Month: March 2023

During a mid-year budget update, city of Coeur d’Alene comptroller, Vonnie Jensen, reported the city will likely come up short by over one million dollars during the next fiscal year. Cost of living adjustments (COLA) for police and fire personnel contributed the most to the unbalance. The city council and mayor approved the COLA after negotiations led by city administrator Troy Tymeson. The process took several executive sessions earlier this year.

Ironically, crime in the city decreased dramatically over the last several years as reported by the CdA Press, here. Several city positions remain unfilled and are keeping the budget inline for the current year. Ms. Jensen recommended leaving vacant these positions in an attempt to salvage the budget.

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Prime real estate in Coeur d’Alene leased out for the next five to ten years at $7,000 per year, pending approval by General Service Committee on March 13th and city council approval. The rate will adjust for inflation. The city of Coeur d’Alene Parks Department director Bill Greenwood negotiated the lease with the tenant DBA Brooke’s Seaplane. The tourist flight attraction is already receiving seven to ten calls each day but will not open until the weather improves. Generally six months of the year allow for flights which attract locals and tourists.

The owner reports offering ten to twelve flights per day, seven days a week. The capacity of the Beech 18 plane is six passengers. 420 passengers per week at a minimum of $150 per person per flight. At 100% occupancy, monthly revenue would reach near $300,000.

Concerned parties question whether the city has appropriately leased the dock space. We will update as we hear back from the mayor and council members.

Contact Brooke’s Seaplane to make your reservation for a flight over beautiful Coeur d’Alene.