[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6514984,"mediaKeyId","5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b","parentId",5021963,"title","Meridian council continues process to place public-safety levy question on ballot; details on prosecution staffing discussed","audioSeconds",1522,"startMs",4018000,"endMs",5540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b&start=4018&end=5540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b/thumbnail_4018000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6514984/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-council-continues-process-to-place-public-safety-levy-question-on-ballot-details-on-prosecution-staffing-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514984-68ddb4b74db2020e5822f7572cc1119e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412712&Signature=S3KCT93LOWDy3ptacZ93rTJdg5VgcAtHjb~uwDA6d8seMg~QJHdi~cTxQtPDGESApfgi-4Qf2qM75CQsEnLxzWHBc9HJDpcVEkXrYv~KKgfn8a4qpvMdZS1b0Ed1XnMURt6DN2fYS5u6RBZj44bxjhHmm5CKQ-1EXx5FTx6aZVZpQQCuw8UVQ568zI8WIS41uSrl7DWpVpZmUfjAn4l3o8zdyOADwpvonLIlekaL6Oj0IdG4SxAAyeQFRMk8vxT8nB9AZpqM8i0XnaULm2wzXGouZt7wG4Fej6c1GO3ZD3NYmiqYcIs6nLHyNfSdxr8qRxdiMau-vmFLl4-zyE1eZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Meridian","date","2025-06-18T14:14:33Z","article","The Meridian City Council discussed a proposal June 17 to ask voters to approve a local-option levy intended to fund firefighters, police pay increases and a city prosecution team. The council continued the public process and scheduled additional public hearings before deciding whether to place the question on the ballot.

Kurt Stein, city attorney, and public-safety leadership described the levy’s function and the process if voters approve it. Stein told the council the levy would provide funds for “those 13 firefighters” (a staffing level discussed in prior briefings), salary increases for sworn police officers, and funding to establish an in-house prosecution unit. He emphasized that the council retains annual budget authority to change any appropriation: “The very next year, you could reduce it down. You have the authority to set the budget or wherever you want.”

Prosecution staffing: Assistant city leaders outlined the anticipated size of an in-house prosecution unit. Mr. Neri (county/city legal liaison) said the contract with the city of Boise currently provides prosecution services; moving in-house would require staffing daily court coverage. “We’re looking at somewhere in the area of 5, potentially 6 [prosecutors], depending on… court calendars,” Neri said, and added the in-house team would also need roughly four to five support staff for discovery and administrative duties.

Council discussion centered on process, transparency and public input. Council members said they support giving voters the choice and asked staff to ensure two public hearings are widely publicized. Mayor Robert Simison and several council members framed the levy as a way to preserve response levels and retain personnel in a competitive labor market; Councilman Overton said he was “completely in support” of the levy on the reasons presented.

Why it matters: If approved by voters, the levy would change the city’s recurring revenue base and finance ongoing public-safety operations. Council members asked legal staff to clarify that the levy’s revenue could be reduced or eliminated by future council action should needs or circumstances change.

Next steps: Staff scheduled two opportunities for public comment (the council referenced dates in early July) and said the council would take a formal direction from the public before deciding whether to place the question on the ballot.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meridian City Council - June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Meridian City Council discussed a proposal June 17 to ask voters to approve a local-option levy intended to fund firefighters, police pay increases and a city prosecution team.","taxTitle","Meridian, Ada County, Idaho","taxId",2628,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514989,"Meridian staff propose phased fee increases at HomeCourt to reduce subsidy; council favors larger, faster rise",684,2591000,3275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b&start=2591&end=3275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b/thumbnail_2591000.jpg","/articles/6514989/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-staff-propose-phased-fee-increases-at-HomeCourt-to-reduce-subsidy-council-favors-larger-faster-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514989-834a6e6d0e833f10987a957067a5f751/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412712&Signature=byZtwjfZ79LueAJrR9vdyIjsmQDppFaE2YU4GtBtFDYlppPgo7iG8ca5JQd6Q40wg49lp4VbyT1Cm4yu1kJTfrVn1wei9X8sAfwcfuB9zYP9-j6Z525xtaQ3J~mzL2zz7R-M5zhPe16~iJeGYgQbtpsPO1CneT3te0l7M2yB-x32bgFuIRIorZ3VSw2WyqrmGRs9~SqZhTU0-qsLs4qL6Qd8NJpCkbUZzcna8jOYOv29mofxD3RE3f60EHdaxNlLVkpTxV99nxXHi0ZV8b1-f0G-qWpp4IZCwHwtFvuAhJCeDQRPRJdqrNasDT~nMoPqhgFHliKuvaSDO6WvHLMDwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City recreation staff proposed a two-phase plan June 17 to increase fees at HomeCourt, Meridian’s indoor sports facility, to raise revenue and reduce the annual subsidy the city pays for operations.

Garrett (project manager, Recreation) told the council the current fee structure—carried over from the facility’s previous operator—has not increased in about a decade and that cost recovery has declined. “In FY23 our cost recovery is approximately 49%… FY24 it went down to 45%… and in FY25 we’re projected to have a 38%,” Garrett said.

Phase 1 would raise day-pass rates from the current tiers of $2/$3/$4 to $3/$4/$5 and increase membership tiers to $21/$28/$35 (maintaining the prior ratio). Staff also proposed lifting hourly practice rental from $45 to $65 per court and event rental (closing courts to public drop-in) to $75 per court. Phase 2 would enact an additional, smaller increase the following year; staff said the two-step approach is intended to avoid a single large price jump that could depress use.

Council reaction ranged from support for raising fees to suggestions the city go directly to the larger Phase 2 increases. Councilman Schaer recommended considering immediately adopting the Phase 2 fees, arguing the facility is long overdue for larger increases; Councilman Taylor and others said they preferred publishing the higher Phase 2 number for public hearing and deliberation. “To keep our same volumes, we didn't really want to just put up right now… we're trying to be strategic about it,” Garrett said of the two-step approach.

Why it matters: Staff framed the increases as part of a broader effort to reduce the facility subsidy. Garrett said the proposal would cut the subsidy by raising membership and day-pass rates, increasing rental charges and capturing more revenue from sponsorships, concession/beverage contracts and targeted rentals during low-use periods.

Staff also noted the city has already reduced some operating costs, including lowering cleaning expenses by about $60,000 for FY26 compared with earlier estimates. Garrett said comparable indoor court facilities in the region charge roughly $64 per court per hour; the proposal’s $65–$75 hourly rates would put HomeCourt in line with similar venues.

Next steps: Staff sought council feedback and said they expect to post the Phase 1 proposal and bring it back for a public hearing before final adoption, with a target effective date around Sept. 1 if approved. Councilmembers requested additional analysis on nonresident membership volumes, nonprofit discounts and final revenue projections before formal adoption.","City staff proposed raising day-pass and membership rates at HomeCourt in two phases to improve cost recovery; staff estimate the facility’s cost recovery fell from 49% in FY23 to a projected 38% in FY25 and proposed raising hourly court rental to align with regional comparables.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514994,"Meridian council hears detailed design, timeline for Settlers Park community center",1879,695000,2574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b&start=695&end=2574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b/thumbnail_695000.jpg","/articles/6514994/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-council-hears-detailed-design-timeline-for-Settlers-Park-community-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514994-4e3669f8884d4ac21f26664335197912/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412712&Signature=BY0pmsW3dUkVcBYZbrVqom-RqyiGlCXrHIYvJQmrBiFPI0bFqKBMPCwFOudtCHwn5CLYtSs6o74pfCiZr98iJlRnP5TnqbdDsQtt27~nSv3sWsK5veHF2w5Ex5eqUunDiytgLUuJl~kgZhzE2E3HKuXwmabGgUMoqR1NwenLSlPJuHbrQAeNHNIqGVJVu34UEB3h1bygSY-e61V8u5vENsunmWmExnlfysbVuRtwHNGKJ-WlMikXD50rxrZK4yiXN5azGFDVjA1PvVUDEbPdqPJ03nY1uLviVYa9rlS6CvRiUMJj8OFWcljFPXd18vclEDJGqAqivhDGhFjgfdvvxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Meridian city staff presented a design update June 17 for the Settlers Park community center, reporting the project remains on schedule for a fall bid and that architects have refined interior spaces, access control and site details while working to hold costs near the current budget.

The update, delivered by Steve Sidway, the city’s project sponsor, and Garrett (project manager), said the schematic design work completed last fall has moved into design development and that the team is resolving room sizes, IT needs, storage and details such as drainage sizing under parking to allow possible future gym expansion without tearing up the lot. “Things are on schedule, on track, to be ready to bid this fall,” Sidway said.

The council was shown elevations and a site plan that includes a gym, flexible court/flex space with a small stage and storage, recreation classrooms (including a cooking classroom and kiln room for pottery), two half-court outdoor basketball courts, a dog-park restroom node, and about 347 parking spaces. Garrett said the design preserves circulation and utility capacity for a future gym expansion: “They've already sized the drain fields under the parking lot to be able to handle the additional drainage that would come from that expansion if and when it happens.”

Why it matters: Council members said they wanted the design clarity before budget hearings the following week so discussions could focus on operating and staffing. Sidway and Garrett briefed the council on operating assumptions: staff plan to open the building with two internal promotions and existing personnel, and staff estimate roughly $150,000 in additional annual operating subsidy once the facility is open, with the initial incremental staffing cost of about $101,000 for the promotions. Garrett summarized the operating estimate: “The total O&M we're looking at about 44,000 and some change and so on as we go down though that list.”

Council members pressed for more detail on operating assumptions and timing. Councilman McConner asked whether the $150,000 projection had changed; Garrett confirmed the estimate and outlined cost components including electrical, gas and janitorial focused on comparisons with existing city recreation facilities. Councilwoman Strader and others asked about revenue offsets: rentals, sponsorships and beverage-concession contracts are being explored as potential revenue sources to reduce the subsidy.

Staff described access-control plans to allow contracted instructors to use parts of the facility during unsupervised hours using badge readers and cameras. Garrett also described the flex gym and stage dimensions requested by local arts groups and said the team had reduced some play-structure size and reshaped dog-park amenities to save cost.

Background and next steps: Sidway said construction documents are moving forward and will be ready to bid this fall under the current timeline. Council members asked for budget detail and inflation sensitivity ahead of next week's budget hearings; staff estimated a $19.7 million construction budget and warned a one-year delay could add roughly 5–10% in construction inflation, “anywhere from a million to $2,000,000 each year in inflated costs,” Garrett said.

The council did not take action at the work session; staff said the design update was intended to inform the budget discussion to follow.","City staff presented updated floor plans, site layout and operating-cost estimates for the Settlers Park community center, saying construction documents remain on schedule for fall bidding and projecting a roughly $19.7 million project and about $150,000 in added annual operating costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514976,"Council unanimously approves three annexation and rezoning ordinances",130,7815000,7945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b&start=7815&end=7945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b/thumbnail_7815000.jpg","/articles/6514976/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Council-unanimously-approves-three-annexation-and-rezoning-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514976-2ad826f2cd69544f8764a17e351f1d95/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412712&Signature=eoCQamlSTWCt8xfSV-R6GooGLnynRzEOnFZD-ZAC8-a2NK50lOzgO37mKuHWfOqVcr0SzpcXQgcZIhwEeWzyiPjqruvM3MyZPI-K225ZO4vyB-TbQ6vEZvGHFi5ghq3NwMtVx4hZDiaEXWMMEe-CQZInaRCsGsoEHM0Dxwu3VAEA5wrPgCoRSDfgXzi6GonPgdu1l3-lQOe141r2WkMHxG6orniUEtkeavDfZVfvT3qoKwTaYOIWVFJhUFDhcBbme1DQvJuFoI38pGancbIS5PECP8pi9g63GZVabRUTEB7nND3ma1brya--VuKIaFHRJH7jXJ2-N0jqNxMLsY7cow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council adopted three ordinances by roll-call vote during the June 17 work session. Each ordinance passed unanimously.

Ordinance 25-2086: Annexation and rezoning for 330 N. Linder (H-20240048)
- Description: Annexes Lot 3 of Heppers Acres subdivision and a portion of the southeast quarter of Section 12; rezones approximately 0.983 acres from R-1 to IL.
- Action: Council approved the ordinance by roll-call vote; the clerk recorded ayes from Councilmembers Cavanagh, Little Roberts, Taylor, Overton, Strader and Whitlock. Outcome: approved (6–0).

Ordinance 25-2087: Annexation and rezoning (parcel in Section 16)
- Description: Annexes a parcel in the northeast quarter of Section 16; rezones approximately 5 acres from RUT to IL. Ordinance directs staff to update maps and file copies as required with Ada County offices and the Idaho State Tax Commission.
- Action: Council approved the ordinance by roll-call vote after a motion from Councilman Taylor. Outcome: approved (6–0).

Process note: The clerk read each ordinance by title and the council called the roll for approval. Council did not request full readings of the ordinances.","Meridian council adopted three ordinances in the work session: 25-2086, 25-2087 and a second reading motion confirming 25-2087; each ordinance carried on unanimous roll-call votes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514980,"Meridian hears county plan for countywide impact fees; legal uncertainty remains over coroner fee",1674,5607000,7281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b&start=5607&end=7281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021963-24ecf1a269a4ce524b00e7889f3c045b/thumbnail_5607000.jpg","/articles/6514980/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-hears-county-plan-for-countywide-impact-fees-legal-uncertainty-remains-over-coroner-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514980-b1a99106aab0042a18ce087b4e294ae9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412712&Signature=m8EuziVoBjLMNimZZ6~hQ6I6FFyYxNZmyYQvH~f8dBOdusbJXQBwjvnsdgVSviG-biFDn6sbadkg3CffJO2h8RUwEmPKOmxx1UvTR0ccbrL9G0F18mUCEvjxZibg1soycAGi2t2osZUIiTVFYc-NXZ16k9WVZKJDmwsy4Xs5W77omuVKJGED9OQgyJzLkecIWHzzpOd-PQUyvkLz9Sebt-a1NNdeeZL4eF8IUe7D3YbRZis0LEkuE5ZMVQUTt1uSZe5heVsNugZJVsr~a4cWXCK34NiEGNhF78qbkXtKkH2eBLU8V8D7Efk5bLQJL3zSFTkj1PSC7pB-Rit79JPnfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Meridian city and Ada County officials discussed June 17 a proposed joint approach to countywide development impact fees for jail, EMS and coroner services. City legal staff said the county’s proposed fee for coroner services is legally uncertain under Idaho’s Impact Fee Act and recommended additional legal review before the city commits to implementation.

Kurt Stein, Meridian’s city attorney, briefed the council on the legal limits of Idaho’s development-impact-fee statute, noting the statute allows fees for certain “public facilities” and lists categories such as water, sewer and “public safety facilities, including law enforcement, fire stations and apparatus, emergency medical and rescue, and street lighting.” He said the county argues coroner services fall within law enforcement-related public-safety facilities, but Stein warned that interpretation has not been litigated and carries legal risk. \"There is no bright line rule… there's lots of gray area and room for argument here,\" Stein said.

Stein summarized the county’s legal rationale: Idaho statutes (Title 19, Chapter 43 and Title 31, Chapter 43) give coroners authority to investigate deaths, summon jurors for inquests, issue subpoenas and in some circumstances step into law-enforcement roles when a sheriff has a conflict — powers the county argues overlap with law enforcement functions.

Ada County representative Leon Lettson told the council the county is open to obtaining an opinion from the Idaho Attorney General and that some jurisdictions (Eagle and Star) have already added the coroner CIP into their comprehensive plans. \"We're happy to pursue that (an AG advice letter),\" Lettson said, and added the county would remove the coroner element if a legal opinion found it outside the Impact Fee Act.

Council members expressed concern about committing to a coroner fee without external legal clarity. Councilwoman Strader urged the county to pursue an AG opinion or a declaratory judgment action in district court prior to any city ordinance that would implement collection, saying the council did not want to lead partner jurisdictions toward a fee that might later be struck down.

Why it matters: Implementation of countywide impact fees requires coordination among all incorporated municipalities in Ada County. If a coroner fee were adopted and later ruled unlawful, the city could become involved in litigation and potentially face financial liability even if contractual indemnities exist; Stein said indemnity clauses have limits under the Idaho Constitution.

Next steps: City staff suggested three options: (1) approve the intergovernmental agreements as written (the agreements mainly commit cities to consider county CIPs and use the county’s advisory committee); (2) ask staff to modify the county agreement to remove the coroner CIP before approving; or (3) delay action until the county obtains an AG opinion or other legal clarity. Several council members said they support moving the process forward while asking the county to pursue an AG opinion; staff will return the agreement for council consideration on a future consent agenda.","Ada County and city attorneys discussed a countywide development-impact-fee proposal that would include jail, EMS and coroner elements. City attorneys warned the coroner fee is legally uncertain under Idaho law; county officials said they would seek an attorney general opinion and continue the intergovernmental process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meridian council continues process to place public-safety levy question on ballot; details on prosecution staffing discussed

Meridian staff propose phased fee increases at HomeCourt to reduce subsidy; council favors larger, faster rise

Meridian council hears detailed design, timeline for Settlers Park community center

Council unanimously approves three annexation and rezoning ordinances

Meridian hears county plan for countywide impact fees; legal uncertainty remains over coroner fee