Growth will continue, let's plan for it

For weeks the commissioners have been addressing the acceptable language to draft gubernatorial candidate Steve Bradshaw’s anti-mask mandate resolution. Why is this even an issue? This is a red state and I’m not aware of any local threat of a mask mandate.

Instead, let’s discuss the rising county population and its impact on our infrastructure and services. Recently we learned that the commissioners have decided to raise property taxes by collecting foregone taxes, laying blame in inflation and being hamstrung by the state. I blame the county leadership of the last 10 years.

Census data shows Bonner County grew by more than 15% from 2010 to 2020, a fact that is not surprising to those of us living here. COVID restrictions in other states has only accelerated this. Why have our county leaders not been planning for how this growth clearly impacts our police, fire, EMS and other services, as well as increased traffic and the repercussions to the maintenance and safety of our roads and infrastructure?

As a Republican I respect keeping taxes down and supporting property rights, but we have come to the point that property taxes alone cannot keep up. I propose an alternative; subdivision, building, and impact fees that are inline with fees collected by neighboring municipalities … new construction should pay for its impact on services. Road & Bridge and the Bonner County Sheriff’s offices should not be forced to make the budget sacrifices.

Growth will continue, let’s plan for it.

BARBARA SCHRIBER

Sandpoint