Note: I'm moving this thread up b/c this story broke late Friday and deserves attention this morning -- DFO.

A former state lawmaker is calling for an investigation into a possible “criminal conspiracy” over how the city of Coeur d’Alene contributed money for the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center. Former Republican state Sen. Kathy Sims, who owns a local car dealership, gave a report calling for an investigation to Kootenai County Prosecutor Bill Douglas on Thursday. It claims the city violated state law by having a fund balance, often called a “rainy day fund,” for unanticipated expenses. From this fund, the city gave $3 million to the Coeur d’Alene Parks Foundation to prepare the 12-acre site, a former gravel pit on Ramsey Road, for construction of the Kroc Center. The complaint alleges that the city also violated the law by spending the $3 million because it was never appropriated in the budget. City officials shot back that Coeur d’Alene’s involvement is legal and that the complaint should have no impact on the construction of the $66 million center -- Erica Curless/Spokesman-Review.

Quote: “The only conspiracy is the conspiracy of ignorance on the part of the people trying to kill the Kroc Center,” City Attorney Mike Gridley said.

Full post here

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