Public hearing sparks outcry
Approximately 300 people attended a public hearing on possible changes to Kootenai County’s administrative structure Wednesday night. The hearing was also streamed live.
COEUR d’ALENE — Tempers flared during a public hearing Wednesday night, where Kootenai County residents shared their concerns on possible changes to the county’s administrative structure.
Approximately 100 people gathered in a meeting room at the Kootenai County Administrative Building, while more than 200 others waited and listened outside.
Since last May, the nine-member Optional Forms of Government Study Commission (OFGSC) has collected data to assess whether the county’s form of government should change.
The study commission voted 5-4 in support of increasing the size of the board of commissioners from three to five members, as well as switching to the commission-manager form of government.
Under that form, a commission-manager is the county budget officer.
The study commission also recommends that the county clerk, treasurer, assessor, sheriff, coroner and prosecuting attorney continue to be elected to a four-year term.
All recommendations are allowed under Idaho Code 31-5001.
If commissioners approve changes, Kootenai County voters will make the final decision during the November 2022 general election.
A green light from voters would make Kootenai County the first Idaho county to have five commissioners, rather than three.
Meanwhile, about two-thirds of U.S. counties reportedly have either an administrator or elected executive.
Though some have characterized the study commission’s recommendations as an “unconstitutional power grab,” OFGSC Chair Dave Botting emphasized that all recommendations are in accordance with Idaho law.
“The voters — we the people — will decide what form of government we want,” Botting said. “Anyone who is afraid to present this recommendation to we the people is the true enemy of this republic.”
Dozens of individuals took the podium Wednesday night to share their views with the study commission.
At press time, the hearing had stretched to nearly four hours, with several more hours of public comment expected.
The vast majority of speakers opposed any changes to the county’s form of government. Many said they don’t want the matter on the November ballot.
Some speakers said they believe hiring a commission-manager would be a mistake, as the person in that position would not be accountable to voters.
“The commission-manager form of government is one big, steaming pile,” said John Taparo of Hayden. “It grows government. This new role is appointed and unaccountable to citizens. It gives commissioners a convenient scapegoat.”
Kootenai County resident Linda Mitchell said the proposed changes would be too costly to taxpayers.
“The amount of tax dollars required to add commissioners and staff would be a substantial burden,” she said.
Emotions ran high throughout the meeting, with the crowd erupting into cheers and boos at turns. Several individuals screamed at the gathered OFGSC members.
Multiple speakers said OFGSC members who recommend changing the county’s form of government will face retribution, while others asserted that those who support the proposal are “evil” and will “burn in hell for eternity.”
This isn’t the first time the county has contemplated changing its administrative structure.
In 1996, a study commission supported changes, but county commissioners rejected the recommendation and it never went to a public vote.
The matter went to voters in 2012 but failed.
Post Falls resident Teresa Borrenphol was one of several people who spoke in support of putting the matter to a public vote once again.
“I trust voters,” she said.
She said she believes those opposed to a public vote do not represent the majority of Kootenai County residents, but are instead a vocal minority.
“My vote speaks at the same decibel as every individual in this room,” she said. “The voices of the minority cannot be allowed to disarm democracy.”
Though he opposes expanding the board of commissioners or hiring a commission-manager, Hayden resident Ed DePriest said he believes Kootenai County voters should have the final say.
“The citizens will determine the form of government changes, if any,” he said. “Isn’t that how it’s supposed to work? Isn’t that how those who truly believe in the Constitution want it to be?”