Council Member Proposes Shared Vacation Calendar to Ensure Meeting Quorum

Concerns over public safety and council efficiency took center stage at the Hayden City Council meeting on August 12, 2025. A heated discussion arose regarding the costs associated with obtaining crucial public safety data. One council member expressed frustration after hearing that the sheriff's office estimated a staggering $1 million to provide necessary information. In contrast, a proposal from Verizon Connect offered the same data for just $2,000, covering ten deputy cars. This disparity raised alarms about the potential risks to community safety, with the council member questioning, “What about my wife? What about my neighbors? Are we at risk?”

The conversation shifted as council members discussed improving operational efficiency. A suggestion was made to implement a shared vacation calendar for council members to ensure that a quorum is maintained at meetings. This idea aims to streamline communication and planning, allowing for better attendance and participation in council activities.

As the meeting concluded, the emphasis on both public safety and council functionality highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Hayden City Council to address community concerns while enhancing their governance processes. The next steps will involve exploring the feasibility of the vacation calendar and continuing discussions on public safety data access.