Justice Building expansion moves forward

After a tense Monday night meeting where Kootenai County commissioners debated the scope and cost of the ongoing Justice Building expansion, the board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the project’s second phase.

Kootenai County commissioners approve $141 million budget

Kootenai County commissioners voted Wednesday to approve the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which includes levying 3% more property taxes.

Kootenai County commissioners eye $141 million budget

Kootenai County commissioners voted unanimously this week to tentatively accept a $141 million budget for fiscal year 2024, which includes a 3% tax increase.

Kootenai County commissioners consider on-call pay

Amid ongoing budget talks, Kootenai County commissioners discussed additional pay for some county employees while they are working on call.

County considers capital expenses

Kootenai County commissioners took a closer look Friday at capital expense request for fiscal year 2024.

Commissioners consider county employee pay

Kootenai County commissioners will assess pay steps for county employees rather than calculate a cost of living adjustment for employees as part of the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Kootenai County commissioners reflect on 2022

As Kootenai County’s three commissioners reflect on the year that was and look ahead to the future, one won’t return for another term.

Passenger terminal decision on hold for airport

Commissioners table decision on development and ground lease

Kootenai County commissioners put off a decision Tuesday on whether to approve a 25-year lease for the development of a commercial use passenger terminal at the Coeur d’Alene Airport, pending additional input from legal counsel.

County responds to assessor’s suit

Commissioners assert pay cut was lawful

Kootenai County has responded to a court appeal filed by Assessor Bela Kovacs over commissioners’ decision to cut his pay, asking the court to dismiss the petition with prejudice.

Aquifer protection approved: Some say it doesn't go far enough to protect water supply

Kootenai County Commissioners approved an ordinance Thursday that aims to protect the county’s drinking water supply. Commissioners Bill Brooks and Leslie Duncan voted to adopt the ordinance that restricts septic density over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer to one dwelling per 5 acres. Chris Fillios was not present for the meeting. “I don’t think there’s any question that the mass majority of people are in favor of this,” Brooks said.

Commissioners consider impact fees

County commissioners indicated that they’re open to imposing impact fees on development that include a commitment to hiring more patrol deputies and completing unfinished housing units at the jail. What remains to be seen is whether the county can hire the employees it would have to promise in exchange for the fees.

Hundreds appeal property value assessments

More than 700 appeals filed

More than 700 appeals filed

Sheriff criticizes Justice Building expansion

Federal rules prohibit using ARPA funds to expand jail

Federal rules prohibit using ARPA funds to expand jail

‘We keep sinking’

Sheriff, commissioners disagree on staffing solution

Sheriff, commissioners disagree on staffing solution

County could pull impact-fee trigger

Would generate revenue that might ease residents' tax burdens

County commissioners consider new ways to pay for growth

Housing prices handcuff law enforcement recruiters

Experienced police officers from across the country want to work in Kootenai County. But they can’t afford to live here.