Rathdrum City Council proposes balanced budget with $10M transfer for city hall project

In the recent Rathdrum City Council meeting held on August 13, 2025, city officials presented a detailed overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting significant financial allocations and transfers that will impact local governance and infrastructure projects.

The proposed budget totals approximately $46.99 million, with a notable $10 million earmarked for the city hall project. This amount will be transferred from the general fund, which has been built up over the past 25 years, reflecting the city's prudent financial management. The transfer is categorized as revenue in the budget, although it is crucial to note that it will also appear as an expenditure, leading to potential confusion regarding double counting. City officials clarified that this transfer is a strategic use of savings rather than new debt or financing through loans.

Key revenue sources for the city include property taxes, sales tax, and various departmental revenues, such as $3.8 million for police services and $1.27 million for parks and recreation. The budget also outlines expenditures across multiple departments, with the police budget alone accounting for $3.8 million and the parks and recreation department receiving $1.27 million.

The council emphasized transparency in the budget presentation, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the financial decisions being made. A public hearing is scheduled, where residents will have the opportunity to discuss the budget further. The city plans to publish notices in local newspapers to comply with state law and to keep the community engaged in the budgeting process.

Overall, the meeting underscored Rathdrum's commitment to responsible fiscal management while addressing the community's needs through significant investments in infrastructure and public services. As the council moves forward, the focus will remain on maintaining transparency and ensuring that residents understand the implications of the budget decisions being made.