We spent three days last week, and will spend most of the next two weeks, hearing assessed property value appeals. There is a lot of misunderstanding about this process and how the property tax system works, in general. As I have mentioned previously, one of the hats we wear is […]
Monthly Archives: June 2009
According to a June 23 news release, Governor Butch Otter appointed a 15-member task force of legislators and private individuals composed of 13 men and 2 women, “to consider how best to modernize the user-pay fee system for financing maintenance and improvements to Idaho’s roads and bridges.” More often than […]
Taxing Transportation
This week is representative of the diverse nature of issues with which we deal on a regular basis. A few of the highlights: Monday morning, the three of us showed up at the Public Safety Building at Barrister and performed a two-hour, statutorily required quarterly jail inspection. We found a […]
Wow! What a Week!
Appeal now, if you are going to appeal! Your assessed property value, that is. Assessment notices were sent out by the Ada County Assessor’s Office the last week of May. Property owners who disagree with the value assigned to their property are welcome to file an appeal for a reduction […]
Deadline Fast Approaches
Okay, this is disturbing. When, at a COMPASS Board meeting I asked how we would get the placement of a crosswalk and signal for pedestrians in front of the Ada County Courthouse, the Idaho Transportation Department representative said that there are higher priorities. He indicated that ITD focuses their attention […]
I’m Shocked!
Has this ever happened to you? I recently received a letter from the Idaho State Tax Commission. It is said one can’t fight the IRS, and this agency is the state-level equivalent, but in this case, it’s a matter of principle. Earlier this year, I diligently filled out my income […]
It’s a Matter of Principle… and Interest
Transfer of patient care, scene management and incident command present some unique challenges for the local fire agencies and our Ada County Paramedics. Adoption of clear-cut and uniform policies and procedures by all agencies is the best way to ensure that there is no breakdown in patient care. There are […]
Praising Paramedics and Promoting Proactive Policies and Procedures
Here’s your chance to have your say. On Thursday, June 11, we will be holding another Town Hall Meeting, this time in Kuna. The meeting will be held at Kuna High School, 637 E. Deer Flat Road, from 6 – 8 p.m.. The purpose of the meeting is for us, […]
Second Town Hall Meeting
The biggest issue we are dealing with right now is still the budget. Revenue from the State of Idaho, such as sales tax dollars that are shared with the counties, is way down. The current year’s budget and spending are in pretty good shape now that cuts have been made, […]
A Tough Day
The bad news is that with the current state of the economy, Ada County revenues are down by millions of dollars. Revenue sharing dollars from the State of Idaho are not what they were projected to be. The Ada County budget must necessarily be cut by another $3 million this […]