McCall Police Department

[barkalot]

Anyone have any information? What I have is just bits and pieces of speculation.

I've heard cost of living is high, but I would probably rent instead of buy. Any ideas on cost of rental houses on land?

Regarding the department, I seem to remember them advertising for a chief and a prior chief being female, so I assume the one they have now (a male) is new?

I've also watched this department for years and they always seem to have openings. I'm wondering why that is; adding positions or people bailing?

Any information would be helpful.

[trouttrooper]

Sorry I can't really answer any of your questions.....I lived there for about a year back in '00.

It's a seasonal tourist type town. They get a TON of snow in the winter. It is becoming a "hot spot" for the fairly rich of the country to build their summer homes (one reason prices are ridiculous). Not sure what is available for rentals, I ended up living in my camp trailer in the RV park for most of my stay there. It is a good jumping spot for a lot of outdoor activities but decent shopping is pretty non-existant. You have to go to Boise to get anything with nationwide name recognition (100 miles south).

My guess to vacancies is the cost of living, hard winters, and the "isolation" of the town. It's kinda like stuck between a rock and hard place. Boise is south and Lewiston is north. Both are regular "cities" so major business developers go to those places.

[barkalot]

McCall PD and a few other Idaho agencies are going to an application and Personal History Statement (PHS) process for laterals.

On the one hand, it cuts to the chase and they don't waste everyone's time testing and interviewing.

On the other hand, its somewhat disconcerting to have to reveal embarrassing facts from your life right away and spending probably close to $50 getting everything they need. They can just scan the PHS and decide they don't want to proceed from the get-go.

On the cost of living, I talked to someone who has family near McCall and they believe food is much cheaper than further north in the state, but real estate is definitely higher.

Any other info; even rumors or bits and pieces can be helpful.

[trouttrooper]

Welll, there's a huge ski resort supposedly going to be built nearby and there's talk of doing something to improve hwy 95 south to Boise. Of course those are still being talked about.....after 8 years.

I'd say I'd have to respecfully disagree on food prices. Of course it all depends on what stores you go to but Paul's market and the other one (Harvest food?? don't remember now) in McCall can't compete with Costco Grocery Outlet, and WinCo prices in Lewiston and Moscow.

I've lived in just about all corners of Idaho over the past 30 years (some longer than others). IMO McCall has a nice atmosphere to it. Tourist town, but nothing like W. Yellowstone. Small town, but not as backwards redneck as some other small towns of N. Idaho.

The biggest drawback for me was the lack of local shopping opportunity. Not that I want to live in a big city, but at least have a hardware store that doesn't have to order in most things or an auto parts store that won't have the drive belt in stock for whatever car you have. Boise is the closest at 100 miles, and that highway winding down the canyon can be a pita in the winter.

Oh, and owning a boat is a must if you do live there. :)