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UR A schedules follow‑up after Bonner County Ambulance expresses intent to withdraw from revenue allocation area
Summary
The Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency reviewed documents from the Bonner County Ambulance System indicating intent to opt out of the revenue allocation area. Legal staff advised there may be filing and deadline issues under recent legislation; the board agreed to schedule a special meeting and seek legal guidance before taking formal action.
The Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency reviewed correspondence on June 3 from the Bonner County Ambulance System expressing the county ambulance’s intent to withdraw from one or more urban renewal revenue allocation areas.
City staff told the board they had consulted legal counsel and identified two procedural issues under recent state legislation: (1) new law referenced as House Bill 436 implements an opt‑out process for agencies receiving tax increment, and (2) the statute requires a deadline for a notice to opt out (staff said the statute’s notification date is May 1). City staff reported the ambulance district’s submission may have missed the May 1 notice deadline, which could be a technical default on procedural grounds.
Why it matters: An ambulance district’s withdrawal could change which jurisdictions’ property tax increment is captured by the renewal district and affect future revenues. Staff noted that one statutory reason to deny an opt‑out request is the existence of outstanding district debt; because the downtown urban renewal district still carries debt, staff said the board could lawfully decline an opt‑out for the downtown district on that basis.
Outcome and next steps: The board did not act on the notice at the June 3 meeting. Members agreed to schedule a special meeting to discuss the submitted documents, to invite ambulance‑district representatives if possible, and to obtain legal counsel’s detailed advice about filing deadlines and permissible grounds to approve or deny an opt‑out. Staff said any change would affect the tax year following proper notice and compliance with statutory procedures.
Board members emphasized the importance of a public meeting with ambulance-district representatives present to ensure clarity for taxpayers and affected agencies. Melissa, city staff, will coordinate potential dates for a special meeting and notify commissioners.
