Many new homes not taxed

Kootenai County property taxpayers are paying extra – up to several million dollars a year – because hundreds of new homes aren’t on the tax rolls.

The revelation surprised some Coeur d’Alene city officials Friday when Kootenai County commission Chairman Rick Currie said about 800 new homes in the county aren’t being taxed.

Currie raised the issue at a joint meeting of the Coeur d’Alene City Council and the county commission. Officials also discussed collaborating on an off-leash park for dogs, a regional animal shelter and the county’s interest in using the city’s cable channel.

Idaho law exempts builders from paying property taxes on new homes until they are sold or occupied. Kootenai County Assessor Mike McDowell said there’s a gap in the law where occasionally homes are sold or occupied but that information isn’t reported to the assessor’s office. That means the property doesn’t get on the tax rolls.

The problem often occurs when builders rent the new homes instead of selling them, Currie said.

McDowell said his staff tries to ensure that occupied homes are taxed. Appraisers visit exempt properties to see if they’re occupied and also cross-reference properties to learn if the new homes are using utilities.

McDowell tried to propose a bill to the Legislature to require builders to update their inventory list annually to show which new homes have sold, are rented or remain unoccupied. The lobby for the state building industry didn’t like the idea, and it wasn’t introduced. He plans to resurrect the proposal next year.

Coeur d’Alene Finance Director Troy Tymesen said he is willing to help cross-check addresses within the city limits with city utility records for water, sewer and garbage services.

In their joint meeting, city and county officials also discussed the need for an animal shelter serving Coeur d’Alene.

Councilwoman Deanna Goodlander said animal control and sheltering is an issue for every town in the county and for nonprofits such as the Kootenai Humane Society. She questioned whether a regional animal shelter isn’t the right decision.

The council voted to form a committee involving the county, cities and nonprofits.

Earlier this month the city ended its contract with the Watson Agency to operate the Coeur d’Alene Animal Shelter. The Post Falls Animal Shelter will temporarily house dogs rounded up and given away for adoption in Coeur d’Alene. City Administrator Wendy Gabriel said a more permanent fix is needed.

In other items discussed at the Lake City Senior Center meeting:

•The county asked Coeur d’Alene to waive requirements for an engineering study that is holding up the remodel of the county’s recently purchased midtown building. The city forced the county to stop work on the former U.S. Bureau of Land Management building in December because the county didn’t obtain the proper plumbing permits. Now the city is requiring a complete engineering study because the county wants to relocate several walls. Currie said the requirement could delay the opening of the building by six months. When construction is complete, the county elections department and extension office will move in.

•Councilman Woody McEvers encouraged the county commission to use the city’s cable Channel 19 to broadcast its meetings or just conduct informational shows. He wants the Coeur d’Alene School District and North Idaho College trustees also to participate, and he plans to provide the entities with a cost estimate.

“I’ve watched you guys get beat up in the newspaper, and it just kills me,” McEvers told the commissioners. “What we’ve learned (in the city) is transparency so people can understand the process.”