North Idaho Briefs August 28, 2012

Centennial Trail seal coating nearly completed

The remainder of Centennial Trail from Highway 41 to the Idaho/Washington state line will be completed by Sept. 7, barring bad weather.

This project is a "rolling project," meaning that the seal coating takes about two hours to dry, so the trail will be usable, soon after the contractor has sealed it.

The contractor can seal about one mile of trail per day.

During the seal coating period, users will not be directed to an alternate route. Cyclists are asked to please be aware of the project, use the shoulder when traveling around the work area, and, when appropriate, walk bikes around the work area.

For trail enthusiasts, there will be spotters in front of and in back of the construction to remind people to slow down and ride on the shoulders.

Public hearing

set for Wednesday over 2013 budget

The Kootenai County commissioners will hold a public hearing this Wednesday evening over the proposed budget for fiscal year 2013.

Members of the public are encouraged to comment on the proposed $79,057,544 budget. The county is proposing a 3 percent total compensation increase for employees, which would include the funding for a $575,000 jump in the cost to maintain medical benefits.

The budget also includes $312,547 for six new personnel. One of those would be mostly funded by the state, and another two by grants. The county would also spend $1.4 million on capital outlay.

The commissioners have not proposed a property tax increase, though the budget does include revenue from new growth.

The budget also includes a fund balance appropriation of $2.6 million.

More information on the proposed budget is available on the home page of www.kcgov.us.

The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in Room 1A/B at the county administration building, at 451 North Government Way in Coeur d'Alene.