PF voters OK bigger council
POST FALLS – The Post Falls City Council will grow by two members this fall, despite a dismal voter turnout in Tuesday’s special election.
Voters overwhelmingly agreed to expand the council to six members, with an unofficial vote tally of 161 to 77 – or nearly 68 percent in favor. The issue needed a simple majority to pass.
“Of course, I would have loved to have more voters, but at the same time I’m excited about the percentage who approved the council seats,” Councilman Scott Grant said Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to next fall and seeing who throws their hat in the ring.”
The idea of expanding City Council has been around for years, but the cost of adding members had been a deterrent. The city’s steady growth, though, prompted council members to bring the issue to the public this spring.
City officials say a larger council will better represent the population and provide more experience to help make difficult decisions.
The two new seats, Nos. 5 and 6, will be on the ballot this coming fall. Seat No. 5 will be a four-year term and No. 6 a two-year term.
Grant, a nearly 17-year council veteran, and Councilman Dick Harris, who was appointed in January, also are up for election. Both plan to seek re-election.
City officials said that some voters could have balked at the cost of adding positions. Annual salaries and benefits for two more members will cost $35,172, and travel and other expenses will add $2,500 a year, according to the city.
Only 2.3 percent – or 238 residents – of the 10,207 registered voters in Post Falls turned out for the election. Ninety-four voted by absentee ballot, and 144 voted Tuesday.
Kootenai County Elections officials said Post Falls usually sees voter turnout in the 10- to 15 percent range.
The measure may not have drawn the interest of some voters, city officials said.
“I’m disappointed in the turnout, of course,” Councilman Harris said Wednesday. “It’s a non-issue for most people, I guess. … It’s a ‘yes’ vote, but it’s sure a small percentage of people that could have turned out.”
Contact staff writer Hope Brumbach at 765-7124 or by e-mail at hopeb@spokesman.com.