BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A central Idaho school district has come under scrutiny for recently deciding to hire a lobbyist, making it the only school district in the state to do so. However, the Blaine County School District is hardly a trailblazer.
Multiple taxing districts across the state hire lobbyists using public funds to represent their interests while lawmakers meet in Boise during the legislative session.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, nearly 20 taxing districts - ranging from irrigation, public health and urban renewal - hired lobbyists in 2016. The majority of these districts are located in or around Boise, the state’s most populated city.
These districts include the Ada County Highway District, the Idaho Public Health Districts, the Fish Creek Irrigation District and the Greater Boise Auditorium District.
“The question is, what is the benefit derived?” said Daren Coon, with the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District, which has a long history of hiring a lobbyist to help out with the district’s legal counsel and legislative needs. “There will always be an ongoing debate if it’s the right choice, but I just know it’s worked for us as a way to save money for the taxpayer.”
Funding tends to vary from district to district, but generally they rely on property taxes, assessments or fees. Counties, cities and local governments are all considered special districts.
Coon added that any tax dollars spent on a lobbyist is a public record, meaning they’re available to anyone who asks.
Over in Power County, Commissioner Chairman Ronald Funk says hiring a lobbyist is essential because their part-time commission in eastern Idaho doesn’t have the resources to keep tabs on the Legislature.
The commission has hired Patrick Sullivan, who also represents the city of Meridian and multiple other companies, to be the county’s eyes and ears in Boise for several years - keeping tabs on issues such as indigent care, taxes and roads. Funk says the county pays Sullivan roughly $3,000 a month, but only during the few months the Legislature is in session.
“We’ve had some good discussions over the years on whether it’s a good decision or not to hire a lobbyist,” Funk said. “But we always end up that this is the best decision for the county. Pat helps navigate who we should talk to and what topics are coming up that we need to pay attention to.”
The Blaine County School District’s recent decision to hire a lobbyist was more contentious. The school board narrowly voted 3-2 earlier this month to hire Phil Homer, a former lobbyist with the Idaho Association of School Administrators. Homer will be paid $3,300 a month for his legislative work, including housing, travel and pre-approved expenses.
Opposing board members argued that the school should not use public dollars for political gain. Yet Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes countered that the school needs someone fighting full-time for them when lawmakers start debating education funding.
The 2017 session begins Jan. 9.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.