Commissioners say wages that keep up with inflation are essential to retain county employees.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Kootenai County commissioners agreed this week to balance the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 with the assumption of a 3% tax increase, but it’s not yet clear how much of an increase Kootenai County taxpayers will actually see.
“It’s not that I want a 3% (increase), but that gives us a little more flexibility between now and the final budget,” Commissioner Bruce Mattare said during a budget discussion Tuesday.
Budget talks will continue this afternoon.
Commissioners are expected to approve the preliminary balanced budget for publication Aug. 1. After the budget is published, it cannot increase but commissioners can still make cuts.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Aug. 28, with commissioners expected to adopt a final budget Aug. 30.
Cost of living adjustments for county employees are at the center of discussions.
During …