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Pocatello staff recommend modest use of foregone and reserves in FY26 budget; council to consider ordinance next week
Summary
City staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, recommending $19,728 of foregone be taken toward a $359,614 possible foregone amount and reducing general fund reserves from $853,504 to $611,140; staff also reported recouping an Avista electrical rate judgment of $101,044.
City staff delivered a final work‑session briefing on the fiscal year 2026 budget, recommending a limited use of foregone to balance the proposed budget and modest drawdown of reserves.
Chief of Staff Anne Nichols said the city could take up to $359,614 in foregone tax capacity but recommended using $19,728 to balance the budget. She told council the budget includes recouping a $101,044 Avista electrical rate judgment and reduces the general fund reserves from $853,504 to $611,140. Nichols later clarified the city holds larger reserves in total — she cited an excess reserves figure of about $9.3 million across accounts beyond operating requirements.
Councilmembers debated the use of reserves. Council President Lurek said she was philosophically supportive of using some foregone and reserves to avoid sudden cuts; Councilmember Bates urged restraint and said he preferred reserves be used to address deferred maintenance rather than recurring operating costs. Staff said the budget and two accompanying resolutions (one for fees and one for foregone) will be returned next week as an ordinance and resolutions for formal adoption.
Nichols said she would bring the ordinance and the two resolutions (fees and foregone) to the council the following week for action.
