Council reviews half of FY2017 budget; city projects $500,000 revenue uptick

City Administrator Susan Robertson presented an overview of general government revenues and the first half of the FY2017 budget at the June 21 meeting. Robertson said the city opted not to take a 3 percent property-tax increase and explained that a new state law requires a public hearing if the city later chooses to use foregone revenue. She told the council the city is projecting $500,000 more in revenue than budgeted and expects $210,000 more next year.

Robertson walked through various revenue streams, including Local Option Tax accounting, franchise and business fees, building permits, State of Idaho shared revenue and fines. On fines, Police Chief Walt Femling stated the majority of fines are from DUI and traffic tickets. The council discussed interest-earning sources and bank charges, with Council President Keith Saks expressing concern about proposed bank fees and asking staff to explore alternatives.

In the expenditures review, department heads outlined priorities: Administration discussed salaries, benefits, training and proposed vehicle-lease options; Community Development noted a missing $4,000 iWorQ contract line item that would be added; and the Street Department reviewed operational and capital needs, including a possible generator, right-of-way remediation, a new building improvements line and a $150,000 roads and path maintenance request. The council took two short breaks during the session and later entered an executive session to consult legal counsel.