Shafer wonders if parts of Oregon join Idaho, will they have to pay a sales tax?
By Terry Murry on Monday, December 13th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer doubts that the move by some Oregon counties to become part of the state of Idaho will succeed. However, he said he understands the idea among voters in rural counties.
“I like the decisions that I’m seeing out of Idaho a lot better than some of the decisions I’m seeing out of Salem right now,” he said.
Voters in eight Oregon counties have approved initiatives that have been put forward by the Citizens for Greater Idaho movement. Another three or four will be voting on it in May. Umatilla County is not one of those and Shafer said there are many concerns that need to be addressed.
“If we became Idaho, we would automatically get a sales tax,” he said. “That’s something that our voters have typically shot down time and time again every time it’s on the ballot.”
He said property issues are another wrinkle in the proposal.
“What happens to the prisons, the universities, the college, all the state-owned properties,” he wondered. “Does Idaho want those?”
Both the Oregon and Idaho legislatures would have to approve the change, and then it would need federal approval.
“If both legislatures agree, which is a pretty big lift right there, then the U.S. Congress has to go through it,” he said.
Shafer said petitions are currently being circulated in Umatilla County and he encouraged anyone who supports the concept of becoming part of Idaho to sign them.
