Governor eyes coronavirus aid distribution tied to tax limit

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Gov. Brad Little and lawmakers have announced a plan allowing cities and counties to tap into $200 million of federal coronavirus relief money to pay police and other public safety workers as long as property taxes are also reduced.

The plan announced Monday is using part of the $1.25 billion Idaho received in federal rescue money to help with the pandemic. Little’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee will finalize specific details.

“Our focus is to support our communities and our police, fire, and EMS personnel and ensure there are no reductions in public safety during these unprecedented challenges,” Little said in a statement. “I appreciate the cities and counties working with us to ensure the resulting budget savings are given back to the people of Idaho in the form of property tax relief.”

Property taxes became a top issue in the legislative session earlier this year as explosive growth in parts of the state caused property values to increase, forcing up property taxes. Some longtime homeowners said they were being forced from their homes.

Several property tax relief bills were introduced during the session that ended in March as the virus started spreading, but none of them became law.

“Meaningful property tax relief has been the acute focus of lawmakers for several years now,” Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke said. “We will continue our efforts to find new ways to provide Idahoans ongoing relief from rising property taxes.”