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County staff to propose modest fee adjustments tied to CPI; board gives direction
Summary
Community Development staff advised commissioners that after a significant fee update last year only a small, CPI-based adjustment is likely necessary for 2025; the board directed staff to coordinate with the auditor's office and return proposed language for adoption later this summer.
Kootenai County Community Development staff told commissioners April 10 that, after a substantial fee update last year, only a modest increase tied to the consumer price index (CPI) is likely needed for 2025.
Director David Callahan said the department’s costs are largely up to date and recommended a limited CPI-based change in the 2–3 percent range unless the auditor’s office advises otherwise. Christina Garland told the board staff typically introduces fee updates in July or August and that last year’s changes were implemented in August.
Commissioners asked for a simple approach that aligns fees with actual costs rather than creating over- or under-charging. The board directed staff to work with the auditor’s office on estimates and to return proposed fee-resolution language in time for an August implementation if appropriate. Callahan noted that if the CPI exceeds 5 percent a public hearing may be required under county rules.
No formal action or vote was recorded on a fee resolution at the meeting; the item was a staff-direction discussion only.
