Kootenai County Commissioners revoke tax exemptions for three local churches

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners convened on May 6, 2025, at 4 PM to address tax exemption revocations. Present were Commissioners Duncan and Comitari, who began the meeting by confirming the agenda and swearing in participants for testimony.

The first item on the agenda was the exemption revocation for AIN 02/5650, concerning St. John the Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church. The church representative explained that a medical emergency had prevented timely submission of necessary documentation. The commissioners noted that state law does not allow them to alter deadlines but advised the representative to apply for tax cancellation in the fall after receiving the tax bill. A motion to approve the revocation was made and carried unanimously.

Next, the Board addressed the exemption revocation for AIN 134,140, related to the House of Prayer Church. The new leadership explained that they had not received the original notice due to a change in contact information. Similar to the previous case, the commissioners reiterated that they could not change the deadline but encouraged the church to seek tax cancellation assistance in the fall. The motion to approve the revocation was also passed unanimously.

The final item discussed was the exemption revocation for AIN 117441, concerning Rathdrum Grange number 351. The new secretary detailed issues with mail and communication that led to the missed deadline. The commissioners again stated their limitations regarding deadline changes and advised the Grange to return in November for tax assistance if needed. A motion to approve the revocation was made and carried.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comment, but no further discussions were raised. The Board's decisions reflect ongoing challenges faced by local organizations in maintaining tax-exempt status amid administrative changes and personal circumstances.