Larry Spencer wants to shed light on fees vs. taxes. The Kootenai County resident and executive director of the non-partisan Idaho Property Owners Association wonders why Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Sandpoint and Spirit Lake are among the cities that continue to charge for street lights as a fee on utility bills rather than fund the expense through taxes held in the general fund. "I simply don't think any city officials other than attorneys understand what can and can't be paid for with a fee," Spencer said. "This can be switched with really no harm." Spencer, who plans to speak to the Post Falls City Council tonight and Coeur d'Alene in the near future, cites court cases behind his reasoning. He sent an email to city officials on Friday asking them to rescind street light fees and pay for the expenses with taxes in the general fund/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Do you agree/disagree with Spencer re: the way cities charge for street lights?