Knezovich outlines budget cut proposals

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich outlined plans Thursday to make do with less following the county’s request that he trim about $1.25 million from his budget.

Knezovich said he would have to cut 10.5 positions, including 4.5 positions from the Spokane County Jail staff, two from communications-dispatch and four from patrol districts.

The Sheriff’s Office had planned to hire three new deputies in 2009, so only one of the deputy positions lost will result in a layoff.

He said the law enforcement personnel cuts would have to come from unincorporated areas of the county that are already thinly patrolled, “putting officers’ lives at risk.”

Other cuts include elimination of the riot team and motorcycle unit.

The sheriff’s helicopter will be grounded by the end of June, he said, unless the county comes up with funds to match a federal grant.

“I think we should look at cutting everything we can before taking patrol officers off the street,” Knezovich said.

Post Falls

Traces of coliform detected in water

A routine test Tuesday turned up trace amounts of coliform bacteria in Post Falls water, but officials say there is little, if any, risk to residents.

“This is not an emergency,” said Public Works Director Terry Werner in a Thursday news release. “Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful.”

According to the Washington Department of Health, total coliform bacteria are commonly found in soil and vegetation. Total coliform are not the same as more harmful fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, which have not been found in any of the samples.

Officials say there is no need to boil water, but suggested families with infants and people with severely compromised immune systems should contact a doctor as a precaution.

“We are working diligently to correct this problem and anticipate that it will be resolved within a few days,” Werner said.