TRUSTEES: Spending spun out of control

It is hard to consider the North Idaho College Trustee majority as fiscal conservatives. 

Trustees Banducci and McKenzie dismissed a college president without just cause, which directly led to losing the college’s insurance. The last annual premium from ICRMP was $459,628. The replacement coverage, which began in 2022, now costs $1,283,401 and offers less comprehensive protection. It also includes a $100,000 deductible that applies to defense costs.

Previously, the policy had no deductible for liability claims. This deductible has already added $227,126 in costs, and these expenses don’t even cover additional costs for the remainder of the policy year.

The board then appointed another president who is still being paid but isn’t actively contributing. This salary and benefits package totals $306,250 annually. 

Legal expenses have also soared; the former long-term attorney’s fees for a six-month period were $30,633, compared to $230,157 in 2023, excluding an additional $211,013 in legal services and $170,285 in court-ordered reimbursements for legal costs from lawsuits.

Now the board is trying to figure out how to cover the costs of changing athletic leagues, estimated at $3,570,000.

Did you know that Todd Banducci and Greg McKenzie are running for re-election as precinct committeemen on the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, presenting an opportunity to start voting them out now? You can find out more information about how to vote and who to vote for at www.northidahorepublicans.org.

Late Sen. Everett Dirksen once said, “A million here, a million there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” It’s your taxpayer money. How do you feel about how it’s being used?

JOHN GOEDDE

Coeur d’Alene