Comments on: Boise Lives Beyond Its Means, Bieter To Ask For $34M Bond Debt

By: Ducky2206

Ducky2206 — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 16:07:33 +0000

I would like to know how they determined it would only by $13 a year. If it is property taxes what was the value of the property they used for this estimate???

EDITOR NOTE–We have no beef with the math. They used an average of about $185,000 for assessed value. However, there will be tons of hidden costs for extra staff, new furnishings, computers etc. The bond is supposed to be used only for capital improvements.

By: Murphy

Murphy — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 15:20:52 +0000

Someone should ask basic question. Where did Boise spend the money they have collected over the years from impact fees? They charges fees for parks, fire, etc. If the impact fees were set aside for these improvements, there is no requirement for a bond.

EDITOR NOTE–Murphy, the first lesson for growthophobes is: “Growth does not pay its way.”

By: Snoop

Snoop — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 05:42:47 +0000

I find all of this to really be the tip of the iceberg with the city.

For instance the Boise Development Impact Fee Committee just last month asked to combine all of the zones for parks and rec into 1.

The way it was originally intended was that they would set up zones throughout the city and anytime an impact fee was paid in that zone the proceeds would go to a project in that zone. The State Statute states that if that money is not spent in 7 years or less, it must be given back.

They are running out of projects, so instead of giving those monies back to people that paid with the understanding that their money was going to their area for a park, now the Boise Development Impact Fee Committee wants to combine all of the zones and make it one, even worse on previously collected money. So if an impact fee is collected in southeast Boise, the city can build a park in north west Boise.

There is also a pot full of money that was just waiting to be spent in their zones that they are now making one zone. How much money are we talking about? Is that number in their parks and rec number? If not what is the true bill for parks and rec.

This is only on the parks side of things. I would be willing to bet a few of these slide tricks are going on in fire, wilderness, police.

Once again Boise has proven how King Beiter gets his way.

By: Voter

Voter — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 04:41:47 +0000

YET AGAIN Team Dave WANTS MORE MONEY!!!! More than we are already giving him TAXES.

And he calls the stuff he wants “bread and butter” items!?!?!?!

It is time for Mayor Dave to go on a diet and QUIT SPENDING!!!!!!!!!!

By: Grumpy ole guy

Grumpy ole guy — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:39:20 +0000

Could not agree more that the ballot should be divided into the component parts so that we could have our say on at least each of the three service areas: Parks, Fire Service and Open Space Preservation. Although, frankly, I’d like some further division of the two former topics and would like to see greater inclusion than just the foothill area in open space preservation in the open space plan. Let the voices of the people be heard, it is the way of a democratic government. I’d also like to hear some REAL justification for each of the recommended areas of expenditure, not the usual glib gloss over of “age and condition”, but some – oh, say, facts, including insurance costs and the like. I’d like greater detail on the park use planning, too. Thought that the daily had a nice summary, but, more detail would have been appreciated.

By: bikeboy

bikeboy — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 22:17:44 +0000

If they upped it to $26 per year, could we have the downtown choo-choo train, too?
/sarcasm

By: Rod in SE Boise

Rod in SE Boise — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 17:53:34 +0000

All that construction sounds like a jobs program. We do need to update the nation’s infrastructure (particularly roads and bridges), something the GOP/TeaParty congress in DC has been ignoring for years.

By: Zippo

Zippo — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:11:34 +0000

Team Dave using Team Obama’s play book… and proud of it. ‘Destroying America One Day At A Time’ is their motto. Standby for Denver like liberal rules.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:06:15 +0000

What was most ridiculous to me was a month or so ago an article in paper about the City wanting citizens to vote on what a $40-$50M bond should be spend on.

We should not be taking on debt for a citizen wish list, debt should be used for critical infrastructure and basic services.

We have enough parks, libraries and fire stations. If you want $50M in debt fine, get it to pay off higher interest debt the city might have and use the cash flow savings to advance pay on other debt.

By: Clancy

Clancy — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:59:03 +0000

I do not fault the City for presenting this bond to the people. That is much better than the old Lease arrangements on the fire stations. I do agree that these should be separate questions on the ballot.

The Bench/Mall area is definitely getting some park action.

EDITOR NOTE–Clancy, We agree! But to make an informed vote, citizens need to hear more than just the “yes!” position of Team Dave.