Nampa council approves $118.28 million FY26 capital plan after multi‑hour review

The City of Nampa City Council on a roll‑call vote approved the FY26 capital budget and five‑year capital plan, authorizing $118,282,015 in proposed capital spending and multi‑year projections for FY27–30.

City staff presented the new capital reporting format and a five‑year “living” projection that includes all capital expenses — vehicles, equipment and projects — and explained that FY26 figures are firm while FY27–30 are estimates. Council questioned how priorities were set; staff said departments submitted ranked requests and city leadership aggregated those against available funding from general government (GenGov), fund balances, grants and impact fees to sequence projects.

The council’s discussion focused on several high‑cost or time‑sensitive items. Facilities staff noted the FY26 facilities request (GenGov‑funded) was adjusted during the meeting to $934,767. Council members pressed to accelerate LED lighting replacements where Idaho Power incentives exist, citing operating cost savings; staff said such changes could be made now but would increase near‑term use of fund balance and could also be added later via budget amendment. The IH2C boiler replacement was described by staff as an end‑of‑life item budgeted in GenGov; the project will return to council for final authorization before funds are expended.

Public safety items drew particular attention. Police requested design funding this year for a larger HVAC replacement at the Hugh Nichols Public Safety Building with the construction phase anticipated next year. Council clarified that impact fees may be used for vehicles tied to growth (new positions) but not for routine vehicle replacements. Staff presented a multi‑year radio replacement plan for 9‑1‑1 equipment and consoles and identified a FY26 radio funding request of $1,007,449 (mix of fund balance and GenGov); council and staff agreed the city’s general funds and the fire district will need to coordinate contributions when capital needs exceed 9‑1‑1 revenue.

On cultural assets, staff identified roughly $430,000 in FY26 work for the Nampa Civic Center including partial seating replacements. Council members discussed a potential city contribution of about $250,000 matched by fundraising or Theater District support before moving forward; staff said ADA aisle adjustments are included in the scope.

Large infrastructure asks included a $5,000,000 request for Centennial golf course irrigation replacement (golf fund balance), a combined streets program request totaling about $34.65 million (funded by a mix of fund use, grants and impact fees), and major water renewal projects that together represent multi‑year requests in the tens of millions. Staff highlighted a placeholder for a roughly 12‑acre land procurement adjacent to the water treatment facility (approximate placeholder $2.5 million) and said negotiations are ongoing.

Airport planning prompted debate about a remodel versus a new terminal. Staff noted an RFQ for airport engineering and architectural services will be presented to council; the consultants will advise whether to remodel the existing terminal or pursue a new facility. Councilmembers emphasized the airport’s economic role and urged timely progress.

Throughout the workshop, staff identified funding sources for each line item (GenGov, fund balance, grants, impact fees) and noted council may amend the budget during the year to accelerate items if desired. After debate and brief clarifications, a council member moved to approve the capital budget “in its entirety as presented,” the motion was seconded and passed by roll call vote. The clerk recorded yes votes for Henriques, Jingula, Hammerfield, Griffin (online), Bills and Reynolds; the mayor declared the motion carried.

The council and staff agreed to return for the final budget workshop and public hearing dates, and staff will present detailed project sheets and any requested clarifications before expenditures occur.