NEW THIS MORNING: Thursday, Oct. 10

Top local headlines for Thursday, Oct. 10.

Cities take pass on Kootenai County public transit proposal

City leaders don’t appear keen to embrace a joint powers agreement for local public transit proposed by Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare.

Kootenai County officials debate shifting liability for public transit to cities

Kootenai County commissioners are likely to propose an agreement with cities that would make it difficult for the county’s public transit system to connect with Spokane in the future.

Kootenai County commissioners eye $131M budget

Includes property tax hike

Kootenai County commissioners agreed Thursday to publish a $131 million budget for fiscal year 2025, about $10 million lower than the previous year’s budget, and signaled they intend to take a tax increase just shy of 2%.

Kootenai County commissioners eye 2.5% pay increase for employees

Kootenai County commissioners agreed this week to balance the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 with the assumption of a 3% tax increase, but it’s not yet clear how much of an increase Kootenai County taxpayers will actually see.

Sheriff's office relies on hundreds of special deputies

Most are trained law enforcement officers; some are not

To facilitate law enforcement throughout the county, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris cross-deputizes police officers from other jurisdictions and swears in some special deputies who don’t have backgrounds in law enforcement.

Kootenai County assessor hires Boyles

Kootenai County commissioners have agreed to allow Assessor Béla Kovacs to hire attorney D. Colton Boyles to represent his office in multiple civil lawsuits but won’t reveal how much Kovacs is authorized to spend.

County commissioners reject assessor’s request for attorney

Kootenai County commissioners have denied Assessor Béla Kovacs’ request to hire attorney D. Colton Boyles to represent his office in two civil lawsuits.

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 commit $9.9 million to jail, sheriff’s office expansion

Kootenai County commissioners have agreed to allocate nearly $10 million to fund capital projects for the sheriff’s office, while plans for the in-progress Justice Building expansion remain up in the air.

Kootenai County commissioners to reexamine Justice Building project

In the face of growing costs, Kootenai County commissioners will reevaluate the scope of the ongoing Justice Building expansion project.

County officials consider policy for pay for themselves

Kootenai County elected officials will examine when and how their pay is calculated.

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.

County, cities continue impact fee debate

Some cities are willing to consider impact fees to support the Kootenai County jail. But the county’s additional ask that cities collect impact fees for the sheriff’s office and county parks and waterways — and withhold building permits until they get proof of payment — appears to have stalled.

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.

OPINION: County commissioners colluding with the Tribe?

That’s the allegation made by retired Brigadier General Blaine Holt in his July 20 CDA Press My Turn piece titled, “Theft by any other name is still theft.” In it he wrote, “is it fair for three commissioners and a 2,600-member tribe to collude to shred your net worth.” That’s a tall claim from a person who achieved the prominent rank of Brigadier General. As one of those three county commissioners, I’d appreciate seeing the General’s proof.

Kootenai County to float $50M open spaces bond

Kootenai County voters will decide in November whether to approve a $50 million bond meant to secure public open space on the Rathdrum Prairie and other parts of the county.

Kootenai County commissioners begin budget talks

Kootenai County commissioners took a first look Wednesday at proposed budgets 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 reject cell tower

Kootenai County commissioners voted 2-1 Thursday to nix a cell tower off Potlatch Hill Road, reversing their previous decision to approve it.

KCRCC candidates sweep county races

Results show disconnect between North Idaho, rest of state

Results show disconnect between North Idaho, rest of state

Mattare KO's Fillios in commissioner race

Unofficial results show wide margins in contested county races