LID: Live within means

The article "LID review" by Alecia Warren in The Press on July 21 had some incorrect statements pertaining to those opposed to the Sunnyside LID. A statement that the LIDs would be paid into by more than 600 benefiting property owners, who have said they would pay between hundreds to thousands of dollars. isn't substantiated.

Those involved with the Sunnyside LID voted by 72 percent against paying for this extra property tax. This is one reason Commissioner Jimmie Dorsey was voted out due to his lack of understanding and arrogant attitude when the community meetings were held. He now has to find a working job after September after being taxpayer subsidized for the past six years. With many community meetings being held over last year and this year and many residents and property owners expressing their feelings against this additional property tax to pay for a public road that should have been paid through the Eastside Highway District's general budget, it has been a long ride.

Since this is something new and with no precedents having been found, states John Cafferty, the lead county attorney, we are hoping the Kootenai County Commissioners will understand that these pressing financial times should be considered. If these overlays are needed, and with Sunnyside already completed, that they be figured into the highway department's yearly budget and not put on the backs of the limited residents. We already pay highway taxes with our yearly property taxes and Eastside should be budgeting to only cover those with no county in Idaho history ever being asked to review a highway district's LIDs before, according to Cafferty, why set a very unpopular precedent since most of those involved have already voted overwhelmingly against these types of LIDs?

We are all being forced to tighten our belts and many residents living in these areas are on fixed incomes. The Eastside Highway District should have to live within what they are budgeted the same as us individuals.

BILL SINGLETON

Coeur d'Alene