Every year about this time, The Press urges governmental agencies that have been supporters of Jobs Plus to increase their commitment.

Not this year.

Let's be clear: For the next 12 months anyway, we hope the long-standing public advocates of our region's economic development agency keep their funding at existing levels. In a moment we'll point out yet again why it's likely the best investment they can make.

But until our local economy can stand up firmly amidst the aftershocks of recession, more spending isn't warranted. Not if it has to be borne as additional burden to local taxpayers.

According to recent news reports, the Coeur d'Alene area is one of the 35 slowest in the nation to emerge from the recession. Adding good jobs ultimately will be the biggest factor in putting the recession in our rear-view mirror, but job recruitment is a long-term commitment that rarely strikes gold right away. And gold is something most of us have in short supply right now.

We heartily applaud the many businesses, individuals and public entities that helped Jobs Plus show a net increase of more than 350 jobs in the past year (and retained another 450 that were at risk of leaving). Without the support of the cities of Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden and Rathdrum, as well as Kootenai County, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and North Idaho College, Jobs Plus probably would hardly have put a dent in the jobs landscape these past 23 years. Fortunately, those who support the public-private agency know the region receives tremendous bang for its buck.

Here's one way to look at it: Jobs Plus spent $301,089 in 2010. The 87 companies it's recruited paid $4 million in property taxes. Even if you don't count the many millions more that went to salaries and benefits, the property-tax tab alone makes the investment impressive. Wouldn't you be happy if you'd get $13.33 for every dollar you spent?

Remember, too, that the $300,000 wasn't all dedicated to bringing in 362 new jobs or saving 450 more; much of the money was spent on long-term recruitment efforts that might not pay off for years. We think it's a superb program for our region that leverages public and private dollars for the good of all.

And as we do every year about this time, we tip our hat to Jobs Plus boss Steve Griffitts and his colleague, Hilde Shetler. North Idaho economic interests couldn't possibly have two better people representing them.