***Monday, December 5, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided.
Mr. Morris said crews are out checking roads, sanding, etc. Mr. Morris spoke of damage the back end of a Road and Bridge sand truck had sustained. Those present reviewed the county’s Personnel Policy on reportable accidents as it relates to the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program and drug testing. Chairman Dinning suggested informing employees that if there is a reportable accident or damage to property, they need to go in for drug testing.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge looked at the pup they were interested in and Commissioners were in favor of this purchase.
Mr. Morris informed Commissioners that the solenoid on the wrecker is not working and he’s found a replacement. Mr. Morris asked about the ability for Road and Bridge to get a credit card. Commissioners and Clerk Poston informed Mr. Morris of the county outside auditor’s opinion on credit cards. Clerk Poston urged that clear records and receipts be kept. Clerk Poston said she would feel better if the responsible party for the credit card is the county department supervisor.
Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the meeting at 9:20 a.m.
Clerk Poston said she understands why Road and Bridge needs a credit card. Commissioners were in favor of authorizing a credit card to Road and Bridge and they advised Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris to talk to Treasurer Larson about it.
Ms. Nelson mentioned that she is going to meet with Dennis Weed about the Tribe’s travel plaza project, then the next step is choosing a consulting company. Chairman Dinning said the county only has control over county roads; and has absolutely no control over the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). People think the county can tell ITD what to do.
The meeting with Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson ended at 9:27 a.m.
Sheriff Kramer informed Commissioners that the cost for three out of the 12 portable radios he would like to purchase can be covered by funds other than American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Sheriff Kramer commented that there are funds available through the Forest Service to purchase one of the 12 radios and after speaking with County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, he was made aware there is $6,000.00 dedicated for radios through the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP). The School District wants to acquire six handheld radios so Sheriff Kramer will provide the School District with existing radios the Sheriff’s Office has and reprogram them for the school’s use.
Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 9:28 a.m.
The School District would get the Sheriff’s Office six existing radios to be fully covered. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting 12 radios total so one radio will be purchased using Forest Service funds and the State Homeland Security Grant Program will cover the cost of two radios using $6,000.00 that is available. This will reduce the quote from Valence Inc. for the nine remaining radios from approximately $33,000.00 to $25,252.03. Commissioners didn’t have any problems with this.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the purchase of nine radios from Valence Inc. totaling $25,252.03 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and to prepare a resolution. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Kramer informed Commissioners that the sally port for the Sheriff’s Office will be installed today.
Sheriff Kramer left the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
Attorney Hull updated Commissioners on new hangar/ground leases at the airport. Attorney Hull also updated Commissioners on an easement matter for property near the airport and how it might be an issue for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Attorney Hull said property owner Dan DeHart may have found another access to the property near the airport, but he still wants to give the county an area of land. Attorney Hull said he needs to update the FAA on that.
Clerk Poston and Attorney Hull reviewed things he is working on for her.
Attorney Hull discussed the proposed memorandum of understanding with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho pertaining to motor fuels tax. Attorney Hull explained the Tribe having a facility like the plaza and they get fuel for gas and diesel at different rates. The fuel and diesel will be taxed, but rather than moneys going to the State of Idaho, the Tribe will retain a portion of the funds and the remaining portion will go to the county. Attorney Hull further explained that 15% of the funds are designated for a tribal priority. Chairman Dinning said that means the Tribe will coordinate with Boundary County on that. 85% of that money can be used for road construction, maintenance, bridge constructions, etc. The Tribe doesn’t want these funds to be part of the county road budget so they will talk with the Clerk to see if those funds can be separated. A meeting has to take place on an annual basis prior to April 1st to allow Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson to determine what the tribal priority is for Road and Bridge’s planning purposes. The agreement has a provision for an annual review to see if money can be used in the budget process and if it has a negative effect on moneys from the state for budgeting purposes. Clerk Poston asked if the Tribe still collects the same fuel tax moneys that every other fuel station collects? Attorney Hull said he thinks they do up to the same amount and he added the Tribe has the ability to tax on top of that. There will be a meeting to to find out what the tribal priority is. All reports will be due on December 30th of each year and the annual meeting takes place on or before April 1st of each year.
Treasurer Sue Larson and Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting at 9:53 a.m.
The meeting with Attorney Hull ended at 9:56 a.m.
Treasurer Larson informed Commissioners that she is thinking of closing her office at noon on December 23rd.
Treasurer Larson left the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Co-Superintendent Claine Skeen met with Commissioners to give the department report. Mr. Skeen said he kept track of the solid waste container boxes used by the Forest Service during the Kootenai River Complex fire and he sent an itemized statement to them. Mr. Skeen said he did receive a reply stating that there had been a land use agreement between Commissioners and the Forest Service. In that agreement, it states the boxes were included. Chairman Dinning said the Forest Service came in after those agreements were signed stating they needed additional boxes. Chairman Dinning added that initially there were two or three boxes brought down to the fairgrounds, but then they needed more and approximately three more boxes were provided. The Forest Service wanted a bin for the recycling so that additional box was added after the agreement. There were only two or three boxes included in the agreement, but more were added after the agreement was signed.
Mr. Skeen discussed amending the structure for solid waste fees as it pertains to weight versus yards. Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that a member of the public may contact them to dispute the charge of $9.60 for being over the weight limit. Mr. Skeen said he revamped the fee structure to be by the pound as opposed to yards. This allows 600 pounds of garbage per day as a resident, which converts to approximately six yards. Mr. Skeen reviewed the fee structure with Commissioners. Chairman Dinning asked if the current fee structure is listed this way. Mr. Skeen said no, it’s in cubic yards. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners can only make the change by holding a public hearing. Mr. Skeen explained that the proposed conversion is equal to what is already in place. Commissioner Bertling asked about the difference between light demolition and heavy demolition. Mr. Skeen said light demolition doesn’t have any wood, metal, concrete, or asphalt.
Mr. Skeen mentioned having wanted to purchase a reader board for the landfill site and wondered if American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be available. Commissioners asked Mr. Skeen to research costs for a reader board.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:15 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2022 for parcel #RP62N02E201811A in the amount of $499.76 as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2022 for parcel #MHM00000156011A in the amount of $179.52 in solid waste fees and $20.00 in translator fees because the mobile home was not livable and was used for storage. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-14. A resolution increasing the Solid Waste budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-14 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-14
INCREASING THE SOLID WASTE BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County Solid Waste has received $2,900.00 from the Boundary County Road and Bridge, as purchase of a trailer and pressure washer, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund Revenue Account Number 23-00-0391-0000 and the Boundary County Solid Waste Budget Expense Account Number 23-00-0804-0000, Capital-Equipment, in the amount of $2,900.00, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0018 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-0804-0000, Capital - Equipment in the amount of $2,900.00 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 5th day of December, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293228
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-15 (ARPA). A resolution regarding ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-15 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-15 ARPA
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid with the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, Inc., as the providers for the county are overwhelmed with additional costs of dealing with Covid related issues and have nearly exhausted their budget. ARPA funds are expressly available for what the provider needs.
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioner received a request for funds for paramedic funding for the Boundary Ambulance Service.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds to the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, Inc., in the amount of $70,000.00 for paramedic support.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $70,000.00 to be disbursed from the ARPA Trust Account #9135 and be transferred to fund #01-05-0899, these funds shall then be remitted to the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, Inc.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 5th day of December, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293229
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt resolution 2023-6A (ARPA). A resolution amending Resolution 2023-6 regarding ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-6A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023- 6 ARPA Addendum
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County #6 addendum
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid the Mission Creek Water Association in the location and mapping of waterlines on the system.
WHEREAS Boundary County will pay the invoice from GPRSINC in the amount not to exceed $24,500.00 for the service of locating lines for the Mission Creek Water Assoc.
WHEREAS, Boundary County did receive the final invoice for work performed for Mission Creek Water Association, in the amount of $16,500.00 Invoice #619644
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the funds be released and used for the payment of said invoice when presented to the county for reimbursement/payment of this service for Mission Creek Water Association, in the amount to not exceed $24,500.00, actual invoice is $16,500.00
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $16,500.00 to be disbursed from the ARPA Trust Account #9135 and be transferred to fund #01-05-0899.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 5th day of December, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293227
10:23 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give the department report.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Certificate of Approval for Cremation for indigent case 2022-9. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the final/amended Certificate from the Idaho Department of Lands to certify to the real property roll for collection. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed the proposed amended agreement with Innovate! Inc. for staff assistance in the Planning and Zoning Office for a period of six months.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the amended offer from Innovate! Inc. for assistance in the Planning and Zoning Office for a period of six months for a cost of $18,000.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Brown provided a Probation Department update. There is one person in the Diversion Program, 21 people on juvenile probation with 11 cases pending, 38 people on adult probation, 134 people on unsupervised probation, and five people in the drug court program with one pending program candidate. Fentanyl use has increased amongst probationers, according to Ms. Brown. Ms. Brown said there is increased testing for fentanyl and with an oral test, the Probation Office can find fentanyl use quicker, or determine a more recent usage, more than with a urine test. If the National Opioid Settlement Notice funds can be used for testing, it would be helpful since this is not a cost that the falls to the probationer, according to Ms. Brown. Ms. Brown explained how both tests detect how recent fentanyl was used. Chairman Dinning said the county has drug court funds in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Supreme Court for the purpose of funding drug court. Clerk Poston said the funds are to help offset county staff’s involvement. Chairman Dinning commented on having mentioned funding only going to participate in drug court. Clerk Poston commented that Trial Court Administrator Karlene Behringer mentioned having an applicant for the drug court coordinator position, but that the position was not yet filled. Ms. Brown said she heard monies would come in to fund her participation in the drug court program. Ms. Brown added that the new drug court coordinator is located in Coeur d’ Alene and was not going to be coming to Boundary County. Prior Drug Court Coordinator Marilyn Miller did come to Boundary County because she lived closer in Bonner County. Clerk Poston said Ms. Behringer was going to approach Panhandle Health District for National Opioid Settlement Notice funds to be used for drug testing and she wondered if Panhandle Health District would open up their Bonners Ferry Office to drug testing. Commissioners asked Ms. Brown how much is needed for testing. The cost is $5.00 per test. Clerk Poston said when the drug court program started, there was seed money available to start the program and she still has a lot of those funds. Clerk Poston mentioned thinking there was $10,000.00 to $13,000.00 and she added the recent contribution of $5,000.00. Boundary County had paid mileage costs for Ms. Miller and for program treats for the participants. The total cost is $7,200.00 for the year. Chairman Dinning questioned spending $3,600.00 to start and see how it lasts for now. Ms. Brown said her office has spent approximately $2,000.00 for drug testing just since October.
Clerk Poston said she thought the cost would come out of the drug court fund. Chairman Dinning said this is not drug court related. It was said that Sheriff Kramer may be under the impression that he’s getting funds totaling $25,000.00 for a county school resource officer position. If the county was to take $7,000.00 to fund the program, the county would run out of this money to fund both ideas. The funds come in yearly, but it’s not certain when. This year the county received the larger settlement, but next year the amount decreases a lot. Clerk Poston said she is fine with either amount, but wanted Commissioners to be aware of the limitations. Clerk Poston informed Commissioners there is also an annual report to submit. Clerk Poston said if Commissioners spent funds out of the Probation Department budget for testing, they could adopt a resolution specifically for the Opioid Settlement Notice funds to reimburse the Probation Department budget based on what is decided by Commissioners.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the reimbursement to the Probation Department budget for additional opioid testing not to exceed $3,600.00. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:47 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to ratify the motion to sign the lease with Kelley Connect for a copy machine for the Extension Office as it had been a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Hangar-Ground Lease Agreements for Scott Morrison and Sam Testa. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston discussed the county’s dental plan with Commissioners. The current coverage amount limit is $1,000.00 and the request is to increase it to $1,500.00. Clerk Poston said her budget has enough funds to cover the increase. Dental insurance premiums are renewed through the Government Employee Medical (GEM) Plan, but deductibles are set at the beginning of the year. The dental limit of $1,000.00 has not increased for many years, according to Clerk Poston.
Commissioner Bertling moved to increase dental coverage to $1,500.00 per year. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:57 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:12 a.m. No action was taken.
The Courthouse Maintenance Department report scheduled for 11:00 a.m. was cancelled.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to provide an update on EDC projects. There will be no EDC advisory meeting in January.
Mr. Sims provided Commissioners with a brief update on the Porthill/Canada border crossing. The position that makes the decision on extending the US border crossing hours is not filled right now and it could be months so no decision has been made to extend the hours.
Mr. Sims discussed having attended a seminar on broadband services. There are three pots of funding being sorted to determine which broadband projects make sense. Last year the legislature didn’t appropriate funds for this purpose, but there is hope they will this year. Mr. Sims said he’s looked at the map for these projects and EL Internet is not listed so Eric Lederhos of EL Internet will look into that. Ziply is planning projects in the county and they will show Mr. Sims what areas they’re working in. Commissioner Cossairt thought he heard that Ziply would only go one mile from their main lines. It was said that most of the county can get service from Starlink. Mr. Sims said a company can apply for these project funds directly. Mr. Sims commented that Shoshone County and Benewah County had received funds and were seeking requests for proposals for planning grants. Imagine Idaho is looking to network similar to what Panhandle Area Council and the cities were going to do and they’re looking for partners. Imagine Idaho has coalition members and there is no charge for that. Boundary EDC members were asked if it made sense to become a member, but it’s not certain if there is any advantage.
Mr. Sims said the Alta Forest Products siding project has been put on hold until approximately March 2023.
Mr. Sims mentioned the Tennis Association would like improvements made to the courts and he is aware of funding opportunities.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:59 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 1:35 p.m. no action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 1:38 p.m.
1:38 p.m., Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting and updated Commissioners on various matters. Ms. Lane spoke of planning to meet with the supplier of the medical iPad software, Cool-it will come to fix the walk-in freezer and BF Builders will fix the tub and tub surround issues. Ms. Lane said multiple people have come to the Restorium in relation to providing a quote for work to replace the floor. The current resident count at the Restorium is 29, a new resident is coming this week and possibly two more new residents are coming in the next couple weeks. The Restorium could still use another kitchen helper.
Commissioners asked Ms. Lane to bring any requests for ARPA funds to Clerk Poston, who will prepare a resolution for Commissioners to adopt.
1:43 p.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Lane left the meeting at 1:52 p.m.
The executive session ended at 1:59 p.m. No action was taken.
2:00 p.m., Commissioners held a Board of Equalization appeal hearing for Appellant OPH, Inc., by owner George Alexandrakis for parcels #RP0470100008E0A and #SR0470100008E0A. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Dave Ryals, Appraiser Melissa Kramer, Chief Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake, and Appraiser MacKenzie Durette. Appellant George Alexandrakis participated in the hearing via telephone. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning administered the oath to those giving testimony and reviewed the appeal hearing procedures.
Commissioners asked the appellant for an opening statement. Mr. Alexandrakis said he feels his assessment is incorrect and the comparable property he provided that is most accurate is his immediate neighbor who has an identical lot in Mountain View Estates. The square footage of the homes is approximately the same, but his neighbor has a finished 30-foot by 40-foot shop. The neighbor has now pulled his home listing off the market as he was unable to sell it at $749,000.00, even with a shop. Mr. Alexandrakis said his value estimation of a $50,000.00 reduction is conservative and he feels his value estimate is still on the high end. According to his estimate of $725,000.00, his value in this market at this point is very high. The immediate neighbor is the best comparable. Mr. Alexandrakis said he doesn’t feel he has more testimony to add other than he doesn’t feel these homes could sell for over $700,000.00. The neighbor had his house listed for sale, but decided to pull it off the market. Mr. Alexandrakis feels his property is way over valued and he added that what’s surprising is the home was inspected November 1, 2022, but by that time values had decreased. Mr. Alexandrakis feels he provided an accurate comparison.
Chairman Dinning reiterated that on November 1st Ms. Kramer valued the property. Mr. Alexandrakis said he spoke with Ms. Kramer on November 28th, which is the last day to file an appeal. He added that he had tried to reach her on November 25th, but she was not in. Mr. Alexandrakis said he’s been trying to get a response since November 23rd. Mr. Alexandrakis said he received his second assessment on November 21st and he responded right way. He spoke with Ms. Kramer on November 28th and inquired why he received the second assessment so late as the home had been there in summer. Mr. Alexandrakis said he was puzzled when the property was assessed in the summer as he only saw the assessment for land; an appraiser went back on November 1, 2022, and that generated the second assessment. Ms. Kramer had asked a few questions and said there was nothing she could do so he filed the appeal.
Chairman Dinning the said subject home is 2,376 square feet and has a two-car garage. The comparable property at 224 Muley Drive has a two-car garage and a large shop to accommodate an RV or boat. No one had any questions.
Ms. Kramer read her statement into the record as follows: Parcel #RP0470100008E0A is an improved property on 5.24 acres located on 32 Nuthatch Lane in Moyie Springs. The current assessed value is $778,700.00, which is broken down into $148,440.00 for land and amenities, and $630,260.00 for the residential building. Mr. Alexandrakis contacted me on Monday, November 28, 2022, to discuss this property. He said the value was too high. Mr. Alexandrakis said he did not pay that much for the house in December of 2021. I told him we did not receive a sales verification for this home so I only knew that it was listed for $795,000.00 when it was put on the market. I went over some of the details of the house with him to make sure they were correct, and everything seemed to be right. Mr. Alexandrakis also stated that a neighboring house at 224 Muley Drive is similar to his, but it has a shop and is listed for $749,000.00, but it cannot sell at this price. I explained to Mr. Alexandrakis that the Assessor’s Office goes off of sales prices and that parcel hasn’t sold yet so she cannot speculate on what it will sell for. Mr. Alexandrakis’s house is a little larger and it has a garage that is almost twice the size of 224 Muley Drive. I also explained to him that our prices were for January 1, 2022, as we are behind the market. Mr. Alexandrakis said he understood that, but kept wanting to talk about current prices. Ms. Kramer requested that the Board of Equalization sustain the Assessor’s office values.
Mr. Alexandrakis disagreed with the statement that his garage is twice as large as the comparable property as they’re both two-car garages. Commissioner Cossairt mentioned that it’s a wild market out there. Commissioner Bertling asked when the house was built. The home was built in year 2021 and it sits on five acres. Chairman Dinning said the key to this is that the Assessor has to establish value as of January and he’s not saying the market has gone up or down since then, but that was market at the time and those are the rules the Assessor’s Office has to follow. Mr. Alexandrakis said if that was the case, he should’ve received a combined value of the original assessment in the summer. In conversation he understood that an appraiser visited the property on November 1st and that generated the assessment for the structure. The valuation is as of January, then the other assessment was generated. OPH Inc. owns multiple properties in Bonners Ferry and there isn’t an issue with the other values, according to Mr. Alexandrakis. This property is assessed aggressively and he feels this property value was way off. He added that he didn’t like the separate assessment generated on November 1st when it’s stated the assessment is based on a January date. Mr. Alexandrakis reiterated that he doesn’t have issue with other properties and he added that he feels Idaho has one of the lowest tax values. Mr. Alexandrakis said this is talking about a low amount of money for property tax, but for him it’s a matter of principle. This specific property is way over valued and even his assessment of $725,000.00 is high. There are no issues with other OPH Inc. properties.
Ms. Drake commented about the timing of the inspection versus actual valuation and that it’s common for the subroll valuation later in the year to be assessed when there is notice of new housing. The dates are set by the State of Idaho as far as when valuations for the subroll are mailed out.
Mr. Alexandrakis said he had no further comment and thanked the Board for Equalization for the opportunity to appeal his value.
Commissioners closed the hearing to further comments and Chairman Dinning reviewed the remaining appeal procedures. The hearing was opened back up for comments. Commissioner Bertling asked Mr. Alexandrakis what he feels is a fair value. Mr. Alexandrakis said on his appeal form he listed $725,000.00 and he added that he feels the value of the lot is exactly what his assessment was. But the value of the structure should be less and he feels even at this price the home would not sell. Mr. Alexandrakis feels his assessment of $725,000.00 is also aggressive, but he wants to be reasonable. He explained that a shop is valuable to buyers, but his neighbor couldn’t even sell their property, which included a shop, for $749,000.00. Mr. Alexandrakis said $725,000.00 is realistic and reasonable.
The hearing was closed to further testimony.
Mr. Alexandrakis had to end his call early.
Commissioner Cossairt said we’re talking about a difference of $50,000.00 of assessed value.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to uphold the Assessor’s Valuation for parcel #RP0470100008E0A and #SR0470100008E0A. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board of Equalization Appeal Hearing for parcels #RP0470100008E0A and #SR0470100008E0A owned by OPH Inc., George Alexandrakis, ended at 2:30 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Request for Reimbursement #27 for Airport Improvement Project #0174 for the environmental assessment for the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2020 for parcel #RP60N01W348990A and to cancel $15.82 in late fees and all of the interest for the 2002 taxes. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:50 p.m., Vietnam Veterans of America Board Member and VFW Trustee Ron McIlnay met with Commissioners to request a temporary storage area to house a specialized Honda Van, wheelchairs and electronic beds until they can be picked up. Mr. McIlnay explained that the car and equipment is being donated to the VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America, but due to weather it cannot be transported. The vehicle is in a trust, and it was indicated that the vehicle will be transferred to the Veterans Organization as long as it can be stored and locked up safely in the meantime. Commissioners are the last people who can help satisfy the trust, according to Mr. McIlnay. Commissioners said they would be in favor of storing this equipment and the vehicle at the fairgrounds until March and they suggested Mr. McIlnay contact the Fair Board Secretary.
Mr. McIlnay left the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk