[{"_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",6586377,"mediaKeyId","5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d","parentId",5529332,"title","Moscow council adopts $139.6 million FY2026 budget, OKs tax levy and foregone recovery","audioSeconds",2154,"startMs",609000,"endMs",2763000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d&start=609&end=2763","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d/thumbnail_609000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6586377/Moscow-City/Latah-County/Idaho/Moscow-council-adopts-1396-million-FY2026-budget-OKs-tax-levy-and-foregone-recovery","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586377-1ce1802bed40b9fba875c362e6ba6d93/orig.mp4?Expires=1775456724&Signature=gkFjQPrbbzqsoZq35X8fc8PO-w6z6~hvXJPPIKhaBOuzrEBkID~NmLbqMegtsndVFAc2mlLcnQHrPj8B4NE8SmnTOxl18VpXE3aLgQTCe~XPwKFAi-oYjfHtI0e4I6NFvn8wBjNHtYgWPoMMiZq82iTnIATtJzex5Jj7vNshY05pN7zIy~NDXp~~3se2acP3SaC-uLWIiAog5WLZZFJp2bELTK50i~UcXk3oGCP8x2PiyNvl19Cp~2CPa0iyj5hcGuIuPdekoDnfzDpJPr1o9afHDI6ffbsS47psmrPUApqNF29uIiCC~MNPjqk6lfnK6Iku9-FPLEEzX1ztliHA7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Moscow","date","2025-08-05T05:07:07.813Z","article","The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 appropriation ordinance, approving a $139,578,442 budget and authorizing the mayor to certify a total tax levy used for next year's property tax collections.

The vote followed a formal public hearing led by Bill Beltknap, who presented details of the proposed budget, and included staff responses to public questions. Council members then approved a foregone tax recovery resolution, suspended the rules to adopt the appropriation ordinance by summary, and authorized the mayor's signature on the L-2 property tax certification form.

Beltknap said the appropriation ordinance frames expected revenues and the city's spending priorities for the Oct. 2025'Sept. 2026 fiscal year. \"The budget is a very important policy action by the council. It is our fiscal plan,\" he said during the hearing.

The budget package highlights and context

- Total appropriation: $139,578,442 (ordinance read and approved by title as \"annual appropriation ordinance appropriating $139,578,442\").
- Property tax certification (L-2): council authorized the mayor to sign a certification in the aggregate amount of $9,088,502.
- General fund and priorities: the city plans to continue a multi-year emphasis on capital reinvestment and public safety; the police department represents the single largest general fund operating cost. Council and staff identified roughly $37 million in general-fund capital needs over the next 10 years, largely for roadways and public facilities.
- Cost-of-living and compensation: the budget includes a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and a 3% pay-for-performance pool; the city also continues a multi-year plan to increase dependent health coverage from 60% toward 80%.
- Capital and projects: the budget funds nearly $3.4 million to complete the city shop project (new 16,000-square-foot addition plus renovation of the existing shop); just over $3 million is allocated to roadway improvements (including TAP grant projects on Mountain View North and South and a South Main pedestrian underpass); $335,000 is included for an alternate water supply study (exploring a Clearwater River option); $250,000 for downtown streetscape design work; and $923,000 for park improvements, of which $885,000 is for East City Park staging.
- Utilities and enterprise funds: projected water, sewer and stormwater capital transfers are maintained (Water Capital Fund transferring about $2.4 million to capital; Sewer Capital Fund transferring about $3.3 million). Fund balances account for roughly 47% of total budgeted resources across funds; the city noted this reflects long-term capital reserves rather than one-year operating cash.
- Staffing and unfunded requests: staff reclassified a legal assistant to paralegal, increased a part-time recreation coordinator to full time, and included three paramedic-firefighter positions continued in partnership with the volunteer nonprofit that funded them initially. Two requested positions (a Fire Department student-resident program manager and an additional fleet mechanic) were not funded for FY2026.

Why it matters

Council and staff stressed that the appropriation ordinance directs city operations and funding priorities for the year and that constrained revenues and prior legal rulings have limited flexibility. Beltknap described a 2024 legal ruling affecting municipal finance that reduced some revenue flows and has kept certain positions unfilled and pay increases constrained in recent years.

Votes at a glance

- Foregone tax recovery resolution (adds 1% of foregone to levy): Moved by Julia (mover identified in the hearing), seconded (unspecified). Roll-call: Julia ' Aye; Bryce ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Sandra ' Aye; Drew ' Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Annual Appropriation Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-08): Motion to adopt under suspension of rules and read by title; roll-call: Bryce ' Aye; Drew ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Sandra ' Aye; Julia ' Aye. Outcome: adopted.
- L-2 property tax certification (aggregate amount $9,088,502): Motion to authorize the mayor's execution; roll-call: Gina ' Aye; Bryce ' Aye; Julia ' Aye; Sandra ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Drew ' Aye. Outcome: authorized.

Discussion highlights and clarifications

During the hearing Beltknap reviewed revenue composition (property tax comprises under 7% of total city revenues but about 39% of general-fund revenues), sales tax sharing trends, and the impact of assessed valuation shifts among property types (residential vs. multifamily vs. commercial) on who bears the tax burden. He noted House Bill 389'related limits on levy increases and explained how the city plans to use up to 1% of foregone levy capacity and levy for new construction and annexation values under state limits.

Council asked clarifying questions about new-construction valuation timing (hits the tax rolls when a certificate of occupancy is issued for single-family homes), landfill/transfer-station closure planning (discussed as a long-term liability over a roughly 30-year horizon), sanitation and miscellaneous tipping fee changes, and how budgeting fund balances affects year-to-year budget comparisons with other cities.

What's next

The ordinance was adopted the same night as the hearing; staff will proceed with the FY2026 implementation and year-start accounting. Council and staff noted continued emphasis on pursuing grants and balancing operating demands with long-term capital needs.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Bill Beltknap, staff member, presented the budget and answered technical questions.
- Sarah Decker, finance head, participated in preparation and was named at the hearing as finance staff.
- Victoria Seaver, resident, provided public-support testimony during the hearing.
- Gregory Soderberg, resident, offered public comment earlier in the meeting in support of council work.
- Council members recorded in roll-call votes: Julia (council member), Bryce (council member), Gina (mayor/council member), Hailey (council member), Sandra (council member), Drew (council member).

Authorities cited in the hearing

- Idaho State Code (public hearing procedures): referenced by the mayor at the start of the budget hearing.
- House Bill 389 (Idaho legislature): referenced by staff as affecting levy recovery/foregone adjustments.
- Ordinance No. 2025-08 (Annual Appropriation Ordinance): adopted by council on Aug. 4, 2025.
- L-2 (Property Tax Certification form): execution authorized by council.

Proper names mentioned

Moscow City; Moscow Volunteer Fire Department; University of Idaho; Latah County; Bill Beltknap; Sarah Decker; Victoria Seaver; Gregory Soderberg.

Clarifying details extracted from staff presentation

- COLA: 4% cost-of-living adjustment included in budget.
- Performance pool: 3% performance increases budgeted.
- Alternate water supply study: $335,000 budgeted to explore Clearwater River option.
- City shop completion: ~$3,400,000 budgeted for new shop addition and renovation.
- Roadway improvements: just over $3,000,000 budgeted, including TAP grant projects.
- General-fund identified capital needs: ~$37,000,000 over next 10 years.
- Budget total: $139,578,442 (appropriation ordinance amount).

Provenance

- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"seg_609.115\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":462,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Thank you, your Honor. So obviously we're here to review next year's fiscal year's budget that'll begin here in October. But the budget is a very important policy action by the council. It is our fiscal plan. It sets out our anticipated revenues and our anticipated expenditures for the operation of the municipal corporation.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"seg_4463.96\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":302,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"In ordinance entitled annual appropriation ordinance appropriating $139,578,442 for the purposes of defraying all necessary expenses and liabilities of the city of Moscow, Latoc County, State Of Idaho for the 2026 fiscal year beginning the October 2025 and ending the September 2026 and allotting resources by fund for set appropriation for the objects and purposes set forth in this ordinance, providing that the provisions of this ordinance be deemed severable, providing for this ordinance to be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication according to law. Okay.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - August 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 approved the city's fiscal year 2026 appropriation ordinance and related tax actions, adopting a $139,578,442 budget that includes compensation increases, continued investment in public safety and capital projects, and funding for an alternate water-supply study.","taxTitle","Moscow City, Latah County, Idaho","taxId",52039,"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},6586359,"Resident urges council to prioritize safer bike routes; staff and council point to ongoing initiatives",231,211000,442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d&start=211&end=442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d/thumbnail_211000.jpg","/articles/6586359/Moscow-City/Latah-County/Idaho/Resident-urges-council-to-prioritize-safer-bike-routes-staff-and-council-point-to-ongoing-initiatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586359-adf2fc36dcb33a7f3e6c38d7685f7e4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775456724&Signature=OeHcXNWj6KhZQl7gBPBricFe64E4tt0GKDHWrCh-bNBmqj8r871W4gM3Pqcm3mAZ8sTw0s5mzOnsdPKFExRIzJ4HwkWneTgnCHwHWLNwARE~Bz0OzUGElzG78cE6eQbNi4vM3gfo8lLKBZh~cLEovpFfTzwVMq5Mn4xzQK6JsQbmcwCsesMRn9HKxXQPAjUwqurUbcpDHttCcTVWYKJjsV~SgAFc8lL2ExpLnC940elMFiz81GKnFK6K2VucthuPH6Sj0qQZdkMj9XUnbcjOrQf~zvrlifQdDj37fuXRGdLfROvtvVjnETRBigYh3YmTDPZIgqoYAFncQEBtnsoCyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Moscow resident told the City Council on Aug. 4 that city streets and sidewalks are not well marked for bicyclists and urged the council to improve safe bike routes and create a citizen group to advise on non-motorized transportation.

The speaker described seeing families riding on sidewalks and said route signage and separated facilities would make cycling safer. \"There are lots of bicycles out there who would love to, have a safer place to ride and just how to get around Moscow,\" the speaker said during public comment.

Council and staff response

Council and staff thanked the resident and noted past and ongoing efforts. A council member noted that the Transportation Commission previously produced a safe-route map and that the city has been striping bike lanes where road widths allow. Staff described the Paradise Path pedestrian/bicycle route as an existing but incomplete separated pathway and said planners incorporate non-motorized connectivity as streets are redesigned and new development occurs.

What was said about next steps

Staff recommended taking the idea to the Transportation Commission so it can be prioritized. Council members said the Transportation Commission is the appropriate starting point and that greater role for volunteers or citizen input could be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Resident (public commenter) identified as living at 403 East A (first-name not provided) who urged safer bike routes and formation of a citizen advisory group.
- A council member and public works staff responded: Tyler Palmer and other staff said the Transportation Commission and Streets division are already working on bike-lane striping and multimodal projects.

Provenance

- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"seg_211.305\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":420,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Evening. I'm I'm from the park. I was at 403 East A. And the last time I was here, I, talked to the council about the various, vehicles that are now on the streets and sidewalks of Moscow. And that's still an issue, but I have a slightly different tact this evening.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"seg_422.41\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"But we always have it on our minds. Transportation commission is a good place to start with that and, bring that up to them, which if they don't have an answer right away, it certainly puts it higher up in their minds about keeping an eye on these things and trying to provide for greater access to bike paths and especially separated from motorized vehicle traffic. So we're working on it slowly. But\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","During public comment a resident urged the council to improve bike route clarity and safety in Moscow and to consider a citizen advisory group. Staff and councilors pointed to prior Transportation Commission mapping, recent striping where feasible and the Paradise Path as ongoing components of multimodal planning.",{"_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},6586364,"Council directs staff to limit street-banner program to government entities, remove \"city-sponsored\" category",927,3773000,4700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d&start=3773&end=4700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d/thumbnail_3773000.jpg","/articles/6586364/Moscow-City/Latah-County/Idaho/Council-directs-staff-to-limit-street-banner-program-to-government-entities-remove-city-sponsored-category","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586364-af2ea6c434ee680f87746ac172cda12d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775456724&Signature=mVqbt4n-gPachwityxYDlD7-UvqLCtG2M4hnCWir9-6Z1KV2jxqykGhtn1nq0mQw14S0nioC1eA9omLe7D9QjJtWv806suKnqcjVwDPzUcPhNsGG1oaIRm3mMIXLYScYu3aQ3AtpJmNGZrlHYw9pyy3zRSa21c9HPD5eQqRdGVvcFYz-GV6fs3cr00kotgeSEUQJHWhrXwPMyCR6GYXrBLFwaLXcgIMoyi90K4DTiPx74UBXBMavXSLrv0VEJJqy-nxNFtOi2~k1tCJ0xNNlcszIg94YYfgDcJcEM8Hhw-IHLJRl4vL31Yekm~8nSfJsMq30aVEUqWyCHEM6jXzq~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 reviewed proposed updates to the city's street banner policy and directed staff to return with a revised draft that removes references to \"city-sponsored\" events and restricts banner locations to governmental entities.

Public works staff described a 2013 policy update and the proposed 2025 revisions. The draft policy clarified three banner location types (fixed city banners, University of Idaho-designated banners, and event banners on light-pole locations) and sought to tighten use rules, permit processes, and fee-waiver authority. Staff also proposed that the program not be treated as a public forum and suggested formal agreements with other governmental entities for recurring uses.

Council deliberation and rationale

Some council members expressed concern that allowing non-governmental groups or a broad \"city-sponsored\" category could produce inconsistent or subjective approvals in the future and could open the city to political or content-based challenges. One councilor said restricting use to government speech avoids delegating that content judgment to individual staff or letting approvals depend on the council's makeup. Others noted that the program historically had been used by a small number of nonprofits for special events but that adoption of a consistent, government-only standard would provide clarity.

Action taken

Council voted to send the draft policy back to staff with direction to remove references to \"city-sponsored\" events and to limit banner use to government entities or government speech. Roll-call: Bryce ' Aye; Drew ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Sandra ' Aye; Julia ' Aye. Outcome: motion carried; staff to return with edited policy.

Why it matters

The banner policy governs highly visible city-owned public space in downtown Moscow and along major corridors. Restricting the program to government entities will narrow who can display messages and simplify staff administration, but it will also limit access by nonprofit or community groups that previously used the display for public-event promotion unless council later approves a specific waiver or changes the policy.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Tyler Palmer, public works director, presented the policy revisions and map of banner locations and explained the policy changes.
- Council members who participated in deliberation and the vote: Bryce (council member), Drew (council member), Gina (mayor/council member), Hailey (council member), Sandra (council member), Julia (council member).

Provenance

- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"seg_6253.155\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":462,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening, your honor. Council, happy to be here today to discuss, some updates that are proposed for our street banner program. Like many programs that we have in the city, our street banner program kind of started organically.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"seg_7776.425\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I move that we send this back to staff to remove all references to city sponsored events. Second. And Drew seconds. So Bridal. Aye. Drew. Aye. Gina. Aye. Hailey. Aye. Sandra. Aye. Julia. Aye. Okay.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","After discussion of whether the city's banner locations should be available to non-governmental groups, the council directed staff to revise the proposed banner policy to restrict use to governmental entities and remove references to 'city-sponsored' events.",{"_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},6586368,"Council approves $42,766 change order to replace failing storm line in West Main alley",531,3269000,3800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d&start=3269&end=3800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d/thumbnail_3269000.jpg","/articles/6586368/Moscow-City/Latah-County/Idaho/Council-approves-42766-change-order-to-replace-failing-storm-line-in-West-Main-alley","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586368-cb361a8fee0cace031a0fc5d1fd77e8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775456724&Signature=Db2ODGiC-eTtgAuD35inZROgIJoCTTSlLy4M0fx5CMLwI3hDSWvaSh9QtErkA5sDZKEVW4vvUt5WJNmFOXRP0pNWLCoblie6DSW9~TKGnCROLZbUQVudOcPU4C61B53aWIhNgfEvMO3fdwcNJm-72O05ntCwJgFAlB-rzw2gD6pltpTq~oXWX9L4b5fH4CjiFZMI0jLjIF5R1epJiWINL7xAZSEO43fEvtY9OIIzu39WzTDM~An0lKKxQAimbLFddGWLETyjeqY~qBOzHFvF2k-~b2zVUL2D0aahIGPCRsc3R2FEOcbcw0GyiuE3DONrMav-k~zdhnQXVpoglX3SdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 approved change order No. 1 for the Alley West of Main Street sewer project after staff reported that construction exposed a badly deteriorated 12-inch corrugated metal stormwater pipe that must be replaced to accommodate the sanitary work.

Public works staff explained the storm line is a galvanized corrugated metal pipe with significant holes at the spring line and that the connection saddles typically used would not seal on the existing pipe. \"The existing line is in pretty bad shape,\" staff said during the presentation, and the storm line replacement is necessary because the sewer work disturbed the pipe and associated catch basins.

Scope and cost

- Original contract award (April 7, 2025): approximately $360,000.
- Change order No. 1: increase of $42,766.19 (an 11.65% increase), raising the adjusted contract amount to approximately $409,679.51.
- Scope: removal and replacement of the corroded 12-inch stormpipe segment running the alley between Friendship Square and Sixth Street; replacement will use ADS (plastic) pipe sized to current standards.
- Funding: staff stated sanitary (sewer) funds will absorb the change order cost because the sanitary construction directly triggered the need for the storm line replacement.

Timing and work impacts

Staff said the contractor will not request additional time beyond the current schedule; work will continue with temporary traffic and parking impacts in the alley. Steel plates will cover openings at night. The project team intends to retain the current target for completing the alley work before late-September community events (homecoming and settling of the farmers market into the alley).

Council action and vote

Motion to approve change order No. 1 with Valid Excavation (contractor) increasing contract by $42,766.19 to $409,679.51 and to authorize staff approval of construction change orders up to 10% of the adjusted contract amount. Roll-call: Sandra ' Aye; Julia ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Bryce ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Drew ' Aye. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The storm line replacement addresses structural failure discovered during work and is intended to prevent future failures and ponding in a high-traffic downtown alley. Replacing the line now avoids a likely, more disruptive, later repair and reduces long-term maintenance risk for both storm and sanitary systems.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Bob Bevelle, public works (presenter for the alley sewer project), described the pipe condition, photos and recommended replacement.
- Council members recorded in the vote: Sandra (council member), Julia (council member), Hailey (council member), Bryce (council member), Gina (mayor/council member), Drew (council member).

Clarifying details

- Pipe type and condition: 12-inch corrugated metal galvanized storm pipe with holes at the spring line; staff said local soil chemistry accelerates galvanic deterioration.
- Contract adjustment: $42,766.19, ~11.65% of original $360,000 contract.
- Deadline sensitivity: staff emphasized the team's goal to complete work prior to the University of Idaho homecoming (Oct. 11) and farmers market reconfiguration; current target remains late September for site re-closure.

Provenance

- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"seg_5429.905\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":420,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening. I'm here to you I'm here tonight to talk to you about the alley West Of Main Street sewer change order number 1. For those who are not familiar with the project, we are currently in construction the sewer line in the alley West Of Main Street.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"seg_6240.4004\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Sandra. Aye. Julia. Aye. Hailey. Aye. Bryce. Aye. Gina. Aye. Drew. Aye. Okay.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","Council approved change order No. 1 for the Alley West of Main Street sewer project to replace a corroded 12-inch corrugated metal storm line uncovered during construction; the change order increases the contract by approximately $42,766 (about 11.65%).",{"_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},6586372,"Council approves FY2026 fee schedule, adds new records and sanitation charges",572,2707000,3279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d&start=2707&end=3279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529332-c6cc692c1c03c4878772a7d0d99db36d/thumbnail_2707000.jpg","/articles/6586372/Moscow-City/Latah-County/Idaho/Council-approves-FY2026-fee-schedule-adds-new-records-and-sanitation-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586372-a50232c0cc994ba17dc07d28682239b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775456724&Signature=j9Ix7Oj3Lop5MHbDthB59YgbmCRDK6vxHYqgnAUKJaDiKyGZMy60GM6C0ACUhW0cKt5edn~4Fh4bdeQmJz6XXL~B0dFjf5M8t7D0SSHkB7dLvverEsoCcLXw62xd6tsGihdFkGbj7r1g4RNPvstnmHh4AgdPQzOp7TG23kUxj685F3OVS2nB1ci3p0tPtWZuD4WX0vv6VnpTgqJYI8WN2NNp5-vOJkJksjViuhkkekk4vIzvJu3kDc4KnpvvBHX6jaeoAPyWO38Zeh7QVccVaEL7eVnxOn6MduCOwMSh97dE5214JAMJo-uhGM1~6foJB9giuMR4OPkyr-jWNsWByg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 adopted the city's FY2026 fee resolution after a required public hearing that covered routine fee adjustments and a handful of new charges tied to recent state law changes and actual service costs.

Finance staff explained that Idaho's House Bill 253 changed the statewide standard for public-records requests from out-of-state requesters and allowed local governments to charge the full cost of production for non-resident or out-of-state requests. Bill Beltknap described that change and staff's recommended updates to the city's fee schedule to recover true costs for those requests.

Key fee changes

- Public records: new fee framework for out-of-state requesters in response to House Bill 253; staff proposed charges to recover true production costs and a uniform duplicate-charge schedule (example: up to 20 GB for $30 with $5 increments per additional 20 GB for duplicates).
- Sanitation and transfer-station: most tipping fees were increased (municipal solid waste tipping, mixed-materials, inert demolition), and tire disposal per ton increased substantially (from $236/ton to $325/ton) to reflect market disposal costs. Mechanical-container (dumpster) service decreased 3.2%; residential roll-cart rates held flat.
- Utilities and service rates: water service rates proposed to increase 4%; sewer rates 2.25%; stormwater 3%. Several inspection and construction-related fees adjusted to reflect actual field time (for example, repeated main flushing/testing fees increased to recover staff time).
- Arts, parks, and recreation: most program and rental fees increased by roughly 3%; some event fees transferred or removed where management changed (for example, ArtWalk fees moved to the Chamber under a service agreement).
- Animal services: a new $100 fee for appeals when the police chief orders destruction of a dangerous animal; the fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with appeal proceedings.

Staff said many increases reflect inflationary pressures and actual cost recovery needs (for example, wage increases for city employees and higher vendor costs). Several fees were adjusted to correct historical duplication or to reflect new operational arrangements.

Council action and votes

Council motioned to approve the FY2026 fee resolution as presented. Roll-call: Hailey ' Aye; Drew ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Sandra ' Aye; Bryce ' Aye; Julia ' Aye. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The fee schedule sets user charges and administrative fees that affect residents and businesses who use city services (building permits, water/sewer service, animal services, sanitation, public records). Notable for residents: water and sewer rate adjustments and transfer-station/tipping fee changes could influence utility bills and recycling/disposal behavior. For organizations seeking large public records datasets, the change tied to HB253 establishes a different cost and timetable for out-of-state requests.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Bill Beltknap, staff member, presented the fee changes and explained the impact of House Bill 253.
- Cody (parks/recreation staff) and other department leads provided numbers to staff during the budget process (referenced during council Q&A).
- Council members recorded in the vote: Hailey (council member), Drew (council member), Gina (mayor/council member), Sandra (council member), Bryce (council member), Julia (council member).

Authorities cited

- House Bill 253 (Idaho): changed public-records standards and allowed full-cost recovery for out-of-state requests; cited by staff as the reason for a new records fee category.

Clarifying details

- Records duplicates: staff proposed a uniform charge up to 20 GB for $30 and $5 per additional 20 GB for duplicates (example in staff presentation).
- Sanitation tipping fees: tire-disposal increase from $236/ton to $325/ton; mixed-materials and inert-demolition fees adjusted; roll-cart exchanges and extra-service charges increased modestly.
- Utility adjustments: water +4%, sewer +2.25%, stormwater +3% (rate study near completion; adjustments align with five-year projections).

Provenance

- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"seg_4507.805\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":462,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"The rules for this public hearing are exactly the same as the previous. Public hearing opens, staff presents, council questions, public testimony in favor, public testimony in opposition, public testimony of a general nature, public hearing closes, and counsel deliberates. So at this time, public hearing is open.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"seg_5429.605\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":100,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Moved and seconded. Okay. Haley. Aye. Drew. Aye. Gina. Aye. Sandra. Aye. Bryce. Aye. And Julia. Aye. Alright.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","Following a public hearing, the council adopted the FY2026 fee resolution. Changes include a new out-of-state public-records fee framework under HB253, adjustments to utility service and sanitation tipping fees, and several 2'3% inflationary increases.","actionData","errors"]

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