Letter to the Editor

URBAN RENEWAL: Taxing district is not a positive

Bonners Ferry Mayor Sims’ column, on Dec. 19, proudly cites the creation of another Urban Renewal District. It is another swath of land, owned by private developers that will use SCHOOLS, police, fire, ambulance, water, sewer, electric, road services, etc. and not pay for them. When the costs to operate those services rise, the burden to pay is placed on other property owners not the URD aka developer.

How does it work? The property tax freezes when the URD (bare land) is created. Then major development (Super 1 – Subway) takes place resulting in an increase in property value/tax. The tax revenue generated (collected) goes to the urban renewal agency, aka developer. Not to fund city services.

Getting priced/taxed out of your home? Rent increase? It starts with local, not Boise.

Another great example of local?

For every $100 spent in Ponderay (Walmart, Home Depot) you pay an EXTRA $10 (1 percent) in taxes that goes directly to the City of Ponderay.

It all begins with local folks.

Rosanne Smith

Moyie Springs