But “2015 paying for the sins of a 1995 elected body” happens ALL the time; and to a significant degree in some cases.

A deferred expense is pretty much the same as debt.

Avoid the cost today and someone else will have to pay the consequences later… true for buildings, services, maintenance, education, corrections, forestry, water, and every other role of government.

Is there a comparative study how “vote for debt” and debt vs leasing works in other states?

If you are going to occupy a building location for MANY years, is it better to lease or buy? (2008/2009 being the exception)

Seems like that provision forces (encourages) leasing and related schemes by government agencies which in the long run is typically more expensive.

EDITOR NOTE–East, the lease schemes are all aimed at keeping the citizens from voting to approve or reject debt. Politicos feel that if they call it a lease, there is no “purchase,” hence no voter approval required. It is simply dishonest governance aimed at getting around the voters. There are many reasons to seek voter approval. One very important reason is to prevent a 1995 elected body from forcing a 2015 elected body to pay for the sins of their fathers. Only the citizens have the right to approve debt in excess of a single year’s revenues. Long term leases are aimed solely at going around the voters and they are illegal. I have a case pending in the Supreme Court set for a September 3 oral argument against GBAD.

EDITOR NOTE–This original deal was put together before GUARDIAN editor Dave Frazier began defending the Idaho Constitution. Here are a couple links that explain the process. https://boiseguardian.com/2008/09/07/n-idaho-court-upholds-constitution/ also https://boiseguardian.com/2014/07/14/ada-commishes-to-payoff-bonds-they-never-owed/ And Kootenai County was denied a similar crooked scheme when Commish Nelson stopped it in court a year ago.

It appears as though they either over-paid or allowed the wife’s interior decorating budget to get out of hand.

Is there still a special parking spot for that corvette convertible?

How are the finances of the projects associated with the courthouse? Do we own those too? If I recall there are several office and residential buildings intended to serve the courts workers / lawyers etc.