[{"_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",6522926,"mediaKeyId","5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd","parentId",5066595,"title","Staff outlines possible public–private partnership to advance McDermott trunk sewer; council requests more detail","audioSeconds",828,"startMs",4176000,"endMs",5004000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd&start=4176&end=5004","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd/thumbnail_4176000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6522926/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Staff-outlines-possible-publicprivate-partnership-to-advance-McDermott-trunk-sewer-council-requests-more-detail","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522926-80020ea8749d4537ed5b708e2aec68d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141167&Signature=dQpmlStvvM-AzBTrsTiWKAqPqlRME9hyMB5OQsUDHiLpL~j65Epg9CLyrKGl-KsmRVykh98iGREq5cvEvKTOkgXKiFV9MYyNCikq2qfLx5MYFetAUwnq59FhLmDAcxYyXj~OuKV6rUuP~bSesAObuDur6ZROPRW~OOa1lZAN8XdCvz8eOVh0JhFNcPyNboLXZLb3-Q87aidAiebqGHYic51n1gY0F4N2RR7b1i1hdSjaSG2X44gBT0pe~pgahcfxR~9Wm0Uxg5eJBX9twFhkggQD1t4a0r6PPIBT0cDYZE1T9krRjrIVfwlNiq7cbngINQEYtCzH4lPFpiH2LeJfmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Meridian","date","2025-06-25T13:43:20Z","article","Meridian staff briefed the City Council on June 24 about a possible public–private partnership (PPP) intended to accelerate construction of a segment of the McDermott trunk sewer that the city had planned for a later year in the capital facilities plan.

Staff said the concept would let a developer fund and build an eligible trunk segment earlier — at the developer’s upfront cost — and the city would reimburse half of the documented cost at the time the project appeared in the city’s capital plan (the staff example advanced the schedule from 2028 to 2026, with the city’s 50% payment not due until the originally planned year). The draft terms staff discussed included public bidding, a 50/50 split of final cost, a cap on the city’s share of change orders at 5% (developer responsible for excess), and plan review and inspection provided by the city at no initial cash cost.

Staff emphasized limits and risk: the arrangement would only be considered for projects already in the five-year CFP, the city would require a non‑appropriation clause (the developer would accept the risk that a future council might not fund the reimbursement), and the agreement would not obligate the city to pay before its planned funding year. Staff identified Toll Brothers’ Dayspring project (Eustis/McDermott area) as the immediate project prompting the discussion; the city’s current planning documents program the McDermott trunk in phases through 2032, and only a small number of future segments would fit this PPP model.

Why it matters: Staff said the PPP could cut the city’s immediate construction cost roughly in half for eligible, large-diameter trunk work because the developer builds under public procurement rules and the city pays half later; an earlier completion could also enable private development sooner. Staff cautioned that the developer would front the full cost and that bids and final pricing must be available before council would be asked to approve an agreement.

Council response and next steps: Council members requested more detail before taking a position. Councilwoman Strader asked for maps showing the segments and votes wanted a draft of the proposed agreement and worst-case scenario analyses (for example, the city’s exposure if a counterparty failed mid-project). Staff said Toll Brothers had drafted an agreement and that staff revisions had been exchanged with the developer’s attorneys; staff proposed bringing full bid numbers and the agreement back to council if the Dayspring entitlements were approved. The item was continued to the main meeting agenda and staff said they would return with the agreement and financials after the project is bid.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meridian City Council - 6/24/25","oneSentenceSummary","Staff told Meridian City Council on June 24 they are discussing a public–private partnership that could advance the McDermott trunk sewer sooner than currently planned if a developer agrees to front construction costs and accept reimbursement risk.","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},6522931,"Valley Regional Transit reports ridership gains, asks Meridian to hold funding flat while expanding on-demand and lift-pass services",591,1484000,2075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd&start=1484&end=2075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd/thumbnail_1484000.jpg","/articles/6522931/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Valley-Regional-Transit-reports-ridership-gains-asks-Meridian-to-hold-funding-flat-while-expanding-on-demand-and-lift-pass-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522931-c4ff525a058209c96c58ef53bb5a7f2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141167&Signature=EZKNn6JHKaWRoaCsWM6wt7aB-sQHX96FYCAajwk4nmHrcwRx~z2EEk4CA0xlhVmr32ywl02-Ka20Mn3mQpY6hBESK~QxxjPgYpIjVaz64ToWWpSa-zMCvdl93jOJxkybC8pVmOQvmXvee6mSsK4CYn5B4yIRzyNMjYfxxNsqJcraVjFDs0o9MPO-PpdsEL9W8bJa-euf7zcME9pLpCeRP7rp230GNvU5XsqY~GYc4gnVfzhTE7DGmivFrDUkQzz9EjzvJ7J~T~yH6z7bmFQqcVdZUy0cv8JFUTWjNcFIptGcW9Rypo5aUd94iSV6-yNN5kMtoiJfNv4PjpSChlo6Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Regional Transit (VRT) told the Meridian City Council on June 24 that systemwide ridership rose after a 2024 service change and asked Meridian to keep its FY2026 contribution at the same level as last year while VRT pursues efficiencies and targeted expansions.

VRT’s presenter, Elaine, said service changes in 2024 — including rerouting the Route 45 off Fairview onto Pine, modifying Route 30 service, and adding new routes from Town Square Mall and the Village — have produced mixed local results but an overall increase in ridership for Meridian and the region. “Overall, ridership’s up, transit activity in Meridian is up if you take all of the routes,” Elaine said.

The agency highlighted Beyond Access, which consolidated several senior and paratransit providers into a single zone. VRT reported 87,800 rides in the first nine months of the consolidated service and said 41.3% of Beyond Access trips serve Meridian, “You guys are getting a big bang for your buck there,” the presenter said.

VRT described the Lift Pass pilot, which subsidizes ridehail trips to high-ridership stops with a $2 rider contribution and a fixed subsidy; staff said expanding the Lift Pass into Meridian could allow more riders to access fixed routes but would require an identified subsidy source, such as a foundation grant or partner contribution.

Council members asked for more granular data and regular updates. Councilman Strader and others asked about riders originating in Meridian vs. boardings, unique rider counts and cost per boarding. VRT staff said a 9-month count of 15,000 boardings in Meridian extrapolates to roughly 20,000 boardings annually and noted many of those trips continue beyond Meridian, so evaluating shared regional trips changes the per-boarding subsidy calculation. VRT’s current systemwide cost per boarding is about $11; staff estimated Meridian’s effective cost-per-ride, adjusted for outbound trips and annualization, would be closer to $15 in their presentation.

Council members also questioned timeline and metrics for improvement. VRT recommended potential memoranda of understanding to set multi-year expectations with partners, and flagged federal funding opportunities (Carbon Reduction Program) and private partnerships as ways to lower subsidy per ride. VRT also discussed emerging automation opportunities (yard operations and bus start/stop automation) as potential long-term savings.

Outcome and next steps: VRT asked Meridian to maintain its contribution at last year’s level and for staff to continue working together on data-sharing, Lift Pass expansion, and Valley Connect planning. Council members asked VRT to provide the specific cost and ridership math used in the presentation and to return with regular updates to help Meridian budget for operating costs.","Valley Regional Transit briefed Meridian council on service changes, ridership increases and programs (Beyond Access, Lift Pass, Valley Connect 3) and requested the city maintain its contribution at last year’s level; staff and council discussed cost-per-ride metrics, automation and regular reporting.",{"_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},6522936,"Council approves $550,075 budget amendment to shore up employee benefits trust",847,389000,1236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd&start=389&end=1236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd/thumbnail_389000.jpg","/articles/6522936/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Council-approves-550075-budget-amendment-to-shore-up-employee-benefits-trust","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522936-64bf9a8380face69c2703476b249f557/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141167&Signature=VhoLfRV9g~yhwT9n8~PKR9FNTV6kEUa~8zfd-B8fhmsitwoPrl3sbV~ZPxG3IOxANHeoX~yJ5mhxcLqnfh0-19bov-HqG30IU9ZeseGkfsE94eCoFLl3vNdO84R53Zv7qWoViWKK7D4NwGJmgtE36tFJRTEDJptEK~BnS58cUwljrOYtnqKSywMuZFJAHdR8MPNPGqKp0XgEnE~JWZSF9dcwU09xeKMHFgqBE-iB7YCejSff6TWlSagc5bEHcDXhYpHWlYG-fZf~hP6J9A~bmHaykgnIcnRkqD-w3zWqSSdzjAY3oIKzIejO-K6ca8UpikhcQKZ2J6jJ5eRXtQiNBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council on June 24 approved a $550,075 budget amendment intended to fill a shortfall in the city’s employee benefits plan trust that staff said surfaced after higher-than-expected claims.

City staff and the trust explained the amendment during the meeting and told council the trust and HR staff — with monthly usage reports from Gallagher and Blue Cross — monitor claims and adjust plan administration as needed. “We could do a presentation quarterly, biannually, whatever you'd prefer,” trust staff said when asked how the council would be kept informed.

Why it matters: The amendment restores the reserve the city is required to maintain for the Department of Insurance and avoids a short-term funding crisis for medical, dental and vision claims that have fluctuated in recent quarters.

Trust staff said the deficit was first noticed after the first-quarter accounting and that adjustments, rebates and claims timing make exact projections difficult. Staff gave examples of steps the trustees and carrier have taken to limit specific drug costs and said the trust can act proactively rather than waiting for the Department of Insurance to mandate action.

Council members pressed for clearer, regular reporting. Councilman Schaer urged “a pretty simple quarterly update with just some basic financial information about whether you're running at a surplus or a deficit compared to your projections,” and several council members supported quarterly reporting so the council can spot multi-quarter deficits before they require emergency amendments.

Vote and next steps: A council member moved to approve the fiscal year 2025 budget amendment in the amount of $550,075 for the employee benefits plan trust; the motion passed on roll call with all members voting in the affirmative. Staff said the trust will provide (and council will discuss scheduling) regular financial updates to the council going forward.

Context: Staff noted the trust monitors claims through the carrier’s adjudication process and said some high-cost cases can develop over time, which complicates short-term forecasting. Trustees said they prefer to act proactively — for example by altering coverage rules or utilization management — before repeatedly returning to the council for amendments.

What wasn’t decided: Staff emphasized the $550,075 amendment covers the currently identified gap; trustees said they will return with recommended adjustments if trends continue but did not propose an additional immediate allocation beyond the approved amendment.","Meridian City Council voted to add $550,075 to the employee benefits plan trust to address a reported deficit; trust staff described monitoring and steps to avoid repeated emergency requests and agreed to provide regular updates to council.",{"_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},6522916,"Council adopts four ordinances on annexation and rezoning; roll calls recorded unanimous votes",304,10014000,10318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd&start=10014&end=10318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd/thumbnail_10014000.jpg","/articles/6522916/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Council-adopts-four-ordinances-on-annexation-and-rezoning-roll-calls-recorded-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522916-1d1fb3a079cb62176bef32cbe9f0f41b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141167&Signature=dvKtZmb4-0KyEtDjdTSMvvASjekFWA0gJyHoUXcJGT8Lmgbbjih6GFt5iyfLUz0R1QSSQUHpWPfqR5mff7zTb858zY7LAgNSnOSsGiuXMqnDfLisxhXeAPCWU4nS3LjIWljyw~RrvAXGxF~~Fp21-j8axc7SqAALAaq5~gpjVA-W1rnhrnWFEzexCtrP6ikS7IO2pF6fig3~4QRweCMIgce6vviz2IV2W5o1Y0pKDPS1cj6vjtsvDkGwzZZPLwBGMdqCSlrG0JR2th8sZ1PKeaF97ZtEcIBVR9CBArsvPXbX94ebIBN2rv3XV8oASupBMjIuhKQrBISuaX2o7uRSyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council adopted four ordinances related to annexations and rezonings at its June 24 meeting.

What passed: The council approved the following ordinances on roll-call votes with all members voting in the affirmative:
- Ordinance 25-2088 (Mont Meadows Subdivision H-2024-0067): Annexation and rezoning (RUT to R2 and R4) of approximately 10.84 acres.
- Ordinance 25-2089 (Sky Ranch H-2024-0022): Rezone of approximately 24.53 acres from R4 to R15.
- Ordinance 25-2090 (Sky Ranch H-2024-0022 annexation): Annexation and rezoning of approximately 20.039 acres to R15.
- Ordinance 25-2091 (Full Density Reserve H-2024-0055): Annexation and rezoning of approximately 3.31 acres from RUT to IL (Light Industrial).

Vote details: For each ordinance the clerk called the roll; recorded votes included Council members Kavanagh, Little Roberts, Taylor, Overton, Strader and Whitlock, all recorded as “Aye.” The ordinances include standard directions for staff to file certified copies with Ada County and the Idaho State Tax Commission as required by law.

Why it matters: The ordinances change the land‑use and zoning designations for the identified parcels and direct staff to update official maps. The approvals will permit the listed development types by conforming the properties to city zoning rules.

What wasn’t discussed in depth: The council took the votes during the meeting’s ordinance block and did not record extended debate on each item in the public record at the time of the vote.

Provenance: The clerk read the ordinance titles and the council approved them on roll call during the June 24 meeting.","At its June 24 meeting Meridian City Council adopted four ordinances (25-2088, 25-2089, 25-2090, 25-2091) approving annexations and rezonings for Meadow, Sky Ranch and Full Density Reserve items; all ordinances passed by 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},6522921,"Council holds public hearing on proposed public safety levy; $5.02 million request would cost about $20.11 per $100,000 of taxable value",1067,5915000,6982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd&start=5915&end=6982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066595-38cd8c47bb8bc10381d6ec811ff2ebfd/thumbnail_5915000.jpg","/articles/6522921/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-proposed-public-safety-levy-502-million-request-would-cost-about-2011-per-100000-of-taxable-value","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522921-6e9235e51deef9af0921db63ff12f3c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141167&Signature=MPGg6KGtQuL5YGoq5oM6MJFL84NgO8o3D-TpOXat9zBfvHdTS89439fV7o2S-ka8uEwSqTdgduUeTUWc66nBDklzntPFd4c0fhJrM8cRhHYtVKMG0cbMVWNWGpQ7XyP4Y4pgPhA2PWXVFx-YVsmzj8XwiqPSz~6zRmLJjAEaUFSBzKysEm5ThN1tk8m5~5kbsdNA5EkUXTK-tPUEquX2p6fhFUnmyQ-rQPXRztk-c8Z8L1JrmpK2aZGXxrHSyQoQ1jSpheRlGnaujduBMyP6ztgjGry7AY-g1TTngZmCTMvBIwGhqZjGfBpM~A9R1B7rwIPP-cfTFIiTKkiLUl3clA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council held a public hearing on June 24 to gather community input on a proposed property tax levy that would raise approximately $5,018,125.71 annually to fund firefighters, police recruitment/retention and a city prosecution unit.

Staff presentation: City staff explained the statutory mechanics under Idaho law and read the proposed ballot language. Staff said the proposal — if placed on the November 4 general-election ballot and approved by voters — would become effective Oct. 1, 2026, and noted Idaho law requires 60% voter approval for the increase described. The presentation included required disclosures: the purpose of the levy, estimated collection amount, estimated annual cost to a taxpayer ($20.11 per $100,000 of taxable value, subject to exemptions and property valuation changes) and the effective date.

Public comment: Two residents spoke. Terry Dennington urged the council to include a sunset clause or stronger earmarking to ensure funds remain dedicated to public safety and to reduce the risk that future councils could divert the revenue. Ryan Shackleford supported the levy as a tool to attract and retain public safety staff and said that declining services could reduce property values and public safety.

Council discussion: Council members asked staff whether future councils could reduce or eliminate the levy revenue in subsequent budgets. City staff and the city attorney said the legislative branch can always set the budget each year and that any future council could reduce budgeted spending; staff also said the council could adopt internal budget documents or even local code to track or earmark levy revenue but that future councils could change those rules. Several council members suggested the current council could adopt reporting requirements or an earmark in budget documents to signal intent.

Timeline and next steps: Staff said tonight was the first hearing and that a second public hearing is scheduled for July 8; if the council directs staff to proceed, the council would adopt a resolution around Aug. 12 and must finalize ballot language with the county by Aug. 29 for the Nov. 4 ballot. The city will limit its communications to educational materials; any advocacy must come from outside groups, as required by the Public Integrity in Elections Act.

What wasn’t resolved: Council did not decide whether to place the question on the ballot; council members asked staff to compile submitted written comments and public testimony for the record and to provide more detail on options such as sunset clauses, earmarks, or budget-account tracking before the July 8 hearing.","Council opened a public hearing on a proposed ongoing levy to fund firefighters, police officers and an in‑house prosecution unit. Staff outlined the ballot language, estimated revenues and timeline; public commenters supported and urged a sunset clause or stronger earmarking.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff outlines possible public–private partnership to advance McDermott trunk sewer; council requests more detail

Valley Regional Transit reports ridership gains, asks Meridian to hold funding flat while expanding on-demand and lift-pass services

Council approves $550,075 budget amendment to shore up employee benefits trust

Council adopts four ordinances on annexation and rezoning; roll calls recorded unanimous votes

Council holds public hearing on proposed public safety levy; $5.02 million request would cost about $20.11 per $100,000 of taxable value