City offers thanks, condolences to Walker family

Patriot, loyal citizen, friend, family man and mentor are all words I can think of to describe my friend, John Walker Jr.  

 Former Mayor Walker passed away last Friday after a tough battle with cancer. John gave so much to a community he loved.  

 He moved back after retirement to become the economic development director, served as city clerk, city councilman and mayor.  

 During that time, he shared stories of his growing up years and the history of our community. He loved the community and loved being a Wolverine.  

 I know there is more information in the paper today so I won’t repeat it all.  The city wants to thank John’s family for sharing him with us and allowing him to serve his country and community so well.  He is missed.

 I talked about some statistics about the funding for local highway projects particularly in cities last week and wanted to share some information about the county and highway district funding parts of the local share of state dollars for transportation.

 Of the money allocated from 2015 HB312 to local jurisdictions I mentioned that counties and highway districts received 70 percent of local funds; 10 percent which is equally divided, 45 percent divided based on registrations, and 45 percent based on improved miles.  

 Last year the county road and bridge departments, of which there are 33, received $14,402,333 and the highway districts, of which there are 63, received $16,016,639.  

 Of the money allocated one county department and 15 highway districts received up to $50,000, one county and 13 highway districts received between $50,000 and $100,000; seven highway districts received up to $200K, 21 counties and 4 highway districts received up to $500K and 10 county departments and 9 highway districts received over the $500K mark.  

 Just a reminder this is one pool of money but not all the money allocated for transportation for the local.  Overall, 79 percent of the local jurisdictions received less than $200K from this pool of money so you can see how difficult it is for small jurisdictions to keep up with the roads, street, and bridge maintenance in our particularly small, rural areas.

 Idaho Code 40-708 requires that all local highway jurisdictions complete and submit the Annual Road and Street Financial Report each year by Dec. 31 which must include the information for 2015 House Bill 312 funds. 

 This report is sent to the State Controller’s Office and on to the Idaho Transportation Department and on to LHTAC so it can be reported on to the Legislature.  They keep a close watch on the expenditure of the money and how it is used.

 Just wanted to share some information as our Legislature begins budgeting for transportation and many other demands on our tax money this year.

 City departments continue to work on maintenance from refinishing barricades to painting. The tree trimming continues by the Street and Electric departments.  We will be taking down trees around the Greenhouse. They are creating difficulty with their gutters and dropping limbs around the area.  There are plans to replace them with another type to provide shade in the area.  

 The Water Department will be working on maintenance at our water storage areas and the Wastewater crew continues to work on storm drains and jetting out lines.

 A reminder about the free diabetes classes being sponsored by the hospital beginning this Friday.  Contact 208-455-5423 for more information. 

 St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has their Free Soup Lunches through Lent. Stop in and get some nice warm soup in this cold weather and visit with neighbors.  

 The Community Church has their Groundhog Feed coming up on Feb. 2.  This is another great meal and time to visit with friends. Check local media for more information. Stay warm.