Coeur d'Alene chamber board supports county reorganization

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce Board recently voted to support the Nov. 6 ballot measure to reorganize Kootenai County government.

"The issue was carefully vetted by the Chamber's Public Policy Committee resulting in the committee's recommendation to the board to support the plan," according to a press release.

Commissioner Dan Green told the board that the ballot measure does not fully address all necessary components of reorganization.

A "yes" vote would allow the county to reorganize and operate in a more effective and efficient manner, the release said.

Green told the board that two different independent studies have recommended a reorganization of county government over the past 15 years.

Under the new reorganization the commissioners would retain current policy and budgetary responsibilities, while acquiring the new administrative responsibilities now resting with the assessor, clerk, coroner and treasurer, the release said.

"Under this plan a new county manager would be hired, serving at the pleasure of the commissioners," the release said.