While he doesn’t complain about the amount of money it cost him he does want to know why he is paying two districts and can’t recieve water from either one. He has been interviewed by the Statesman who published the story earlier this year and he still has no answer. The developer of his subdivision didn’t install irrigation lines. If he indeed has to pay this tax, who has the legal rights to the money?

My grandfather and I think this confusion should be set straight. I know the government works slow but, the man is 90 years old and doesn’t have much time to wait for an answer.
Yours Truly
Looking For Answers

The lot never used a drop of irrigation water in the last 40 years. Half of it was paved. Then when they installed it, guess what, no water. No opt out program over there and no promise of water in the future either.

It’s interesting to note that the way to win an election in Idaho is to win in Canyon County. The mental attitude of Canyon County is why common sense is not considered an Idaho family value in our State politics.

Canyon County is a state of mind, Ada county is a state of confusion.

after all the poor publicity – seems they would meekly accept it, not babble about partial payments.

Now he needs to make sure the lien is removed, more than once such things are “missed” or “forgotten”.

t

Then the wife posts on the “gadfly’s” blog how appreciative they are and what a nice man the “gadfly” must be.

Then a majority of readers cry “lynch the grinch”(that would be you, Mr. Coon)

The gadfly responds to the family by asking them to simply “pay it forward”!

The family has their home back, the grinch is banished in shame, and the “gadfly” places his stockinged feet up on the hassock and smiles. (while he pets the foo-foo)

The only thing missing here is for someone to yell “Look everybody, it’s snowing!!” and then break into A White Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All.

EDITOR NOTE–For a myopic sort, you have a pretty good outlook and above average comprehension level. Merry Christmas to you as well.

Somehow we finally ended up with a bill with penalties and etc . we had no knowledge of this district previous. Well it all ended well, as the title company admitted their error and paid the whole bill.. Seems that there should be a discloser law about such things as irrigation districts, annexation and such when properties are sold..

As a former escrow officer I have had many dealings with every irrigation district in the valley. Many of the people who work there are nice, others are obnoxious, but the rules they have to work with were established many years ago. The canals may serve water to fewer customers but the canals still have to be maintained. These canals were put in place before most of us were even born and are evidence of the rural life that is rapidly dying.

The establishment of these taxing districts were to be sure the canals were maintained for delivery of irrigation water and also to preserve the integrity of the banks so that leaks or floods won’t occur. The fact that our communities have become urbanized is not the fault of the irrigation districts, they are required by law to collect the O & M fee from every property in their district. If any of you feel that these districts should cede their taxing authority you should contact your legislator and/or the county commissioners. And, again, you may be able to opt out of the tax.

Perhaps if we all became more educated about the districts, their histories and the future of these canals (which quite literally made the desert bloom) we would find a lot less hostility toward them. Start with Stegner’s “Angle of Repose” for a story about the early years of canal building in the Boise Valley.

Oh, and by the way, aren’t we having nasty wars in a couple of places around the globe? They sure cost more than ten or twenty buck a year. Ask George. Geez.

Now would be a good opportunity to ask your legislator to look into real abuses by a taxing authority.

EDITOR NOTE– Sorry Rod, you are totally mistaken on this one. Idaho Code Title 43 has 25 chapters of irrigation law which details election of officers, annexation, etc. check it out here:
http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/43FTOC.html