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LPOSD and WBCSD are asking voters within their respective school districts to approve levies to support public education for the next two years. Because the state does not adequately fund education in Idaho, Bonner County school districts and virtually every other school district in the state rely on local levies to support their schools. These levies are not supplemental; they are essential to education and represent a third of the district budgets. LPOSD and WBCSD are respectful enough of their patrons to ask permission to tax them for another two years.

No other taxing district in Bonner County asks their patrons to approve their budget every two years. Think Bonner County Commission’s Office, Road and Bridge, Planning, library, hospital, fire, ambulance of the property tax supported districts in Bonner County. These are all important services but do any of them ask for voter support? How about airport, emergency services, fairground, clerk, auditor, tax accessor or solid waste? Do taxpayers get a choice on whether they want to support these tax supported services? Would the taxpayers support the sheriff, jail, juvenile detention, justice services, or prosecutor if they had a choice? If you live in the city your taxes also support police, streets, water, sewer, building department, and parks. Is there a department by department voter approved budget for these services?

Schools districts account for local taxpayer funds separately from state funds. They audit their spending for the last two years from local property taxes, prepare a budget request for the next two years, and ask the voters to support them. The school boards of these districts have the authority under Idaho Code to levy non-voter approved emergency levies or pursue permanent levies. But, they are proud of what our schools accomplish, are responsible stewards of tax funds, and give their patrons the option of supporting them every two years. Wouldn’t be nice if all our publically supported institutions did the same?

GARY SUPPIGER

Cocolalla