The commission race for the District 2 seat is the only contested race in the Republican primary for offices in Nez Perce County.
Republican incumbent Hannah Liedkie will face Loren Beauchamp, a Democrat, in the November general election for the District 1 seat on the county commission.
Democrat incumbent Clerk Patty Weeks will face Donald Hayhurst, a Republican, and Sue Ann Meyers, a Libertarian, in the general election.
Democrat incumbent Treasurer Rebecca “Missy” McLaughlin, Democrat incumbent Assessor Daniel Anderson and Republican incumbent Coroner Joshua Hall are running unopposed.
The Tribune interviewed Woods and Havens about their views on property taxes, courthouse security and the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport by email.
An edited version of their responses is as follows:
TRIBUNE: In Idaho, the homeowners’ exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of a primary residence by 50%, up to a maximum of $125,000. What is your position on how much property taxes Nez Perce County residents pay? What ideas do you have for any changes?
Keith Havens: Nez Perce County taxpayers are being penalized by the inaction of the legislature. The homeowners’ exemption has fallen so far behind the rate of inflation that it really should be doubled, but the Idaho Legislature would never do that. It’s going to be difficult enough to get it up to $150,000 from $125,000, which is a drop in the bucket but at least it’s something.
In addition to that, counties are being told to do more with less as the legislature passes more mandates and reduces funding. So, the county is forced to look at budget reductions in all manners. One of the solutions is to focus and assist more on economic development, which was part of my duties as chamber president/CEO. Being a good steward of our taxpayer dollars is a priority for me, along with starting budget discussions with a zero percent property tax increase over what the current values generate.
Nick Woods: Property taxes continue to rise with no end in sight. There are only two ways to affect property tax: cut budgets and increase taxable property. The Idaho Legislature has failed to fix the homeowners exemption and the broader issue of property taxes. Most homeowners don’t come close to being able to exempt 50% because home values have skyrocketed. The goal in the short term should be to get closer to 50% and fix the broader issue so the tax burden is not just shifted to renters and small businesses. With the relationships I have built throughout the state with legislators, I am uniquely situated to advocate for it.
Nez Perce County needs to go back to being conservative and ask the question: Is it really needed and is it a proper role for taxpayer money? We have heard of 0% budgeting for years. It’s time for negative budgeting instead. If elected, I will ask all elected officials and department heads to prepare for a 5% reduction in their overall budget with the exception of the road department and the sheriff’s office.
There are individuals in Nez Perce County who feel that the permitting process is purely a money grab by Nez Perce County when a permit shouldn’t be required in the first place. I’ve heard from businesses and builders that they have issues with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses such as how nitrate testing has slowed down growth in the farm fields.
The Lewiston city area of impact needs to be gutted and the county needs to be the county. Sewer lines being required in the area of impact have stunted development. Lot size requirements have prevented owners from subdividing to add housing. The area of impact creates additional regulations in Nez Perce County to allow for easier annexation by the city of Lewiston, which also means stricter requirements and building codes.
TRIBUNE: The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport is owned by the city of Lewiston and Nez Perce County. The transportation hub has direct flights to Salt Lake City and Seattle on Delta. In the present fiscal year, the city and county are contributing $330,490 each. What level of support do you believe the airport should receive from the county and the city?
