County says I-1033 would net ‘downward spiral’ for services

Whitman County officials are worried that voter approval of Initiative 1033, now before the voters, would create what Assessor Joe Reynolds called a “downward spiral” in revenue that would leave the county with no choice but to reduce services.

“Basically it rips the rug right out from under us,” Commissioner Greg Partch said Monday. “I want to point out the dangers of this thing.”

Other entities have crafted resolutions urging rejection of the initiative, but Partch was the only commissioner to speak on the matter during Monday’s regular meeting.

Treasurer Robert Lothspeich and Reynolds brief...