That's the question many county residents ask. This concern highlights a growing issue with our current public transit system. While the bus service primarily benefits residents of cities like Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Post Falls, taxpayers across the entire county are footing the bill. This has sparked a necessary discussion on how transit costs are allocated, and it’s time to explore solutions that ensure fairness for everyone.
Join the Conversation: Town Hall on Public Transit in Kootenai County
Public transportation plays a significant role in connecting our communities. However, the way that cost and responsibility for that system is allocated has sparked an important conversation. I am inviting all residents to participate in a critical town hall where you can express your views on the future of transit in Kootenai County.
Why I Need Your Input
I’ve proposed a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) that would give city representatives a seat at the table when it comes to overseeing our public transportation system. Similar to how the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) works, this JPA would allow cities like Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, and others to have more control over transit services that primarily benefit their residents. It also asks that they share in the grant responsibility the county is currently bearing 100% of.
This process began months ago when we reached out to city leaders to gauge their interest in such a discussion. Both Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls city managers said YES to having this conversation. Although, at our last meeting with the city mayors, they didn't show interest in this proposal. Now, we’re looking to hear from you.
The Issue at Hand: Who Should Bear the Cost?
As our cities grow, they take on new expenses—law enforcement, infrastructure, and (YES) public transportation. Cities have the ability to levy taxes and set their own growth paths, but with that growth comes costs that must be considered. This brings us to a crucial question:
Should Kootenai County taxpayers continue to bear the sole liability and cost to manage millions in federal grants that primarily benefit city residents?
Let’s look at the facts:
There is a real cost to county taxpayers, either through cash matches or county personnel expenses. These costs have been substantial in past years.
The bus system, including the popular Citylink, cannot operate without federal grant money.
Kootenai County is on the hook for compliance with all federal requirements tied to these funds, which limits what we can and cannot do with the money, including stopping the transit system altogether. Further, a mistake on any of these grants can cost us on other grants we obtain for state mandated services, like public safety and parks & waterways.
While some cities contribute a total of around $150,000 toward the grant cash match, this covers only a small portion of the overall cost.
Citylink serves Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. It is free to use, but the county holds the financial burden.
If we follow the principle that the cost of a service should be aligned with the benefit it provides, it makes sense to ask the cities to share in the responsibility for transit—especially when they benefit directly.
Why Are We Having This Conversation Now?
At the recent mayor's meeting, the cities made it clear: they want the bus system but do not want to assume the responsibility that comes with the federal grant dollars. This leaves Kootenai County with a difficult choice, especially since we’re only one election away from potentially connecting with Spokane or changing the transit system altogether.
Why Propose the Cities Take Over Transit?
The first reason is fairness. The county should not bear the sole financial burden and liability for a system that primarily serves the cities. It drains county resources and only covers a small part of the county.
The second reason is long-term stability. As it stands, we are two commissioners away from either connecting the system to Spokane or shutting it down entirely. If the cities and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe want to continue having a bus system, I believe they should take on a larger role as stakeholders. We are the only county in the state to manage a transit system. Others are managed through joint powers agreements, like I'm proposing.
Wouldn't This Just Grow Government?
No, transitioning transit oversight to the cities doesn’t grow government—it shifts responsibility to the entities that benefit most. Cities already manage growth-related expenses like police and infrastructure. Public transportation should be no different. This shift in oversight is not about expanding bureaucracy but about aligning responsibility with benefit.
Would You Please Join Us This Wednesday, October 23?
Here are the details:
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