IdahoGirl78 writes: My taxes personally have only changed about $15 over the last few years. I’m more than willing to pay an extra $15 per year or 4 cents per day for a great institution like NIC. Here are a few facts about NIC that I have found in my research (these are all available from NIC if you care to check).

• NIC adds about $164 million dollars to our regions economy.
• Enrollment at NIC is up 46%
• Total budget was held to 23%
• State funds are DOWN 14%
• Tuition is up 53%
• Property taxes are up 37%

NIC was faced with a challenge during the last few years of either cap enrollement or raise taxes. The trustee’s made the choice to raise taxes, which was not an easy choice but better than capping enrollment. By not capping enrollment they have left the doors open to more people that wish to further their education or learn new skills. This is a bonus to our community, not a bad thing as Mary makes it seem.

Question: Where are critics coming up with the bogus claims that North Idaho College taxes have gone way up? Rather than telling quarter-truths, shouldn't conservative hardliner critics be applauding the NIC Board of Trustees for raising actual dollars minimally while serving 46% more students & buying old DeArmond Mill?