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JFAC approves $644,400 in enhancements for Idaho State Liquor Division
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved $644,400 in FY2026 enhancements to the Idaho State Liquor Division covering pay for part‑time retail staff, shrink‑wrap costs, website accessibility work and ITS hardware replacements.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 20 voted to add $644,400 in FY2026 enhancements to the Idaho State Liquor Division budget to cover staff pay increases, packaging costs, website accessibility improvements and IT hardware.
The enhancements approved include $57,400 ongoing to raise part‑time retail staff hourly pay (from $15 to $15.45), $72,000 ongoing for shrink‑wrap required under a new freight contract, $100,000 one‑time to bring the agency website into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and $235,000 for ITS hardware and security replacements. Committee staff said the division had historically distributed annual net profits to state accounts under “Idaho code pursuant to section 23,404.” Kellen McGurkin, budget and policy analyst, told the committee the division nets revenues, pays operating costs and returns profits to the state.
Senator Kelly Carlson moved the package; Representative Tanner seconded. Senators who spoke during debate emphasized differing views about state control of liquor sales. Senator Wendy Wintrow urged caution even while indicating she would probably support the motion, saying the division is a business the state is required to regulate. Senator Ziederfeld said he preferred privatization and suggested this is an example of government operating a business. A co‑chair said he routinely opposes liquor‑related items but was willing to move the budget forward to get it to the floor.
The committee recorded a final tally of 15 ayes, 4 nays and 1 absent/excused; the motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation to the floor.
The action funds one‑time IT replacements, modest ongoing pay increases for high‑turnover retail positions (staff turnover was reported at ~80%), and operating items needed under a new freight contract. The committee noted the website work would be procured through a bidding process to bring the site into ADA compliance.
The Liquor Division presentation and the subsequent vote took place in the JFAC meeting on March 20; the committee indicated the due‑pass recommendation will be forwarded to the full Legislature for consideration.
