The GUARDIAN cuts to the chase and will let you know the tax on your house will be right at 1.38% of the TAXABLE value–the assessed value minus your homeowner exemption if you live in Boise. The levy varies by city. That translates to $1380 taxes on a house with a taxable value of $100,000.

The maintenance and operation portion of school tax was taken off the property tax (about half was removed in the Boise District), but property values were increased. Every unit of government increased its budget, but there are more people paying the bill. Bottom line your taxes will remain about the same or just a little lower than in past years.

Beware of a dark ominous cloud hanging over the head of every homeowner in the county. On the horizon is the possibility property values could actually DECREASE as the housing market cools (some predict the bubble will burst). The cities, counties, schools, and other taxing districts can INCREASE the LEVY RATE to a pre set maximum percentage if values go down.

Levies are based on the amount of money needed to balance a budget which has a 3% limit on increases. Budget is set BEFORE the levy, so local government does not base spending on cash available. It is just the opposite. The law requires them to approve a budget and then levy to fund it.

The problem is that everything is based on growth and if the growth stops–as it will someday–the adjustment will be costly and shocking to many.

The current homeowner exemption is the lesser of $75,000 or 50% of assessed value. In 2007 the exemption will be raised to $89,325. If the growth value doesn’t meet or exceed the exemption increase, look for levy increases.

That sounds great on the face of it, but the 2006 levy will be the LOWEST IN RECENT HISTORY. Without inflation and growth, government would be forced to increase levies and in some cases the increases will be double digit increases.

We will leave it to the mainstreamers to give you all the gory details and corrections. There are so many exceptions and exemptions it is nearly impossible to come up with any better information than we have offered.

The very real potential exists for you to have a home of lowered value and increased taxes next year.

We don’t know what is going on at City Hall, but neither do most of the city councilors. We do know they are hellbent on getting bigger at all costs and seek to create urban sprawl on a massive scale southeast of what used to be our city. A dozen housing developments are pending in the area.

Meanwhile city-owned land sits idle gathering trash and weeds–but no tax revenues– despite official mandates from the council to sell the land to the highest bidder. Councilors, staff, and the mayor have ignored a 2004 resolution declaring vast parcels of land as “surplus” in the Fairview-Main Street corridor.

Mayor Dave Bieter and his Team Dave crew managed to obligate part of the public land for a 50 year lease to a rock climbing gym that has very little traffic these days.

With such ill planned intentions as a shuttle parking lot, police station, libraries, and godonlyknows what else over the years, Boise has acquired a multimillion dollar portfolio of land. At one point in 2004 various parcels were ordered sold, but they never followed through.

Then, after the library bond failed Bieter told the media they really didn’t need the bond money because they could sell the surplus land and put libraries in strip malls using proceeds from the land sales. Nothing has been made public on that plan either.

The Sunday issue of the daily newspaper had no fewer than 11 stories directly connected with growth, taxes, and transportation issues caused by growth. As long as elected officials continue to encourage growth and offer tax breaks to the likes of Micron, we will all experience the decline in our quality of life and call it progress.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

If you are looking to sell a piece of bare land in Boise, chances are it is worth a ton of money. Small lots averaged $53,000 during 2005 with a median price of $44,500. A quarter acre lot could easily fetch $110,800.

Bad news is if you want to buy land, you will need a F-150 pick-up just to carry the money to the buyer. Worse news is your taxes will probably go up–double in some cases–over last year.

Ada County assessor Bob McQuade is stocking up on antacids and zanax in anticipation of irate taxpayers.

He told the GUARDIAN that 9 vacant lots were sold twice each during 2005 and the AVERAGE increase in sales price (value?) between the first and second sale was a whopping 60% in less than a year!

Before you go ballistic looking at your assessment notice, take a look at the data below. The notices will go out to property owners next month. They form the basis for your tax bill. In Boise the “levy” is expected to be about 1.8% of TAXABLE value (ASSESSED value minus a homeowner exemption of $75,000 or 50%, whichever is less). For most it will be $75,000 exempted from taxation. Most folks will see a huge jump in their land value.

There is NO homeowner exemption for vacant lots. You will feel the sting mostly on commercial property or vacant lots. Value on the GUARDIAN’s home lot doubled over 2005.

Here is a recap of land values in Boise based on the sales prices of 400 lots scattered around the city. These figures are for land only.

Small lots of .14 acre or less averaged $53,500 with a median price of $44,500
Lots of .14-.24 acre averaged $66,500 with a median price of $64,075
Lots between a guarter and a half acre averaged $ 110,800 with a median of $89,450
Half an acre to an acre parcels went for $185,300 with a median price of $175,000
And a full acre brought a price of nearly $250,000.

Idaho is really a state of mind–just like California. “Kalifornikcate” is a state of mind about people and developers ruining a once beautiful spot on earth–regardless of their origins, or the spot.

Based on comments to the GUARDIAN, callers to talk radio, and coffee shop chatter, we see a culture clash that has bubbled to the surface of the of local society as the water rises in the Boise River.

There is a flood of resentment, fear, and envy, as well as more water than greedy developers and homeowners can handle. Old timers secretly revel in the misery of the “rich Californians, who should know better than to buy in a flood plain.” Local officials are defending their decisions to approve revenue producing construction along the river.

Quaint street names with reference to “river, brook, island, stream or creek” have become reality.
Perhaps the most telling sight is a real estate “contract pending” sign surrounded by sandbags–no doubt the sale will go through!

Unlike the Midwest where folks come together routinely to save their communities with sandbags, slave labor from the Ada jail is used to ease the flood threats to homes along the river.

State and Federal water agency folks tend toward, “they built it, it is their responsibility, not ours.” A homeowners group has threatened to sue, but we don’t think they have the cash or the cajones to do it. They sound like playground bullies.

It is hard to generate much sympathy for owners of homes with three car garages, private fishing lakes, walking trails, club houses, and all kinds of private access to the river that many Idahoans consider a public asset for everyone to use.

To build on a flood plain in Idaho is like building in California without regard for earthquakes.

There is no doubt a tendency among the newcomers to look at the old timers as Idaho conservative xenophobic bohunks. (For you non-library types that means hicks who are afraid of outsiders). What they don’t realize is the tremendous impact their arrival has on a community.

Ada County Assessor Bob McQuade told the GUARDIAN many parcels of land will nearly DOUBLE their value in just a single year. That’s good news if you are selling, but if you just want to stay put on a place you own, brace yourselves for tax hikes–offset a little by the new increase in the homeowners exemption. This inflation is caused by the newcomers–mostly Californians.

We can’t blame the Californians for selling their little bungalows in Orange County and moving to their dream home along the river in Eagle, but they create traffic and then demand traffic signals. They get in the path of floodwaters and want to get bailed out. Their elegant (extravagant) homes fan the flames of resentment for those who have to pay increased property taxes, fund school bonds, and deal with traffic while living in modest homes by comparision.

Perhaps “immigration” is also a state of mind.

NOTE–All the photos were recently made in Eagle Island subdivisions.

MEANWHILE IN BOISE…
Here is a little tidbit offered by a reader from the May 5 agenda for the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. He (or she) claims the area in question is in a floodplain and floodway. Timing is everything. Anyone taking bets?

“CHARTER BUILDERS, LLC requests approval for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a Planned
Development consisting of 80 residential units on ±2.95 acres located at 444 E. Parkcenter Boulevard in an L-OD (Limited Office with Design Review overlay) zone. This includes a request for a height exception. CUP06-00035 Carl Miller”

“CHARTER BUILDERS, LLC requests approval of a variance to construct an underground garage within the Greenbelt setback located at 444 E. Parkcenter Boulevard in an L-OD (Limited Office with Design Review overlay) zone. CVA06-00011 Carl Miller”

Their latest coup came as André Agassi and Steffi Graf along with their Canadian real estate partners got the Idaho House of Reps to pass a bill to give them a special exemption from the Idaho liquor laws which requires liquor by the glass to be sold only within cities.

State Rep Mark Snodgrass pushed the bill on economic terms saying it makes the hotel “marketable.” He didn’t mention that they could make some REAL cash by adding gambling and girls–like our neighbors in Nevada. Never mind Agassi Enterprises is headquartered in Las Vegas.

GUARDIAN frankly doesn’t care where or who sells booze (or gambling and girls for that matter) but the law should be uniform as in EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER LAW.

KBCI Channel 2 (cable 8) did a good story about the special legislation and used the CROW INN as an example of the inequity of the law. Crow Inn can only sell beer because they are outside the city limits. It is unfortunate that citizens have allowed the greed of foreign business interests to trump the laws of Idaho.

Here is a short list of other concessions and proposals made to Tamarack:

–Poison Creek Campground closed to local citizens with intentions of letting Tamarack build a marina on the site.

–Congressional delegation and Idaho land board are conspiring to trade 18 square miles of National Forest land surrounding Tamarack to state control with the intent of expanding Tamarack.

–Guv. Dirk is offering up a new highway over West Mountain with his GARVEE bond plan.

–The “developer tax” exempts owners of millions of dollars worth of Tamarack land from Valley County taxes while local owners see their values–and taxes skyrocket.

The bill awaits approval in the Idaho senate.

When charismatic Idaho Property Tax Reform Vice Chairman Charlie Pottenger spoke to a frenzied crowd of about 60 energetic seniors, at a Boise meeting on February 9, he had plenty of support to put a Prop 13-style one percent initiative on the ballot.

“An initiative limiting property taxes to one percent of the January 2005 value or the transaction price of the property.”

Pottenger argued it’s better to do something, even if it is imperfect than do nothing and have people forced out of their homes by skyrocketing property taxes. The reformers say the initiative can deliver stable, predictable, property taxes.

The devil is in the details. Idaho commercial real estate is assessed differently than residential property. Residential assessments have been increasing many times faster than commercial property. The system is now out of whack, with residential property owners paying much more than their fair share.

This initiative could solidify this imbalance. Also, the legislature could easily step in and make things even worse for residential property-taxpayers, because the initiative takes away the homeowners’ exemption. There is no telling whether our legislators will be in the mood to give it back if they start tinkering with the law created by this initiative.

Selling this idea to voters will be easy for this group. Collecting the necessary 47,881 valid signatures will be harder since this means they will have to have about 60,000 to account for the ones that are declared invalid.

NOTE TO SIGNERS OF ANY PETITION EVER
If you have moved since you last registered to vote, re-register at the new address before signing any petition or your signature will not count.

Tax reform link. Or call Randy Miller in Nampa at 467-5641 or 880-3550.