The Kootenai County Commissioners are currently negotiating with Rocky Mountain Corrections, of Ketchum, Idaho, on an agreement that would have the company build and own a new jail in Kootenai County. Commissioner Dan Green and Todd Tondee voted in favor for judicial confirmation and support the 20 year jail lease with Rocky Mountain Corrections.  Ben Wolfinger is also very much in favor of the jail lease. NOTE: Commissioner Jai Nelson doesn't support this 20 year jail lease or the judicial confirmation. This is what Jai Nelson said about the jail lease and the judicial confirmation:  "I strongly believe that not placing this issue on the ballot is a violation of the will of the people and an attempt to circumvent the constitution," Nelson said. "This is not the right thing to do for our citizens -- bottom line"/Kootenai County Citizens for Property Rights. More here.

• Hearing: Judicial confirmation hearing is set for Aug 29, 1 PM, at the District Court Building.

Question: Should the county commission use judicial confirmation (having judge rule if project is a necessary expense) rather than a public vote to lease a new jail?