What to do with all that money

‘Tis the season for charity.

But not, we beg, from elected officials.

Kootenai County has saved itself into a happy place. Because of fiscal discipline from the previous board of commissioners — Dan Green, Todd Tondee and Jai Nelson — as well as a refusal from the new board (Green, Marc Eberlein and David Stewart) to raise taxes this year, the county is sitting on a nice little $15.5 million surplus. Those funds are available to be used however the commissioners see fit.

But Green struck gold last week when he said, “Our fund balance is very healthy, so Kootenai County is in an enviable position. But just because we have it doesn’t mean that we have to spend it.”

Bingo.

For context, Green, Eberlein and Stewart were talking about priority lists — ways the $15.5 million could be spent. One of the better-sounding ideas because it would result in savings through the years is consolidating some of the county’s facilities that are now spread out. A 2012 study suggested that the county could save about half a million dollars a year by consolidating off-campus locations. Another hot button with some support is adding cells to the Kootenai County jail. But we think Green’s comment — just because it’s there doesn’t mean it has to be spent — deserves serious consideration.

That surplus came from taxpayers, some of it during the terribly difficult recessionary period and its aftermath. While commissioners oversee the bank account, the fund balance really belongs to the taxpayers.

On the table is at least a vague idea of giving some of that money back to taxpayers — a concept we wholeheartedly support. However, finding an equitable way to do that could be challenging. If that’s the goal, here’s a suggestion.

Hold onto as much of that money as possible, using only what’s absolutely necessary for improved efficiency now. Yes, the economy has gradually improved over the last six years, but the day will come when many taxpayers will again be shouldering untenable burdens. When that time comes, the surplus could be used to reduce taxes temporarily — a godsend waiting in the wings.

There is a downside, however. The county would be setting a precedent for all taxing entities that might make commissioners unpopular with some of their elected peers. We think commissioners’ popularity with voters, though, just might offset any other discomfort.