Ignite cda board holds line on director's pay

COEUR d’ALENE — Commissioners for Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency voted to maintain Executive Director Tony Berns’ compensation package at current levels for another year.

Berns’ salary will be $135,346 for fiscal year 2016, according to Board Chairman Denny Davis. Berns this year will receive another 401(k) contribution from the agency of $21,499, along with health insurance and a disability insurance policy, Davis said following the commissioners’ Wednesday night board meeting.

The board discussed his performance and pay during an executive session. Following that, the board voted unanimously on his compensation.

“We know you’re out there every day on the front line for us, and some days are easier than others,” Davis told Berns following the vote. “We appreciate it.”

“That’s true,” Commissioner Deanna Goodlander said.

In other ignite cda board business, the commissioners approved a second sponsorship grant of $7,500 for the nonprofit North Idaho Family Group Inc., of Coeur d’Alene. The urban renewal agency handed the group the first $7,500 grant last year.

Kiki Miller, a Coeur d’Alene city councilwoman, is on the North Idaho Family Group’s board of directors, Davis said.

North Idaho Family Group describes itself as a marketing and communications coalition. The North Idaho Family magazine is a current program of the nonprofit.

The Education Information Center is another project. The center’s website, www.edinfocentercda.com, provides links to regional education and career training opportunities.

“We decided it was within our supporting education function,” Davis said. “Can’t have job creation without an educated workforce. It seems like a good project for us.”