Judge Invalidates Recreation District

Thu., July 1, 1999

From Staff

The organizers of an Oregon Trail Recreation District suffered a setback when a judge ruled 60 square miles of the newly approved area overlapped with an existing Oakley recreation district.

Fifth District Judge Monte Carlson ruled the overlap amounted to double taxation for residents in both districts. His decision Tuesday voided the Oregon Trail entity.

“It is unfortunate that those good citizens who formed the district must retrace their steps to obtain a laudable goal, but I believe the law requires it,” Carlson wrote in the decision.

Cassia County voters approved the Oregon Trail district in November. But Kent and Marilyn Searle and other residents sued the county because the Oregon Trail district overlapped with the other area.

The Oregon Trail district, which would have imposed a $36 annual tax per residence, was formed so organizers could apply for grants for projects such as a proposed walking trail along the Snake River from Burley to Heyburn, said Bev Stone, chairwoman of the district board of directors.

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Judge Invalidates Recreation District

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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