Ron Jacobson recounts successes, challenges of Post Falls political career

POST FALLS — Christina Petit shared a hope Tuesday that Ron Jacobson won’t be a stranger after his tenure as mayor comes to an end.

"Mayor Jacobson has been an incredible leader for 34 years and it’s going to be a significant change for the city,” said the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

Jacobson reflected on his time in politics during the Connect4Lunch at Prairie Falls Golf Club. He estimated that over the years between parks and rec, urban renewal, city council and mayor, he attended more than 750 meetings.

“People voted for change and the mayor-elect promised change,” Jacobson said. “I can now sit on the sidelines and see what changes are made and hopefully, all changes will be for the benefit of the city."

Post Falls City Councilor Randy Westlund was elected Post Falls mayor earlier this month. Jacobson had served in that role since 2013.

Other recent transitions are also underway in Post Falls with the retirement of Police Chief Greg McLean and Parks and Recreation Director Dave Fair set to retire in 2026.   

Jacobson said the growth in the city has slowed down recently, especially from high points in 2018 and 2019.  

“2025 might see the fewest number of residential permits in the last seven years,” Jacobson said. 

In-house repairs allowed Post Falls to pave 1.87 miles of road and chip seal another 8.5 miles. The city applied 2,750 gallons of road markings to local roadways using the new striping truck. 

Post Falls has 38 parks, three splash pads and more than 900 acres of park land. Kootenai Health and MultiCare Health System are building a new 30-acre medical campus in Post Falls.  

The city has felt the pressures of inflation recently, especially since House Bill 389 changed the way cities and other taxing entities collect funds from residents.   

“Everybody is affected by HB 389. We need to get the message to our state legislators, every time they take actions like this, it’s difficult for all taxing districts to have funds to operate,” Jacobson said. 

According to staff estimates over the last few years, HB 389 has cost Post Falls about $538,000, he said.     

Although fiscal year 2026 budget property tax increase revenues total $1 million, they are not keeping up with the fiscal year 2026 personnel increase costs, which will cost $1.3 million total. 

To make up the difference, Jacobson said the city took the allowable 3% property tax increase.

“The city is criticized for the increase and I understand people don’t like taxes, but the increase and the revenue generated don’t even cover the cost of our employees,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said when Post Falls police needed $1.8 million to update the communications system a few years ago, the council used the fund balance to get a new one that could communicate with other agencies.

"It's not rubber-stamped, it’s under scrutiny, it has to be justified,” Jacobson said.   

Noting that he will soon be turning 70 and has seen a lot of change in Post Falls during his time in local government, he instead will be filling his days with golf trips, more time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife.

"In closing for the final time, I can honestly say, mission accomplished," Jacobson said.  

    The audience gave Ron Jacobson a standing ovation Tuesday after his state of the city talk through the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce at Prairie Falls Golf Club.