Nibley council adopts budget on first reading; schedules special meeting to accept certified tax rate

The Nibley City Council approved the proposed city budget on first reading June 12, adopting an amended version that narrows planned expenditures and removes two software purchases for further review. Council members also agreed to schedule a special meeting before June 21 so the city can decide whether to accept the county assessor’s certified tax rate or pursue a truth-in-taxation process.

The budget workshop, led by Finance Director Justin (presentation name in transcript), laid out the city’s revenue and spending plans, including a new $3.5 million loan authorized at roughly 2.5 percent interest to fund a new water source and equipment. Justin told the council the loan makes the water fund—and therefore the overall budget—appear larger, but that without the loan the general budget would actually be down about 3 percent from the prior year.

The budget also includes a proposed 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees plus up to 3 percent in merit-based…