TAXES: Cut by consolidating

I hope the state of Idaho and local cities and counties can cut taxes on many items to lessen the burdens on Idaho residents. One thing I’ve seen in another state I lived in, tax breaks that saved its citizens large amounts of money paid on taxes. That state reduced their taxes by allowing only one public school district per county. Idaho has 44 counties and 115 public school districts for a little over 1.5 million total population for the entire state. That is poor tax money usage — a total ripoff to taxpayers. Idaho also could consolidate many city, county and state government entities to reduce taxes, improve services and coverage to citizens’ needs. For example, one command situation for police — a metropolitan police department combining local police agencies, cities and county into a single command unit with varied substations spread around the county. State police would be excluded. Same with local fire departments consolidating; I’ve seen government agencies do this in a state where I previously lived and it improved services while cutting taxes.

I hope the Legislature will consider legislation like this or similar situations or scenarios to cut taxes, improve services and attract high-paying jobs to Idaho with benefits and better pay.

MONTE HILLMAN

Kootenai County