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900 W. Main St.,
PO Box 690 Grangeville, ID 83530
Phone: 208.983.1200 |
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| Kamiah City Council out of control |
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| Letter - Hertel |
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When a municipal corporation decides to sell surplus property, certain procedures must be followed. The Idaho Code, Title 50, chapter 14 is very specific in the sale of real property.
According to the article in the Clearwater Progress, Nov. 30, 2006, the city of Kamiah, plans to trade 6.5 acres adjacent to Lawyers Creek that abuts Kamiah Mills property. In return, the city would receive approximately 1.5 acres of mill ground in the same general vicinity plus $3,677.94 in cash.
This transaction is highly illegal. Statute 50-1403 calls for public hearing with public auction going to the highest bidder, no bids accepted for less than the minimum declared value previously recorded on the record at a public council meeting. If no bids are received, the city council can sell such property as it deems in the best interest of the city. If the property is to be offered for exchange, the council may do all things necessary to exchange any property owned by the city for real property of equal value pursuant to terms which shall be a matter of public record.
The city could get a grant to continue the trail and connect the trail to their other property. Restoration of the lagoons could be done at a later date.
When a city council disregards the law, it feeds mistrust among the citizens who elected them. The city council is out of control and breaking the law. I would hope the city attorney would advise them of their legal duty.
Christopher Hertel
Kamiah
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