03/16/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The Senate passed the first of three
constitutional amendments to allow Idaho cities and publicly-owned
hospitals to sign longterm financing contracts without a vote, if
no taxpayer money is pledged to repay debts.

Senators supported the amendment to allow hospitals more
flexibility. The chamber due to take up the remaining measures
Tuesday afternoon.

To be successful, all must pass voter muster next November.

In 2006, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that the state
Constitution forbid the city of Boise from building a new airport
parking garage without residents' approval _ even though the city
planned to use parking revenue, not taxes, to pay off the building.

Cities and publicly-owned hospitals say that decision has hurt
their ability to buy snow plows, enter into long-term electricity
contracts or even purchase medical equipment.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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