The Preston City Council approved the preliminary fiscal‑year 2025–26 budget on Aug. 11 and discussed — but did not adopt — a request to reduce a city fee for fire suppression service lines.

Mayor and staff explained the preliminary budget vote is a procedural step to publish the tentative budget; the item does not finalize revenue or fee schedules. Council member Thomas asked if the council could simultaneously change the fee resolution. City staff and counsel advised that while decreases in fees typically do not require public hearings, a change to the fee resolution is not listed on the current agenda and therefore should be scheduled as a separate agenda item to allow full consideration.

Council member Thomas proposed reducing the fire suppression line fee from $28,000 to $10,000 for the upcoming year as an amendment. The motion to alter the fee schedule was not made as a formal amendment while the preliminary budget motion was active, and the council ultimately voted to approve the preliminary budget as presented. Council members agreed to revisit the fee schedule at a future meeting, and the council discussed studying liability questions and obtaining outside guidance from the Association of Idaho Cities on fire‑suppression line liability.

Why it matters: Fees for required fire suppression infrastructure can influence development costs and local development decisions. Council members noted business concerns about the fee’s size and debated whether the city could or should lower it before finalizing the budget.

Discussion vs. decision: The council completed the formal preliminary budget approval (motion approved); a separate action on the fee change was deferred so staff and the council attorney can provide guidance and, if desired, place a fee resolution amendment on a future agenda.

Ending: The council directed staff to research legal and liability implications of changing the fire suppression line fee and to return with recommendations; fee changes will be considered before the final budget adoption.