WALLACE — Shoshone County Commissioner David Dose on Thursday suggested the county consider allowing the sheriff’s office to pursue an override levy to offset budget shortfalls. 

“I would like to suggest to the board one solution to look at would be letting the people decide specifically on law enforcement,” he said. “If they want to raise their own taxes through a levy to keep law enforcement where it’s at and sustain it, versus what we’re doing here and cutting it.” 

In Idaho, override levies can be temporary or permanent and are used to fund specific needs not covered by the regular budget. The amount and duration of a levy depend on voter approval and the funding required. 

Counties in Idaho can increase property taxes by up to 3% annually without voter approval, a measure Shoshone County has used during the past two budget cycles. 

Dose, anticipating another increase, expressed frustration at the idea of raising taxes while cutting services. 

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey recently presented a “worst-case scenario” budget at County Clerk Lori Osterberg's request. The proposal included $950,000 in cuts, nearly 20% of the department’s budget, which Lindsey said would significantly reduce patrol staffing and coverage. 

Osterberg’s request was reportedly prompted by a projected revenue shortfall that would prevent the county from fully funding the department. 

“I think it’s time to consider that our system is failing," Dose said. "The state and federal monies coming in are not keeping up with the mandates. We can’t raise taxes enough to provide services at the level we’ve been providing. We’re raising taxes and cutting services at the same time in this budget.” 

Dose defended the override levy proposal on two points: first, that it would be decided by voters and second, it would address a structural issue in the county’s budget process. Each department pays administrative fees to the clerk, who then redistributes those funds into the county’s general fund. 

“We’re going to have to cut,” he said. “The 3% won’t cover the rising costs. I don’t want to pay more taxes, but I don’t want to live in Portland, Ore.” 

Dose floated the idea of consulting an attorney who specializes in levies to explore options and determine what the sheriff’s office might request.

Commissioner Melissa Cowles did not endorse Dose’s proposal.

“I think we need to explore everything and be strategic,” Cowles said. “There are other ideas that have been thrown out that we all need to look at, too.” 

She emphasized the need to be deliberate in deciding where and how to make cuts and to exhaust all alternatives before placing any measure before voters. 

Any item intended for the November ballot must be submitted by the end of August.