Idaho leverages federal relief funds to cover public safety costs

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Many of us may be getting an unexpected tax break.

Governor Brad Little is traveling threw Idaho, county to county, with some good news.

"Our hearts go out to every Idahoan who has endured the financial or personal hardship of the coronavirus. We hope that the news we announced will provide some measure of sleep during this very difficult time," Gov. Little said.

Idaho's Governor has been working alongside with legislators, cities, counties, and his office to find financial relief for Idahoans.

Gov. Little arrived at the Bonneville county courthouse Monday morning to release a big announcement. 

You can view the press conference below.

"The leverage is federal coronavirus funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries and give cities and counties, the opportunity to pass the savings back to the property taxpayers," said Gov. Little.

Idaho received $1.25 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.

U.S. Senator Brent Hill says, the treasury guidelines allow for the funds to cover the payroll of public health and public safety personnel. 

"We're going to actually reimburse our partners at the local, city, and the county level for their public safety costs. So that they can then turn around and take those savings and pass them on to the property taxpayers within the county," said Sen. Hill.

The move is expected to provide up to $200 million in property tax relief.

Bonneville County Commissioner Roger Christensen says cities and counties will have unique opportunities to support local public safety personnel and pass on the savings directly to the taxpayers.

"This is one of our primary goals for the local government. This plan provides property tax relief to Idahoans who have been equally affected by the pandemic. We can't forget our citizens and how they're being impacted," Christensen said.

Gov. Little says he understands the pain we've all felt in the past nine weeks.

After the press conference, Gov Little tells us with we continuing support from Idahoans, he expects to see a positive change in Idaho's economy. 

"We're, we're gonna lead the nation out of this pandemic economically and physically. If people keep working together," Gov. Little said.