We have been reflecting on the past year along with the new year and would like to share some thoughts about the GUARDIAN and what we feel and believe. I am sober (don’t drink) on this New Year’s eve and after a week in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with family it is time to get back in touch.

The GUARDIAN has worked to inform you of the “sins of government” over the past year, but with little change, improvement, or hope for the future. We are not really depressed, just realistic.

In short, one guy with a web blog can’t fight the might of government with paid spin doctors who earn thousands of dollars more than mainstream media. Ever hear of someone leaving a government PR job to work for a newspaper or TV station?

Development rules, developers are hailed by the Daily Paper, and our air, schools, and roads continue to be used beyond capacity. The only glimmer of hope seems to be the recent Idaho Transportation saber rattling over Avimor’s access to Highway 55.

In general we feel local government does a pretty poor job of responding to citizens and is too eager to judge “accomplishments” by the number of growth-related issues they approve. It is an absolute fact that much, if not MOST, of the money paid to local candidates comes from developers and those who gain from growth. It is a filthy system.

We have often said–and many readers seem to agree–Boise’s City Council seems to have little regard for voters and the rights we are afforded by state law and the constitution:
–We need a cop shop, but they won’t let us vote on a proposal.
–There is an apparent need for airport parking, but they won’t put it to the voters.
–They refused to allow a hearing or public meeting on how to spend $10 million in surplus funds.
–Legal dept. at behest of mayor and council chases futile legal issues.
–They cater to downtown, the CCDC, and developers.

At the county level the Ada commishes have little respect from citizens, despite “demands” from at least one commish to be respected. They have:
–Continued the legal battle over illegal closed meeting issue.
–Rushed to pass a poorly worded and thought out EMS ambulance ordinance.
–Enraged county workers with another rushed passage of “at will” work rules.
–Continue to encourage overpopulating our county with “planned community” developments.

Based on the anonymous e-mails we get and the number of commenters who don’t use their real names, we can only conclude most people are afraid to speak openly for fear of retaliation from employers, loved ones, or the government.

The GUARDIAN will attempt to continue to provide a forum for one and all in the coming year, but it will probably be at a reduced frequency. We are tired and disappointed. It is not supposed to be this way.

ADA COUNTY Coroner Erwin Sonnenberg has decided to “try something different” with the investigation of two recent fatal police shootings. Instead of inquests, he is asking prosecutors in Twin Falls and Bannock Counties to handle the investigations. Both of these cases have a different wrinkle than the shooting of the 16-year-old boy in the Highlands a couple years ago. Downside is most of their info will come from the locals.

In both the Boise and the Meridian cases, police and sheriff’s deputies were on scene for at least half an hour before killing men who were brandishing pistols. The sticky question is WHY did police in each incident use BOTH deadly and non-lethal force? Reports say the victims (suspects?) were shot with bean bag rounds as well as rifle and pistol rounds. The GUARDIAN won’t question use of either weapon, but BOTH? Nearly impossible to tell which weapons were fired first, but we fear “contagious fire” may be a factor–one shoots and they all shoot.

DEVELOPERS need to post huge bonds posted before they are allowed to go forward with public involved projects. Another planned community was announced last week and the media pretty much ignored it.

We fear these developers won’t come through with the proper infrastructure and if they fail to sell as many houses as expected, it could be cheaper to walk away and leave the few homeowners–and taxpayers–to provide for sewer and water needs…the latest developer to get the CCDC nod to build a 34 story tower on the infamous “hole” has a history of bankruptcy… and a parcel intended for condos at Idaho and 16th is in foreclosure.

Under a well intended plan to get medical aid quickly to those in need, three firefighters aboard a $275,000 fire truck respond along with an ambulance on most emergency medical calls. Costly, inefficient, and cause for endless “code 3” responses all over town as one station responds to cover for those not available.

Since fully 70% of all calls are for medical assistance, it seems wasteful to send 100% of the aid in the form of a truck loaded with hose, ladders, and pumps. The fire departments need to be staffed–and equipped–for firefighting, but that duty comprises merely 30% of their actual responses.

The GUARDIAN thinks local fire departments need to rethink their equipment investments. We think in the city of Boise for example, they could purchase 5 medical vans for the cost of a single fire engine. With the capability of transporting patients if needed, these quick response or “squad” cars could supplement the ambulance service in the event of disasters, save wear and tear on pumper trucks, and provide efficient medical service to residents. They could also eliminate the need for county ambulance service within the city.

We figure staffing levels could be increased by 15 firefighters to provide paramedic/firefighter coverage at five stations and cover all shifts. One member of the three-man crew from the pumper could be assigned to the medical response unit, freeing the pumper from responding to medical calls, thus eliminating 70% of the wear and tear on a truck designed to fight fires.

Instead of having a truck with three guys respond to 70% of the alarms (medical) it makes more sense to have the cheaper medical van respond to ALL calls with two firefighters (one would also be a paramedic). That way, the fire truck is not overworked, and if there is an actual fire both the medical van and fire truck respond, which places four people on scene at the outset.

That will be devastating to Kuna’s Fire Dept. which already operates an ambulance with trained paramedics.

Star wants to offer similar ambulance service 24/7 which they fail to get from Ada County EMS at present. Star Fire Commission Chairman Steve Edgar notes the 911 dispatch system is already in place and his department wants to provide an increased level of service to residents. The closest ambulance to Star responds from Eagle, but only 12 hours a day. Ada opposes the Star plan to provide their own ambulance and staff.

Monday all the fire chiefs in the county met with the county Emergency Medical Services director to discuss the proposed amendments to the EMS ordinance. None of them favor the changes which pretty much put the sole authority for all medical services under the county.

Most fire departments have medical supervision from a doctor, but under the proposed ordinance only the county medical directorate (including a doctor) would have authority over training and protocol.

Boise Deputy Fire Chief Dave Hanneman said while the fire chiefs were unanimous in in their opposition to the proposed ordinance changes, their reasons were varied. He cited a licensing authority of the EMS to collect fees from each emergency medical technician in the department.

Ada County EMS previously has pretty much limited private ambulance service to non-emergency runs, transporting patients between hospitals and nursing homes. Earlier this year Ada County EMS entered into that business with county assets competing directly with the private services. Now they want to curtail public competition as well.

All this comes after voters turned down a tax hike 18 months ago. The County has struggled to run the service as a business. Meanwhile, thanks to growth, a healthy economy, and eager firefighters, the fire services have added paramedics to some of their fire engine crews and in the case of Kuna even offered paramedic ambulances.

The county attempt to establish a monopoly on EMS care and transport short-changes many citizens, is ill advised and likely will end up in court if the ordinance is passed. We all live in Ada County and all deserve a certain level of EMS service from the county.

If, however, a fire district or city wishes to offer more and quicker services to citizens they should have the right to do so.

That is what we do with police. The sheriff provides a minimum level of law enforcement in the county and if cities wish to create their own police departments to deliver increased service at taxpayer expense, they are free to do so. Boise, Meridian, and Garden City do just that.

Competing to offer emergency medical services is ludicrous. The GUARDIAN thinks there are only losers when the county tries to operate as a business. Hopefully citizens will demand–and offer some common sense that is so far lacking at the government level.

First Eagle botched the override election by having a single polling place for the fire district while voters at other precincts in the city–not the same boundaries as the fire district–didn’t realize they had to vote twice if they wanted to be heard on the override levy issue.

As if that weren’t enough, they made some enemies over what some call “tasteless ads” for their annual nut feed. The Rocky Mountain Oyster event has been a mainstay in Eagle for years. How can you be “tasteful” when you are trying to sell fresh testicles cut off of what were once cute little bulls.

Now the Robie Creek Volunteer Fire Department is coming–can we say it?–UNDER FIRE. From what we can see, there are some well intended folks who want to do the old Ben Franklin thing and have their own fire department. Robie Creek is the area off Highway 21 at the upper end of Lucky Peak Reservoir.

It isn’t that easy. To qualify as a “fire department” you have to create a district which has specific boundaries. The people in the district vote to create an AD VALOREM taxing district. That means the commissioners have the authority to levy taxes against the value of your property.

Lacking any taxing authority, we are told the Robie Creek Department is simply sending out “Invoices” to property owners. No one is compelled to pay the bills, but it looks official and no doubt many people WANT to pay. These “associations” as they are known in some areas are well intended, seldom recognized by insurance companies, and often depend upon donations for their existence. They are usually a “pay as you go” proposition and the threat of “no response” if you don’t pay is often enough to shame homeowners into ponying up.

The GUARDIAN reader who sent us the invoice was troubled by the tactic of billing for services not requested or authorized by law. It appears to be a tax bill to some and the timing is perfect since property tax assessments are going out simultaneously. The easy fix is to simply send out a plea for “donations” and there would be no foul.

We think this one could warrant a response from the Attorney General. The consumer protection branch will actually help citizens without an invite from elected officials. The AG reads the GUARDIAN, so we will keep you posted.

Last Friday I received a message left on the Boise Mayor’s hotline. The caller said, “The tax assessor must be smiling all the way to the bank thinking we were going to get any [property tax] relief.” If the caller only knew that my assessed property value increased 21% this year! As a result, my taxes will most likely go up by more than 15%. Bottom line: if I get a raise this year, more than half of it will be used to pay my tax bill.

While a 15% tax increase is hard to swallow, I at least have a clear understanding of Idaho’s tax laws and how the tax system is structured. For those of you who are as troubled as I am about skyrocketing assessments,
I’d like to arm you with the following facts so you can at least make an informed call for meaningful tax reform.

Ada County’s real estate market has experienced unprecedented growth. According to Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, the median price of all properties sold in the first quarter of 2005 was $173,300; by the 4th quarter of the same year, the median price soared by 22% to $211,575. Why is this important? Idaho’s Constitution and statutes passed by lawmakers require each county assessor to appraise property at current market value. If they don’t, the state tax commission may adjust property values to reflect the true market trend.

Land values have followed the same amazing upward trend. Many people speculate land values were only increased to offset lost revenue brought by the expanded homeowner’s exemption. This assumption is wrong for two reasons. First, any deficit created by the increased exemption could easily be made up by increasing the levy on the 49 other taxing districts. Secondly, and perhaps more to the point, continued demand for land in Ada County has caused bare land prices to explode – in some cases by more than 100% in less than a year’s time.

One other question I am always asked is, “Where’s all that extra money going?” The answer is simple; there is no extra money or “windfall,” to the county or any of the taxing districts. Other than schools, the current tax law caps local government budgets at 3%, with a growth component allowing counties to tax new construction, not yet on the tax rolls, with last year’s levy rate. Ultimately, increased property values decrease the levy rate. For example, the total tax levy for Boise residents went from a high 2.1% ($2.10 per $100, value) in 1994 to 1.76% ($1.76 per $100 value) in 1995. But as we all know, such decreases can’t offset double-digit increases in property values.

Lawmakers moved in the right direction by increasing the homeowner’s exemption to $75,000 and including land in the exemption. But as I told many lawmakers during the session, increasing the exemption by $25,000 would not lead to any real relief, since we were already seeing property values increase in excess of 20%. On a bright note, the legislature did tie the exemption to the Idaho Housing Price Index, which means it increases with market inflation instead of staying static at $50,000 as it has for the past 25 years.

Governor Risch sees the opportunity for property tax reform and seems willing to take bold steps to bring tax relief to Idahoans. Personally, I think the school maintenance and operation (M&O) budget should be covered by a sales tax increase and removed from property taxes altogether. I urge you to contact both your state representative and senator and ask them to support Governor Risch’s call for a special session to solve this property tax issue once and for all.

Robert McQuade has served as Ada County Assessor since he took office in 1995.

Last Friday I received a message left on the Boise Mayor’s hotline. The caller said, “The tax assessor must be smiling all the way to the bank thinking we were going to get any [property tax] relief.” If the caller only knew that my assessed property value increased 21% this year! As a result, my taxes will most likely go up by more than 15%. Bottom line: if I get a raise this year, more than half of it will be used to pay my tax bill.

While a 15% tax increase is hard to swallow, I at least have a clear understanding of Idaho’s tax laws and how the tax system is structured. For those of you who are as troubled as I am about skyrocketing assessments,
I’d like to arm you with the following facts so you can at least make an informed call for meaningful tax reform.

Ada County’s real estate market has experienced unprecedented growth. According to Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, the median price of all properties sold in the first quarter of 2005 was $173,300; by the 4th quarter of the same year, the median price soared by 22% to $211,575. Why is this important? Idaho’s Constitution and statutes passed by lawmakers require each county assessor to appraise property at current market value. If they don’t, the state tax commission may adjust property values to reflect the true market trend.

Land values have followed the same amazing upward trend. Many people speculate land values were only increased to offset lost revenue brought by the expanded homeowner’s exemption. This assumption is wrong for two reasons. First, any deficit created by the increased exemption could easily be made up by increasing the levy on the 49 other taxing districts. Secondly, and perhaps more to the point, continued demand for land in Ada County has caused bare land prices to explode – in some cases by more than 100% in less than a year’s time.

One other question I am always asked is, “Where’s all that extra money going?” The answer is simple; there is no extra money or “windfall,” to the county or any of the taxing districts. Other than schools, the current tax law caps local government budgets at 3%, with a growth component allowing counties to tax new construction, not yet on the tax rolls, with last year’s levy rate. Ultimately, increased property values decrease the levy rate. For example, the total tax levy for Boise residents went from a high 2.1% ($2.10 per $100, value) in 1994 to 1.76% ($1.76 per $100 value) in 1995. But as we all know, such decreases can’t offset double-digit increases in property values.

Lawmakers moved in the right direction by increasing the homeowner’s exemption to $75,000 and including land in the exemption. But as I told many lawmakers during the session, increasing the exemption by $25,000 would not lead to any real relief, since we were already seeing property values increase in excess of 20%. On a bright note, the legislature did tie the exemption to the Idaho Housing Price Index, which means it increases with market inflation instead of staying static at $50,000 as it has for the past 25 years.

Governor Risch sees the opportunity for property tax reform and seems willing to take bold steps to bring tax relief to Idahoans. Personally, I think the school maintenance and operation (M&O) budget should be covered by a sales tax increase and removed from property taxes altogether. I urge you to contact both your state representative and senator and ask them to support Governor Risch’s call for a special session to solve this property tax issue once and for all.

Robert McQuade has served as Ada County Assessor since he took office in 1995.

Last Friday I received a message left on the Boise Mayor’s hotline. The caller said, “The tax assessor must be smiling all the way to the bank thinking we were going to get any [property tax] relief.” If the caller only knew that my assessed property value increased 21% this year! As a result, my taxes will most likely go up by more than 15%. Bottom line: if I get a raise this year, more than half of it will be used to pay my tax bill.

While a 15% tax increase is hard to swallow, I at least have a clear understanding of Idaho’s tax laws and how the tax system is structured. For those of you who are as troubled as I am about skyrocketing assessments,
I’d like to arm you with the following facts so you can at least make an informed call for meaningful tax reform.

Ada County’s real estate market has experienced unprecedented growth. According to Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, the median price of all properties sold in the first quarter of 2005 was $173,300; by the 4th quarter of the same year, the median price soared by 22% to $211,575. Why is this important? Idaho’s Constitution and statutes passed by lawmakers require each county assessor to appraise property at current market value. If they don’t, the state tax commission may adjust property values to reflect the true market trend.

Land values have followed the same amazing upward trend. Many people speculate land values were only increased to offset lost revenue brought by the expanded homeowner’s exemption. This assumption is wrong for two reasons. First, any deficit created by the increased exemption could easily be made up by increasing the levy on the 49 other taxing districts. Secondly, and perhaps more to the point, continued demand for land in Ada County has caused bare land prices to explode – in some cases by more than 100% in less than a year’s time.

One other question I am always asked is, “Where’s all that extra money going?” The answer is simple; there is no extra money or “windfall,” to the county or any of the taxing districts. Other than schools, the current tax law caps local government budgets at 3%, with a growth component allowing counties to tax new construction, not yet on the tax rolls, with last year’s levy rate. Ultimately, increased property values decrease the levy rate. For example, the total tax levy for Boise residents went from a high 2.1% ($2.10 per $100, value) in 1994 to 1.76% ($1.76 per $100 value) in 1995. But as we all know, such decreases can’t offset double-digit increases in property values.

Lawmakers moved in the right direction by increasing the homeowner’s exemption to $75,000 and including land in the exemption. But as I told many lawmakers during the session, increasing the exemption by $25,000 would not lead to any real relief, since we were already seeing property values increase in excess of 20%. On a bright note, the legislature did tie the exemption to the Idaho Housing Price Index, which means it increases with market inflation instead of staying static at $50,000 as it has for the past 25 years.

Governor Risch sees the opportunity for property tax reform and seems willing to take bold steps to bring tax relief to Idahoans. Personally, I think the school maintenance and operation (M&O) budget should be covered by a sales tax increase and removed from property taxes altogether. I urge you to contact both your state representative and senator and ask them to support Governor Risch’s call for a special session to solve this property tax issue once and for all.

Robert McQuade has served as Ada County Assessor since he took office in 1995.

Last Friday I received a message left on the Boise Mayor’s hotline. The caller said, “The tax assessor must be smiling all the way to the bank thinking we were going to get any [property tax] relief.” If the caller only knew that my assessed property value increased 21% this year! As a result, my taxes will most likely go up by more than 15%. Bottom line: if I get a raise this year, more than half of it will be used to pay my tax bill.

While a 15% tax increase is hard to swallow, I at least have a clear understanding of Idaho’s tax laws and how the tax system is structured. For those of you who are as troubled as I am about skyrocketing assessments,
I’d like to arm you with the following facts so you can at least make an informed call for meaningful tax reform.

Ada County’s real estate market has experienced unprecedented growth. According to Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, the median price of all properties sold in the first quarter of 2005 was $173,300; by the 4th quarter of the same year, the median price soared by 22% to $211,575. Why is this important? Idaho’s Constitution and statutes passed by lawmakers require each county assessor to appraise property at current market value. If they don’t, the state tax commission may adjust property values to reflect the true market trend.

Land values have followed the same amazing upward trend. Many people speculate land values were only increased to offset lost revenue brought by the expanded homeowner’s exemption. This assumption is wrong for two reasons. First, any deficit created by the increased exemption could easily be made up by increasing the levy on the 49 other taxing districts. Secondly, and perhaps more to the point, continued demand for land in Ada County has caused bare land prices to explode – in some cases by more than 100% in less than a year’s time.

One other question I am always asked is, “Where’s all that extra money going?” The answer is simple; there is no extra money or “windfall,” to the county or any of the taxing districts. Other than schools, the current tax law caps local government budgets at 3%, with a growth component allowing counties to tax new construction, not yet on the tax rolls, with last year’s levy rate. Ultimately, increased property values decrease the levy rate. For example, the total tax levy for Boise residents went from a high 2.1% ($2.10 per $100, value) in 1994 to 1.76% ($1.76 per $100 value) in 1995. But as we all know, such decreases can’t offset double-digit increases in property values.

Lawmakers moved in the right direction by increasing the homeowner’s exemption to $75,000 and including land in the exemption. But as I told many lawmakers during the session, increasing the exemption by $25,000 would not lead to any real relief, since we were already seeing property values increase in excess of 20%. On a bright note, the legislature did tie the exemption to the Idaho Housing Price Index, which means it increases with market inflation instead of staying static at $50,000 as it has for the past 25 years.

Governor Risch sees the opportunity for property tax reform and seems willing to take bold steps to bring tax relief to Idahoans. Personally, I think the school maintenance and operation (M&O) budget should be covered by a sales tax increase and removed from property taxes altogether. I urge you to contact both your state representative and senator and ask them to support Governor Risch’s call for a special session to solve this property tax issue once and for all.

Robert McQuade has served as Ada County Assessor since he took office in 1995.

Mayor Dave Bieter has opposed the project from the beginning–now he knows how it feels to be ignored by local government officials! City says they are just asking the court to review the county’s actions to see if it was done properly.

Like it or not, the county probably crossed their “t” and dotted their “i”. This is not unlike the residents of southwest Boise fighting annexation by the city. They don’t like it, but there probably isn’t much the courts can–or would– offer in the way of relief. Judges are reluctant to meddle in governmental decisions unless there is ample cause.

If the city is TRULY concerned about procedures, they should look into the sale of that postage stamp-sized parcel of land for the proposed 17 story skyscraper at 8th and Front Street by the parking garage.

The Greater Boise Auditorium District , G-BAD, sold it to the developer for $350,000. There was no public hearing, no advertisement, and no bidding. They told a mainstreamer it was done with the advice of their attorney.

The GUARDIAN thinks the attorney focused on the DEAL and ignored the fact his client is a GOVERNMENT and not a business…subject to different rules. We think G-BAD has to follow the public property disposal laws like any other government in Idaho and they didn’t.

The GUARDIAN has raised the issue with attorneys at Boise City and Ada County. We will keep you posted.