the mediators rely on Blaine County organizations to have their finger on the pulse and to notify them of potential conflicts. Individuals can also reach out themselves.
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