For the first time in its history, the city of Boise is proposing local spending exceeding $1 billion. Think about that for a moment. Idaho’s capital city, with fewer than a quarter-million residents, is now contemplating annual spending with a “b” in front of it.
Other cities across Idaho are also increasing spending. That raises an important question: How much government are we buying for our money?
Property taxes remain one of Idahoans’ biggest concerns. Yet most of the debate surrounding property taxes focuses on assessments, exemptions, credits and tax rates. Blame is often placed on state lawmakers, who have nothing to do with local rates…