JFAC approves $644,400 in dedicated funds for Idaho State Liquor Division enhancements

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 20 approved $644,400 in additional dedicated‑fund authority for the Idaho State Liquor Division for fiscal year 2026.

The committee vote approved a package assembled by analysts that included: a $57,400 ongoing increase to raise the pay rate for part‑time retail staff from $15.00 to $15.45 per hour; $72,000 to cover new shrink‑wrap costs arising from a new freight contract; $100,000 for website upgrades to meet web content accessibility guidelines; $235,000 for ITS‑recommended IT hardware and security replacements; and $75,000 listed in the motion for an item identified as enhancement number 5 in the analyst presentation. The agency’s FY2024 distributions to the state from liquor profits totaled $118.3 million, the analyst said.

Budget analyst Kellen McGurkin described the division’s charter and revenue model and summarized the enhancement requests. “The division reports annual turnover in these positions at around 80%,” McGurkin said, explaining the agency’s justification for the part‑time pay increase. He listed replacement and IT requests that included retail store shelving and counters, replacement of two heavily‑mileage vehicles, 100 battery backups, two server replacements and security systems for 20 stores.

Senator Lori Carlson moved the fiscal 2026 maintenance budget adjustments and enhancements in a single motion; Representative Tanner seconded. Senator Melissa Wintrow said she planned to support the motion but cautioned the committee about using dedicated funds: “we have to be cautious with budgets that are dedicated funds, this is a business and it is essential that we allow the business to run as it is prescribed.” Senator Seiderfeld questioned the state’s role operating a liquor business and suggested privatization as a policy matter.

On the roll call the Senate side recorded 7 ayes, 2 nays and 1 absent/excused; the House side recorded 8 ayes and 2 nays. The combined tally was 15 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent/excused. The committee’s chair announced the motion carried and would be transmitted with a due‑pass recommendation.

The enhancements are funded from the Liquor Division’s dedicated receipts; the analyst noted most of the requests were one‑time replacement items while the pay change was ongoing. The analyst also said temporary staff are not counted in the agency’s FTP and do not receive annual CEC adjustments.

Votes at a glance: The motion adding $644,400 from dedicated funds for the Idaho State Liquor Division passed, 15 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent/excused.

Analysts said the requests aim to reduce retail turnover, modernize store and IT infrastructure and bring the division’s public website into ADA conformance. The committee did not adopt any policy changes to privatize or restructure the division; discussion on privatization was raised by at least one member as a separate policy point.