Meridian City Council holds public hearing on proposed $5M public safety levy

A proposed public safety levy is set to take center stage in Meridian, Idaho, as city officials prepare to present a ballot question to voters on November 4, 2025. The levy aims to secure approximately $5 million in funding for essential services, including firefighters, police officers, and a new prosecution unit.

During a recent city council meeting, officials outlined the levy’s purpose, which includes maintaining fire department positions currently funded by a grant, enhancing police officer wages for recruitment and retention, and establishing an in-house unit to prosecute criminal offenses. If approved, the levy would impose an estimated annual cost of $20.11 per $100,000 of taxable property value.

City officials emphasized the importance of public input, with a first public hearing held and a second scheduled for July 8. The council will decide whether to move forward with the ballot measure after gathering community feedback. A resolution regarding the ballot measure is expected to be adopted by August 12, with a final submission deadline to the county by August 29.

The proposed levy requires a 60% approval rating from voters to pass. City leaders clarified that while they can educate the public about the measure, they cannot use city funds to advocate for it. This initiative represents a critical step in ensuring the continued support and resources for Meridian's public safety services.