State Independent Living Council outlines finances; governor proposes small fund-shift to general fund

The Idaho State Independent Living Council told the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on Jan. 15 that it consistently spends nearly all federal revenue it receives, maintains roughly six months of operating cash and is asking the committee to consider a governor-recommended technical shift of $11,700 in appropriation from the council’s dedicated fund to the general fund for fiscal 2026.

Kellen McGurkin, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the panel the council typically spends close to its available dedicated-fund revenue and “typically maintains an ending balance close to that $280,000 mark or about 6 and a half months worth of the agency's expenses in the event that its funding were to freeze.” He explained variations in year-to-year receipts reflect federal grant timing rather than sustained overspending.

That dedicated fund is supported by federal independent-living grants, which McGurkin…