In brief: State should help fix tax issue, Risch says

Idaho Gov. Jim Risch told a Coeur d’Alene crowd Wednesday that property tax issues go beyond the local level and the state should share responsibility. But he dodged a question from Kootenai County Commissioner Gus Johnson about how likely it is he’ll call a special session of lawmakers this summer to address the tax issue.

Risch suggested a “reasonable solution” is adding half a penny to the sales tax and using surplus money in the general fund earmarked for education to be used to help stave off ever-increasing property tax woes.

“Put that on my desk,” he said. “I’ll sign it.”

The governor also said the Legislature needs to send voters a referendum on tax relief, and that county commissioners should not shoulder all the blame for rising taxes.

“This is a partnership,” Risch said. “The property tax idea was great when property values were stable and reasonable. They are neither today.”

Risch would not give a percentage of likelihood, as Johnson had asked, for a special session this year. But he said he does want the Legislature to look at property taxes again.

“When it’s time to revisit it, it’s time to revisit it,” he said, “and the time’s arrived.”

– Sam Taylor

Blackwell Island annexation delayed

The Coeur d’Alene City Council postponed approval of the Blackwell Island annexation agreement Tuesday because too many questions remained about a proposed bike path and boat slip.

In a tie vote broken by Mayor Sandi Bloem, the council opted to hold off until they can clarify the width of the bike/pedestrian path and whether the marina can lease the boat slip until the city buys a fire or police boat.

The council in August approved adding local businessman Duane Hagadone’s 79 acres at the mouth of the Spokane River into the city limits. Yet the annexation won’t become final until the agreement is approved.

Under the contract, Hagadone would give the city a marina slip for an emergency services boat. The city estimates the slip likely is worth about $100,000.

Council members want to know whether the city has to actually own an emergency services boat before it can use the slip.

Also at issue is the width of a public path that will loop from Marina Drive along the waterfront. Hagadone proposed building an 8-foot-wide path, yet some council members want it at least 10 feet wide to meet city standards. The city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee recommended a 12-foot width.

The council expects to reconsider the agreement during its June 20 meeting.

– Erica Curless

Judge backs planner in Canfield dispute

Marvin Erickson must submit a new application if he wants to build upscale homes on Canfield Mountain, a 1st District Court judge has ruled.

Judge John Mitchell concluded Monday that Kootenai County Planning Director Rand Wichman had the authority to throw out Erickson’s application for Erickson Estates.

After 19 months of inactivity on the application, Erickson revised plans for Erickson Estates in March 2005. He scaled back the number of homes to nine and created lots in areas not included in the original proposal.

It’s these changes that prompted Wichman to throw out the application. A county hearing examiner agreed with Wichman’s decision, as did the county commission.

Mitchell said if Erickson resubmits the original application and adequately addresses the county’s questions, the county should use previous subdivision rules to evaluate the application.

Erickson gained notoriety in 1999 when he built his house and a Z-shaped road up the face of Canfield.

– Erica Curless