#KootenaiCounty

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5 hours ago

Kootenai County approves cybersecurity forensics agreement pending legal review The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved an agreement with Crowe LLP for cyber‑forensic services tied to an ongoing cyber event, pending county legal review; staff said the county's insurance deductible of $10,000 is likely the county's maximum out‑of‑pocket exposure.

Kootenai County has taken swift action to tackle a serious cyber event by approving a forensic services agreement, but what details are they keeping under wraps?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #ForensicInvestigation #RiskManagement #CyberSecurity

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County commissioners approve $1.4 million increase to jail overtime budget After hours of discussion about chronic understaffing, training lags and budgeting methodology, commissioners voted unanimously on March 5 to raise the jail overtime budget by $1.4 million while staff prepare a position-by-position breakdown for FY27 planning.

Kootenai County commissioners just approved a staggering $1.4 million boost to the jail's overtime budget, highlighting ongoing challenges with staffing and funding that could impact future fiscal planning.

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County awards FireSmart contracts for 50-acre and 14-acre hazardous-fuel treatments The board approved a 50-acre FireSmart bid award to Imperial Forestry LLC and a contract with Majestic View Forestry LLC for 14.02 acres at Forest Lake at Mullen Trail for $22,365, both presented by the Office of Emergency Management.

Kootenai County is taking bold steps to protect our forests, awarding contracts for critical hazardous-fuel treatment projects to enhance fire safety across the region.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #HazardousFuelReduction #FireSafetyInitiatives #CommunityResilience

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

County upholds Sparrow Acres subdivision approval despite neighbors’ groundwater concerns Kootenai County denied an appeal of a two-lot minor subdivision (Sparrow Acres) and affirmed the director’s decision, subject to plat utility buffers, required geotechnical analysis at development and pump-test or storage proof for water; commissioners split on whether more water-study evidence was available.

Kootenai County commissioners have denied an appeal for the Sparrow Acres subdivision, raising critical concerns about groundwater sustainability and building safety that could impact local residents.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CommunityConcerns #BuildingSafety

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County discusses $396,000 FTA grant and $99,000 local match to replace four paratransit buses County transit staff told commissioners they are seeking $396,000 in FTA 5310/5339 funds plus a $99,000 jurisdictional cash match to replace four end-of-life paratransit buses, citing safety and maintenance risks; the board deferred action and staff said the items will return March 3 or March 10.

Kootenai County is on the verge of securing $396,000 to replace aging paratransit vehicles, but crucial details about funding contributions are still up in the air.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #PublicTransit #GrantFunding

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County commissioners deny proposal to raise agricultural minimum lot size amid tribal water concerns Kootenai County commissioners voted to deny an interim change that would have raised minimum agricultural lot size to 10 acres at the request of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, citing insufficient, verifiable water-supply evidence; the tribe had urged the pause to protect groundwater.

Kootenai County commissioners have denied a critical proposal to raise agricultural lot sizes, igniting concerns over groundwater protection and the future of local water supplies.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CommunityResilience #PropertyRights #GroundwaterProtection

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County commissioners approve coroner services, payables and a string of routine purchases On Feb. 17 the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners approved a short-term professional services agreement for coroner autopsies, certified an FTA indirect-cost election, approved payables of $2.12 million and authorized several equipment and lease actions.

Kootenai County commissioners have made significant moves by approving a new coroner services contract and allocating over $2 million in payables—what does this mean for the community?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicSafety

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Hayden councilman presses county on overtime accounting as sheriff defends service A Hayden city councilman pressed Kootenai County commissioners and Sheriff Robert Norris for records showing how deputy overtime billed to Hayden and Dalton Gardens is calculated; county officials said payroll classifications produce the dollar amounts but the activity system cannot yet produce minute-by-minute geographic time logs.

Hayden city councilman Matt Rotor is demanding transparency over a staggering $46,689.70 in deputy overtime charges, raising questions about the accuracy of Kootenai County's accounting practices.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LawEnforcementReform #CommunityTrust

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Commissioners weigh police contract increases, SRO costs and budget trade‑offs Staff presented FY2027 cost estimates for sheriff’s patrol contracts and school resource officers; commissioners debated whether county should subsidize other taxing districts amid a projected $4.5–$5.5 million budget shortfall and directed the sheriff’s office to distribute cost figures to cities and school districts for negotiation.

Kootenai County faces a challenging budget shortfall as commissioners debate whether to subsidize police contracts for local schools and municipalities—could this impact public safety in your community?

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County adopts 2026 multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 update to the county's multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan after county emergency-management staff said FEMA issued an approval-pending-adoption letter.

Kootenai County just took a major step forward by adopting the 2026 update to its All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, ensuring future safety and grant eligibility!

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #EmergencyManagement #DisasterReadiness #FEMACompliance

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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1 month ago

Kootenai County applies for FAA funding to rehab Taxiway A and replace snow-removal equipment Airport staff told commissioners the county is applying for FAA FY26 grants for Taxiway Alpha rehabilitation (project total stated at $3,162,303 with an anticipated 95% FAA reimbursement and a county cash match of about $79,058) and for a multitasking snow-removal vehicle (FAA request $1,235,000; county match $32,500); both applications were approved.

Kootenai County is set to enhance its airport with major FAA grant applications for a $3 million taxiway rehabilitation and a high-tech snow-removal vehicle.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal #TransportationInfrastructure #CommunitySafety

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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2 months ago

Kootenai County secures interim coroner arrangements, approves locum pathology contract The board approved a locum‑tenens forensic pathology agreement and a 2026 MOU with Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office to cover autopsy capacity through Jan. 31 while the county completes an RFP for permanent services.

Kootenai County has taken swift action to ensure uninterrupted coroner services by approving a new agreement for forensic pathologists amidst an impending autopsy contract expiration.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #HealthcareAccess #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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2 months ago

County approves airport hangar transactions and pays for work to pursue FAA contract tower program Commissioners approved airport lease terminations and hangar sales, consolidated a hangar lot to just over 3 acres, and authorized a work order (not to exceed $16,360) to prepare an application for the federal contract tower program; staff said FAA staffing could save $700,000–$800,000 annually in controller costs.

Kootenai County just greenlit major airport developments, including hangar sales that could save taxpayers up to $800,000 a year!

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #EconomicDevelopment #PublicAirports #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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2 months ago

Kootenai County BOE reinstates homeowner’s exemption for appellant after deliberations; commissioner alleges conflict by assessor The Kootenai County Board of Equalization voted Jan. 14 to reinstate a homeowner’s exemption for an appellant (referred to in the record as Miss Knapp) after commissioners concluded submitted assessor evidence did not refute the appellant’s Idaho residency. One commissioner questioned the assessor’s motives and the timing of his investigation.

The Kootenai County Board of Equalization's recent decision to reinstate a homeowner’s exemption raises serious questions about the assessor’s motives and potential conflicts of interest.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HomeownerExemption #PoliticalImpartiality #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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2 months ago

Draft cell-tower ordinance moves to Planning & Zoning after county accepts outside attorney offer A Kootenai County commissioner presented a modernized draft wireless-communications ordinance that tightens siting in residential zones, requires technical data and independent review paid by carriers, and includes enforcement provisions; the board agreed an outside attorney paid by a community group may draft language, with Planning & Zoning vetting required before the board sees a final proposal.

A new draft ordinance in Kootenai County aims to modernize wireless communications regulations, tightening restrictions on tower placements in residential zones while ensuring public safety and compliance.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #WirelessCommunications #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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2 months ago

Kootenai County BOE pauses decision in homeowner-exemption appeal after competing evidence on residency On Jan. 7 the Kootenai County Board of Equalization heard competing testimony in Allison Knapp’s appeal of a revoked homeowner’s exemption, debated tax returns and residency indicators, and voted to close testimony and reconvene for deliberations Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m.

Allison Knapp's battle for her homeowner exemption reveals a contentious clash over residency claims, with accusations of power abuse and conflicting evidence at the Kootenai County Board of Equalization.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #HomeownerExemptionRules

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County says autopsy lab design exceeds budget by about $297,000; staff propose value engineering and a temporary lab County facilities director and the coroner told commissioners the autopsy lab GMP exceeded the allocated funds; staff identified roughly $256,000 in potential savings, propose accepting about $245,000 of them, and asked the board to consider covering a $296,910 shortfall from either the five‑year facilities plan or fund balance; staff will present a formal GMP for approval later the same day.

Kootenai County's proposed autopsy lab design has gone $297,000 over budget, but staff are pushing for innovative cost-saving measures while ensuring essential features stay intact.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #LocalGovAI #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealth

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County authorizes emergency coroner funding after Spokane ends autopsy relationship Facing a sudden cutoff of autopsy services from the Spokane Medical Examiner, the county approved Resolution 2025-98 to release up to $40,000 from the coroner construction assigned fund balance to make a temporary autopsy facility operable.

Kootenai County is rushing to establish a temporary autopsy facility after Spokane abruptly cut ties, with emergency funding approved to tackle an unexpected crisis.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HealthCare #PublicSafety #EmergencyFunding #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County approves $450,000 MOU with Idaho Department of Lands for hazardous-fuels treatment Board approved an MOU with the Idaho Department of Lands for a $450,000 landowner assistance grant to treat roughly 133 acres of hazardous fuels in Wolf Lodge, Cataldo and Harrison; county staff said no local match is required.

Kootenai County just secured a $450,000 grant to tackle hazardous fuels across 133 acres, paving the way for safer communities in Wolf Lodge, Cataldo, and Harrison!

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CommunityAssistance #HazardousFuels #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Board extends disaster declaration after windstorm; insurer estimate in record exceeds $1 million Kootenai County extended a disaster emergency declaration related to a recent windstorm while damage assessments continue; OEM staff said an estimate from the local electric utility placed damages "a little bit over $1,000,000."

Kootenai County commissioners have extended a disaster declaration after windstorm damages soared past $1 million, ensuring crucial resources for recovery efforts.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #DisasterResponse #CostRecovery #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County approves trimmed area‑of‑impact maps; orders opt‑out process, limits AOIs to 1/8 mile outside city limits The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners approved revised area‑of‑impact (AOI) maps for several cities, including Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum, adopting a one‑eighth‑mile limit outside city limits and asking staff to develop an opt‑out process and supporting narratives. Public commenters urged removal of conservation easements and rural hillsides from AOIs.

Kootenai County has approved new area-of-impact maps that shrink boundaries to just one-eighth of a mile outside city limits, sparking significant public debate over conservation and development.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #EnvironmentalConservation #LandUsePlanning #CommunityInput

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County hears Post Falls AOI maps as residents raise concerns about notice, sewer costs and annexation Kootenai County commissioners heard a Dec. 18 public hearing on ORA25-0009, a set of Post Falls "area of city impact" maps. City staff said the maps narrow some boundaries and do not force annexation; residents pressed for clearer notice, questioned sewer costs, and sought protections for long‑time rural households.

Kootenai County is at a crossroads as residents voice concerns over proposed maps that could reshape city planning and annexation in Post Falls.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #UrbanPlanning #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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Idaho News 6

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3 months ago

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A man was killed in Kootenai County after a tree fell on his home while he slept, officials say.

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#NeighborhoodNews #KootenaiCounty #Fernan #IdahoWX

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

County staff seeks direction to draft mining-code amendment after nearby mining breached aquifer layer Kootenai County staff asked the board to allow drafting a mining-code amendment after staff identified cases in an adjacent county where open mining penetrated a layer that allowed aquifer water to surface and be converted to home sites, posing water-quality concerns.

Kootenai County officials are raising alarms over mining practices that threaten the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer's water quality—could your drinking water be at risk?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #WaterQuality #MiningRegulations #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County and cities spar over AOI maps, notice procedures and boundary inclusions ahead of Dec. 18 hearing County staff briefed the board on proposed Area of Impact (AOI) maps and a plan to use the state 15‑day notice for a map-only submittal; city attorneys and the City of Hauser’s counsel urged inclusion and raised boundary, notice and revenue-sharing concerns ahead of the Dec. 18 hearing.

Kootenai County is embroiled in a heated debate over AOI mapping and boundary disputes just weeks before a crucial Dec. 18 hearing—will they find common ground?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #KootenaiCountyCommunity #CommunityInvolvement #LocalGovernance #LandUsePlanning

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County homeowner appeals removal of exemption, alleges improper out-of-state notice and possible targeting; hearing continued An appellant whose homeowner exemption was removed told the Kootenai County Board of Equalization she lives in Rathdrum and that an ineligibility notice was hand-delivered out of state; assessor staff cited State Tax Commission records showing nonresident filings and zero personal-use days. The board set a follow-up hearing for Dec. 17 for the appellant to provide documentation.

A Rathdrum homeowner is fighting back after her property tax exemption was abruptly revoked due to a mysterious out-of-state notice—could this be a case of miscommunication or something more sinister?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HomeownerExemption #GovernmentTransparency #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Commissioners enter executive session after review of mediation for Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board dissolution Commissioner Duncan said mediation over the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board dissolution begins the next day and reviewed attorney guidance. After public comment raised concerns, the board voted unanimously to go into executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(d) and later voted to exit with staff directed to proceed as discussed.

Tensions rise in Kootenai County as commissioners prepare for a critical mediation on the future of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board—will volunteer support vanish if the county takes control?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #PublicComment #KootenaiCountySewerBoard #LocalGovernance

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County commissioners weigh accepting donated helicopter amid liability, training and insurance questions Lieutenant Mark Ellis told commissioners the sheriff’s office wants to keep a helicopter donated by a nonprofit, citing lifesaving uses and investigative value. Commissioners pressed for outside counsel review of a donation agreement and the unit’s operations manual to clarify liability, maintenance responsibility and insurance before accepting the aircraft.

Kootenai County is on the brink of a game-changing decision: should they accept a donated helicopter that could enhance rescue operations but comes with potential legal and financial risks?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County launches comprehensive-plan update with first-ever parks master-plan component SCJ Alliance kicked off a countywide comprehensive-plan update Dec. 4, 2025, presenting growth projections, a parks and waterways assessment and a public-engagement schedule; consultants highlighted housing affordability, infrastructure concurrency and water-quality risks as top issues.

Kootenai County is embarking on a groundbreaking 20-year comprehensive plan that not only addresses housing and infrastructure challenges but also introduces its first-ever parks and recreation master plan—how will your community shape its future?

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Citizen Portal News Idaho

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3 months ago

Kootenai County commissioners discuss CityLink intergovernmental agreement; no decision made County commissioners reviewed a draft intergovernmental agreement to give cities a formal advisory role over CityLink, heard tribal and city presentations on costs and operations, and agreed to take the proposal under further consideration; no vote occurred.

Kootenai County commissioners are weighing a major shift in CityLink governance that could give cities and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe a say in transit operations—will this change improve services or complicate control?

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