In brief: Auditor wants new tax review

A state auditor who claims the Idaho State Tax Commission cut secret deals with big companies that saved them millions of dollars says he’s not satisfied with a Senate committee review of his whistle-blower complaint.

Stan Howland, a 28-year employee of the agency, released a 17-page report last month outlining what he says were illegal secret deals. Howland is now calling for an independent investigation by a third party into his complaints.

Sen. Brent Hill, chairman of the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee, determined last week that the tax commission did nothing wrong in cutting deals with large companies over their annual tax bills. Hill said he’ll recommend that an independent third party scrutinize the methods the Idaho Tax Commission uses when reviewing tax protests of multistate corporations.

But Howland said that wouldn’t go far enough.

“I want a complete third-party investigation,” Howland said Saturday. “I want them to look at everything – not just the agency’s methods of reviewing.”

Associated Press

Region

Travel likely down for holiday

AAA says more people will be staying close to home over the Fourth of July weekend.

“Clearly, gas prices are continuing to take a toll on travelers’ budgets,” said Janet Ray, AAA’s Washington spokeswoman, who’s based in Bellevue.

The number of Americans who plan to drive 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend is down 1.3 percent from last year, according to AAA. It’s the second consecutive travel holiday for which year-over-year numbers are down.

The number expected to travel by airplane is down 2.3 percent – likely caused by the average 13 percent increase in airfares since this time last year.

Staff reports

Spokane County

Police seek details on arson

Police are offering a reward for information that helps solve a May arson fire that killed a dog and left a north Spokane County family homeless.

A woman arrived at the Riverside Village Mobile Home Park near Chattaroy about 2 a.m. May 10 to find her home burning. She saved two dogs, but a third died in the fire. She also lost her trailer, snowmobile, motorcycle and most other personal items.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (509) 327-5111. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect the reward but should provide a code name or number.

Meghann M. Cuniff