Monthly Archives: March 2009


Yesterday, we were finally able to meet with representatives of the County’s single biggest cell phone service provider. By right-sizing service plans and consolidating under one account for this provider, taxpayers will save over 20 percent or $32,622 a year off the $161,783 cost of service. We will be doing […]

Start of Cell Phone Service Savings


Yesterday, Friday, I was in the Ada County Courthouse as darkness fell and a smiling sliver of moon appeared in the southwestern sky. The view from the fifth floor balcony was stunning. Also stunning were the number of lights blaring at full blast in the cavernous, but by then nearly […]

Energy Overload


The Idaho Statesman’s Nick Jezierny had an article in the March 25 paper about the potential bidders for Les Bois Park. We have expedited the RFP (Request For Proposals) process in order to try to accommodate the horse owners and allow for a racing season this year, but kept it […]

Putting Things in Perspective




Russ Duke, the Director of the Central District Health Department (CDHD) recently met with the Board. He brought to our attention the fact that due to financial constraints, CDHD is struggling to continue to provide approximately 600 meals a day at senior centers and another 600 a day for the […]

Thinking INSIDE the "Box"


For new readers, you are welcome to contact me with comments, questions, or concerns at:(208) 287-7001 (direct dial office)(208) 362-0843 (home)sharonu@adaweb.net (messages sent to this address are subject to public records disclosure laws)sharonu@cableone.net (personal e-mail address)

Reminder: Contact Information



The Ada County budget presentation and public hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. This starting time should prove to be more convenient than last year’s 5:00 p.m. kickoff. Please attend this hearing to express your views on spending priorities within the Ada County budget. If […]

Save The Date!


If you’ve got teenagers, you probably know that cell phone costs can add up. In Fiscal Year 2008 Ada County’s cell phone expenses totaled over a quarter of a million dollars ~ 285 thousand dollars, to be more specific. As an advocate of zero-based budgeting, I have been looking for […]

Cell Phone Bills


I spoke up because I felt someone had to do it. At a meeting of the COMPASS (Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho) Board on Monday, February 23, I spoke up. It appears that the major focus of these meetings is to figure out ways to obtain more money, spend […]

I Spoke Up



Due to the adverse impacts of a downturned economy, this week, my colleagues and I cut Ada County taxpayers’ $70,000 annual contribution to the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, which is a division of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. We are seeking out other budget cuts that can be made […]

Budget Cuts