Sandpoint council gives tentative approval to FY2026 budget, sets Aug. 20 public hearing
August 02, 2025 | Sandpoint, Bonner County, Idaho
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The Sandpoint City Council gave tentative approval July 30 to the proposed fiscal year 2026 revenues and expenditures, declared intent to use foregone levying authority and set a public hearing on the budget for Aug. 20.
Finance Director Sarah Linz briefed council on fund balances, net position and one‑time resources before the vote. Linz said several funds, including water and wastewater, show large net positions that reflect past capital‑project savings and investment earnings, and noted the park improvement fund contains a donation tied to the James E. Russell Sports Center. She described how higher short‑term interest rates have produced larger investment earnings in recent years and that the city budgets conservatively for investment returns.
Linz said one‑time resources — described in the city’s financial policies as excess fund balance or nonrecurring revenue — are appropriate for capital expenditures, rebuilding reserves, early debt retirement or other nonrecurring costs and that staff is guided by policy on how to use such funds. The budget presented to council includes beginning cash that staff described as available for one‑time projects in FY2026; staff noted that many funds carry designated reserves for capital improvements and emergency contingencies.
Councilors also discussed a possible recurring revenue source identified by staff — a lease or other revenue from a city property — that could help fill a funding shortfall for a program identified in the budget discussion. Staff said they would return with details if the council directed that change at a subsequent hearing or amendment.
Councilor Jack (recorded as “****” in the transcript) moved to tentatively approve the proposed FY2026 revenues and expenditures, declare intent to use foregone levying authority and set the public hearing for Aug. 20. The motion passed in a roll‑call vote with all members present voting yes; the clerk recorded the motion as passed.
The hearing will allow public testimony before council takes final action on the budget ordinance.
Finance Director Sarah Linz briefed council on fund balances, net position and one‑time resources before the vote. Linz said several funds, including water and wastewater, show large net positions that reflect past capital‑project savings and investment earnings, and noted the park improvement fund contains a donation tied to the James E. Russell Sports Center. She described how higher short‑term interest rates have produced larger investment earnings in recent years and that the city budgets conservatively for investment returns.
Linz said one‑time resources — described in the city’s financial policies as excess fund balance or nonrecurring revenue — are appropriate for capital expenditures, rebuilding reserves, early debt retirement or other nonrecurring costs and that staff is guided by policy on how to use such funds. The budget presented to council includes beginning cash that staff described as available for one‑time projects in FY2026; staff noted that many funds carry designated reserves for capital improvements and emergency contingencies.
Councilors also discussed a possible recurring revenue source identified by staff — a lease or other revenue from a city property — that could help fill a funding shortfall for a program identified in the budget discussion. Staff said they would return with details if the council directed that change at a subsequent hearing or amendment.
Councilor Jack (recorded as “****” in the transcript) moved to tentatively approve the proposed FY2026 revenues and expenditures, declare intent to use foregone levying authority and set the public hearing for Aug. 20. The motion passed in a roll‑call vote with all members present voting yes; the clerk recorded the motion as passed.
The hearing will allow public testimony before council takes final action on the budget ordinance.
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