N. Nampa Residents Association

North Nampa Residents Association
PO Box 233
Nampa, Id 83653

Idaho Press Tribune
30 Nov 1999, page 1a

North Nampa group gets answers from
renewal agency

Next meeting
The North Nampa Residents Association will hold its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Snake River Elementary, 500 Stampede Drive.

NAMPA --North Nampa residents have answers to many of their questions about taxes and the Nampa Urban Renewal Agency today, and they will now look to the Canyon County assessor's office for more answers.
     The residents met with the Urban Renewal Agency board Monday night, armed with a long list of questions about property taxes and agency management.
     The residents group seeks representation on the board to help prioritize the agency's budget for the next fiscal year. Mayor Maxine Horn, who appoints the board, said she will accept resumes from residents and consider adding a member from the group.
     "There's a lot of concerned people out there," Residents Association President Darin Eisenbarth said. "A tide is growing and residents will be a larger part of what they (agency members) do and say."
     To the surprise of the residents, Nampa Finance Director Jerry Gunstream said property taxes were not raised to build the Idaho Center and other urban renewal projects. The agency is not a taxing district; its money comes from a portion of other taxing districts, he said.

     The increase in property taxes that lit the fire beneath the residents association is based on increased property value, not on projects to be completed by urban renewal, he said. When property values in the district rise, the Urban Renewal Agency uses the increased tax revenue for projects within the district.
     Residents said they would like to meet with Canyon County Assessor Chuck Johnson in an attempt to determine why their property values have increased substantially.
     Several residents expressed concern that the urban renewal board has concentrated its tax revenue on the Idaho Center and other projects that don't improve the dilapidated condition of north Nampa neighborhoods.
     "The term 'blighted' in urban law also means under-development," Gunstream said, explaining why funds were used to develop an arena..
     Urban Renewal Agency Chairman Steve Tester suggested a public hearing process be implemented before the agency's budget is approved next year. He said a hearing would give residents a say in which projects are prioritized after debts are paid.
     "There is certainly a lot of room for public communication about the agency and its projects," Tester said. After the meeting he added, ÒThis was very productive. That's what communication is about, understanding and moving forward. I think this is a good starting point."

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