Commissioners ask for outside workforce analysis of Kootenai County Transit amid city funding talks

Kootenai County commissioners on Oct. 21 discussed a proposed workforce analysis of the county Transit Department aimed at aligning staffing and processes with current operations and supporting negotiations with cities over funding and governance.

Why it matters: Commissioners said an independent review would provide objective data to guide negotiations with cities considering shared responsibility or a joint powers agreement, and to ensure the county is not subsidizing services beyond agreed-upon levels.

Proposal and rationale

Commissioner Duncan said the Idaho Transportation Department’s recent inspection included recommendations (not formal findings) that prompted a need to reflect current staff and processes. “We can’t be objective in our own organizations,” Duncan said, arguing that a fresh, outside perspective would help the county negotiate with cities so “they know exactly what they're paying for.” Duncan said he would solicit quotes from four firms and return to the board with funding sources for the work.

Public comment and prior questions

Before the item, resident Ron Hartman asked three questions for the workforce analysis discussion: why the study is needed, whether it would lead to expanded transit services or facilities, and where the study funding would come from. Commissioners acknowledged those questions and said the analysis request is intended to support ongoing negotiations about funding methodology and cost-sharing with Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and other cities.

Cities, joint powers and funding concerns

Commissioners discussed the possibility that cities might become formal partners through a joint powers agreement. Several commissioners expressed skepticism about whether cities would commit to binding financial support; one commissioner said cities could change course and that receiving money is not the same as entering a binding joint powers agreement. Commissioners also noted municipal budget constraints (comments referenced Coeur d’Alene operating under a deficit and Hayden's decision not to raise taxes) as part of the uncertainty about future city contributions.

Next steps

No contract or formal procurement was approved at the meeting. Commissioner Duncan said he would seek quotes from four organizations and identify a funding source to return to the board with a formal proposal. Resident questions raised during public comment were left to be addressed in that forthcoming scope and funding plan.

Ending

The board did not vote on the workforce analysis at the Oct. 21 meeting; commissioners directed staff to pursue bids and to return with cost and scope information for formal consideration.