Next up: County government committee selection

With the alternative forms of government study bylaws complete, Kootenai County will begin selecting ad hoc committee members Monday.

Consisting of three individuals — one appointed by each commissioner — each ad hoc committee member will nominate the nine study members based on majority vote (2-1).

The study committee's composition has been a point of contention between the three commissioners as worries that including special interest groups or political biases could sway the final recommendation.

Initially, the bylaws presented by Commissioner Bill Brooks suggested each commissioner nominate three of the nine study members. However, Commissioner Leslie Duncan, the lone opponent of the study, raised concerns that this would stack the committee against those who support her stance.

During the last workshop on March 10, the board loosely discussed having the study commission be comprised of:

• Representatives of the Coeur d'Alene Regional, Post Falls, Rathdrum, and Hayden chambers of commerce

• A member of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee and Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee

• A representative from the Northwest Property Owners Alliance and North Idaho Building Contractors Association, and

• A former county employee

Commissioner Chris Fillios said the board received comments from constituents who said the study would not represent their voice. Specifically, he mentioned other Kootenai County chambers of commerce, the ratio of urban to rural residents, and those that would favor a particular form of government.

"Some people actually said if we go to the chambers now, we're getting urban representation, not rural," Fillios said. "That would be a valid argument for land use. It's not land use; it's structure."

Duncan argued that the structure of the county government would affect land use. She explained that if nine committee members live in cities, they would likely be biased toward what they know versus other options.

Though she still does not favor the study, Duncan said she likes the process of an ad hoc committee better than what had been proposed. Still, the lack of nominee qualifications gave her pause.

"Are they just going to pick three of their friends each? Are they going to ask for applications, resumes? Are they going to have a structure where they should have somebody who is familiar with the government?" Duncan asked.

Fillios had faith that whoever is chosen for the ad hoc group would have the abilities and knowledge to make educated decisions. He said that letting the three individuals choose independently would aid in stifling commissioner bias.

"Hopefully, that individual is going to be objective and try to get people on board who can think in a broad-spectrum approach," he said. "I believe we appoint the three people and let them decide on the process."

Brooks also favored the new process and hopes it will extend the opportunity for a diverse study commission. As of Tuesday's workshop, Brooks said he has considered two individuals for the ad hoc committee.

"I like it because it provides an opportunity for representation," Brooks said. "There's a lot of talk on social media about taking away our system, but it's exactly the opposite. It's providing citizens a chance to make a choice."

In a 2-1 vote, Duncan dissenting, the board approved the legally revised bylaws and will bring forth their ad hoc delegates on Monday.