Boise City Council evaluates budget feedback ahead of public hearing

The Boise City Council held a budget workshop on June 24, 2025, focusing on public feedback and key budgetary priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted the importance of community input, with nearly 300 responses received regarding budgetary concerns, particularly around housing, public safety, and infrastructure.

Council member Morales emphasized the significance of public feedback, noting that the council typically closes the feedback period a few days before the public hearing, which is scheduled for July 15. This allows the council to consider community insights as they finalize the budget. Morales pointed out that housing remains a critical issue for residents, acknowledging the challenges of providing affordable housing within budget constraints. The council has previously invested in government-subsidized housing but is also exploring ways to facilitate market-rate housing to alleviate competition for affordable units.

Public safety was another major topic of discussion, with plans to increase police positions to maintain a ratio of approximately 1.26 officers per 1,000 residents. This increase aims to enhance community safety and improve police efficiency through technology upgrades. The council also addressed concerns about traffic enforcement, highlighting efforts to increase accountability on the roads, especially during the busy summer months.

Additionally, the council discussed the need for funding to develop open space pathways, which are essential for community recreation but costly to maintain and expand. The challenges of creating new pathways while upgrading existing ones were acknowledged, with a call for additional community funding to support these initiatives.

Fiscal responsibility was a recurring theme, with the council committed to maintaining a balanced budget. The average property tax increase over recent years has been kept below the maximum allowable rate, reflecting the council's awareness of the financial pressures on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. The anticipated increase for homeowners is approximately $62 annually, equating to about $5.20 per month.

The meeting also touched on the status of impact fees, with discussions about the need for updates since the last adjustments in 2006. The council is evaluating proposals from Ada County regarding these fees, which are crucial for funding infrastructure improvements.

In conclusion, the budget workshop underscored the Boise City Council's commitment to addressing community needs while balancing fiscal responsibility. The council encourages continued public engagement as they prepare for the upcoming public hearing, ensuring that resident feedback remains a vital part of the budgetary process.