Risch says session on tax relief likely

Every day it appears more likely that Idaho lawmakers will meet this summer in a special session on property tax relief, Gov. Jim Risch said Thursday.

On one of his frequent trips to North Idaho, Risch said “logic would dictate” that legislators would meet in August to take another crack at lowering the tax burden. Support for a special legislative session appears to be growing as residents around the state realize how much their property values increased last year.

Sticker shock over new property tax assessments isn’t confined to the northern counties, Risch said in an interview with Spokesman-Review editors. People in the McCall area in Valley County, Fremont County on the Montana-Wyoming border and Ada County also are feeling the pinch, the governor said.

To an extent, property values are on the rise everywhere in the state, driven largely by an influx of residents and business.

“The fact is Idaho has been discovered,” Risch said.

In his inaugural speech earlier this month, the new governor – only he can order a special session – stopped short of saying he would call lawmakers back to Boise this year. But Risch has said he would do it if “there is a high degree of likelihood that a measure will pass that will achieve significant property tax relief.”

– Scott Maben

Property valuation appeal deadline set

Idaho property owners have until 5 p.m. Monday to appeal their property valuations recently sent out by county assessors.

Assessors in Kootenai and Bonner counties have been flooded with calls, and many property owners haven’t yet received responses to their questions.

Kootenai County Assessor Mike McDowell said his staff is trying to get information to everyone who asks, but he suggests people file the appeal form even if they haven’t gotten their questions answered. That will preserve their right to contest the valuation of their property.

Bonner County Assessor Judie Conlan couldn’t be reached Thursday.

In some instances, property values in these two resort counties increased more than 200 percent.

The total assessed value of property in Bonner County increased 69 percent from 2005 to 2006. On average, the value of waterfront homes in Kootenai County increased 40 percent.

Many residents – especially those with prized waterfront and view lots – saw their property values double or even triple.

Appeal forms are available in each county at the county commission offices. In Bonner and Kootenai counties, the county commissioners also act as the Board of Equalization that hears valuation appeals.

For more information in Kootenai County, call (208) 446-1500.

In Bonner County, call (208) 265-1440.

– Erica Curless

Route of the Hiawatha opens after delay

The Route of the Hiawatha opened for the season Thursday.

The popular rails-to-trail bike and hike path usually opens in May, but there was a delay this year while workers reinforced tunnels. Several chunks of rock fell in September from the roof of one of 10 tunnels the bikers and hikers go through on the 15-mile trail. The scenic trail also crosses seven trestles – and the Idaho-Montana border.

Users must pay a fee and helmets are required. Lights are also required for going through the tunnels.

For more information, call (208) 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com.

– Taryn Brodwater