County: Time to end the good ol' boy days

Is this deja vu? "A Look at Change," written by Alecia Warren, in the Feb. 7 Post Falls Press, has reopened the age old, and well studied issue of county government restructure. Although a bit long and complicated (to some), the following is an extract from a letter submitted to The Press on July 11, 2006, that might warrant a relook.

Calls for restructure in Kootenai County in recent months suggested establishing a part-time, five- commissioner board; hiring a full-time administrator to run the county; and to eliminate most other elected offices. These calls for action eventually turned to dust and the issue fell off the end of the earth. The only viable way to restructure government in Kootenai County is through the petition/Initiative process; once the requisite number of signatures is obtained, the issue "must" go to the voters for decision. Tide 31, chapter 50, Idaho code provides the constitutional basis for restructure in county government and offers five "exclusive" optional forms of government from which to choose. The form of county goverrunent most resembling one with an administrator is the "Commission-Manager" option (title 31, chapter 53, Idaho Code). With this option as the foundation for restructure, I propose the following as a start point in the petition/initiative process to change government as we know it in Kootenai County.

* Adopt the "commission-manager" form of government for Kootenai County, increasing the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) from three to five members, changing their pay status from full to part-time no later than 60 days after adoption; adjust compensation accordingly.

* Have the BOCC appoint/hire a full-time manager to become the administrative head of the county in accordance with Idaho code, requiring a minimum of five years CEO level experience, and a graduate degree or higher in public administration, management, or finance.

* Reduce the number of offices reporting directly to elected officials from the unmanageable number of 40 to just three. Set the span of control for county management to five or fewer sub-units in all areas, and functionally align all county offices and directorates. Reorganize and create five new "functional" departments directly supervised by the County Manager (Finance and Records, Admin Support and Services, Public Works, Justice and Public Safety, and Sheriff). With exception of the Sheriff, require a minimum four-year functionally related degree, three years' progressive management experience, and related special certifications for all department heads.

* Abolish the elected office of County Clerk (ex officio Recorder and Auditor). Transfer all Recorder, Clerk and Auditor duties and responsibilities, with the exception of property accountability, to the new Chief Finance and Records Officer (CFRO). Transfer the Auditor's property accountability function to the new Admin Officer. The incumbent will continue to perform the duties of office until his successor is appointed. Thereafter, the elected position is abolished (Tide 31, Chapter 50, Para. 31 5007, Idaho Code) Abolish the elected offices of County Assessor and County Treasurer (ex officio tax collector and public administrator). Transfer all duties and responsibilities to the CFRO. The incumbents will continue to perform the duties of office until their successor is appointed. Thereafter, the elected positions are abolished (Tide 31, Chapter 50, Para. 31-5007, Idaho Code). Convert the elected office of Sheriff to an appointed/hired position requiring a minimum four-year Criminal Justice Degree, five years law enforcement management and leadership experience and related special certifications. Transfer auto shop operations to the new Admin Officer and establish a county motor pool with auto shop capabilities. Under oversight of the new Justice and Safety Officer, return the 911 Center and Central Dispatch to its original independent status. Transfer the Driver's License Office to the CFRO for consolidation with the Vehicle Licensing Office. The incumbent shall continue to perform the duties of office until his successor is appointed. Thereafter, the elected position is abolished (Tide 31, Chapter 50, Para. 31-5007, Idaho Code)

* Create a new "Human Services Office" within the Finance and Records Department to consolidate citizen assistance functions in the county.

* Create a new "Logistical Support Office" within the Admin Services and Support Department to centralize all procurement, property accountability, and maintenance support functions "internal" to county government.

* Create a new "Strategic Plans and Economic Development" unit in the Building, Plans and Development Office to focus on mid and long-range growth and economic planning for the county.

* Retain the Coroner and Prosecuting Attorney as elected county officers.

* District Court Services remain unchanged.

Is this the overhaul county government needs? We are not there yet, however I do believe this is extremely close to where the future lies. If you are satisfied with the current, "good ol' boy" system of government in Kootenai County, then disagree and do nothing. If you want to move away from the politics as usual approach and have a greater voice in county government, now is the time to systematically plan for and properly structure the future of our county."

Earl "Bud" Greer is a Kootenai County resident.