Public hearing tonight on Optional Forms of Government

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County residents have a chance to share input on possible changes to the county’s administrative structure tonight.

The Optional Forms of Government Study Commission will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. in the Kootenai County Administration Building on Government Way.

The hearing will also be streamed live on the county’s YouTube channel.

The study commission supports increasing the size of the Board of Commissioners from three to five members, as well as switching to the commission-manager form of government.

The commission also recommends that the county clerk, treasurer, assessor, sheriff, coroner and prosecuting attorney continue to be elected to a four-year term.

If commissioners approve changes, Kootenai County voters will have the final say during the November 2022 general election.