HBO Poll: County Raised Taxes 3%

he Kootenai County commissioners unanimously approved the new fiscal year budget with a 3 percent tax hike Wednesday night, in spite of objections from members of the public. “We take this very seriously — we understand the situation people are in, we’re in the same situation ourselves,” said Commissioner Todd Tondee. The 2009-10 budget of $73,413,898 is roughly $3.5 million less than this past fiscal year, due to depleting state funds and a significant drop in building and planning-related revenue/ Alecia Warren , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here .

• Wednesday Poll: 59% of 111 Merry Hucksters answered that incumbent Councilman Woody McEvers is going to defeat challenger Steve Adams in their municipal election race. Results here.