County budget hearings set for Monday

SANDPOINT —  Bonner County landowners can expect to see an increase in their property taxes in the coming year.

The county’s $47.4 million budget will be the subject of two public hearings on Monday at the Bonner County Administration Building, formerly known as the Federal Building. The hearings are slated for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the downstairs conference room.

“Everybody is cognizant of how difficult the times are,” said Clerk Marie Scott, the county’s budget officer. “All of the department heads and elected officials worked really hard to bring in a reduced budget.”

Sales tax and fee-based revenue is down and the delinquency rate on taxes has climbed from 6 percent to about 7.4 percent, according to Scott.

As a result, there are no pay raises for elected officials or employees, three positions in county departments are not being filled and the Victim Advocate Services Team, which aids victims in domestic abuse matters, will have to make do with one less member.

Employees were also faced with the option of incurring cuts to their health insurance benefits or splitting those costs with the county. Scott said the Bonner County Employees Association chose the latter option.

To sustain the county’s general fund, the county is taxing on the value of new construction and seeking 1 1/4 percent of the 3-percent tax hike allowed under state law.

“Being mindful of the state of the economy, I think the board (of commissioners) has done really well,” said Scott.

Those with homes with a net market value $200,000 after all exemptions can expect to see a $14.48 increase. Homes with net market values of $300,000 and $400,000 will see increases of $21.73 and $28.97, respectively.

However, those figures don’t reflect the full 3 percent being sought for the county’s ambulance district.